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Teach the Maramataka and the Māori months in your classroom with the help of our teaching resource and classroom poster.
Components of the solar system, cultural world-views, traditions and values
Education resource
Ages 5–10
The Maramataka is the traditional Māori lunar calendar. It was used to guide planting, harvesting, fishing, and hunting. Maramataka translates as ‘moon rotating’.
Learn more about the Maramataka before teaching this subject
Use this poster to talk about the activities that traditionally take place in each month of the year. Activities for each season are suggested to engage children both and home and at school.
Download Maramataka poster (83.42 KB)
The Maramataka learning resource includes suggested activities that explore the topic of Maramataka. Activities are adaptable and can be used as a starting point for further exploration of the topic.
Download Maramataka learning resource (1.29 MB)
Hinaki (eel/fish trap). Te Papa (ME011844)
The maramataka is a planting and fishing monthly almanac. For most iwi, the lunar months begin with the new moon (Whiro), but for others it begins with the full moon (Rākaunui). The start of each month is aligned to the morning rising of particular stars.
The Māori calendar begins in Pipiri (June/July) with the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster signalling the New Year. Learn the names of the months and nights in the traditional Maramataka.
Print a Maramataka dial, explore its energy levels, and use it to plan activities with your whānau.
