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Story: Maramataka – the lunar calendar

Phases of the moon

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Phases of the moon

The Maramataka, the Māori calendar, was based on lunar months. Each night had a name and a specific characteristic. This handwritten chart shows some of the key phases of the moon as described by Matiti Kūhā of Kaipara.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Polynesian Society Collection

Reference: MS-Papers-1187-184-004

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Paul Meredith, Maramataka – the lunar calendar – Lunar months, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/diagram/5382/phases-of-the-moon (accessed 11 June 2026).

Story by Paul Meredith, published 2 March 2009.

Comments

Chris Murray
04 June 2015
Nga mihi nui ...pai rawa atu!