Story: Maramataka – the lunar calendar

Living by the calendar (1st of 3)

Living by the calendar

Cold weather in the month of Hongonui (or Hōngongoi, June–July) prompted people to light fires. Fire was generated using a fire plough, pictured here. The kaurima (fire stick) was rubbed against the kaunoti (grooved batten) to make sawdust and heat. When smoke appeared, the sawdust was placed on kindling and blown until the wood ignited.

Using this item

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira
Photograph by Dianne Nothcott

Permission of the Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira 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, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/5384/living-by-the-calendar (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Paul Meredith, published 12 Jun 2006