Te Ara Whetū - Pathway of the Stars - is a free downloadable digital & hard copy planner that we create annually as part of our contribution to Matariki – our celebration of the Maori New Year. The Planner follows Ngā Marama Māori (Maori months) and this planner starts each month on Whiro (New moon) and ends Mutuwhenua - a full lunar month, that goes over 2 calendar months.
Lost yet? Don’t worry, you are in the right place, lets walk you through all the parts of this free downloadable planner, how to use and make the most of this unique lunar calendar.
Index
As a digital file you can use the Index Page to link to all parts of the planner, similarly it serves as a Contents page if you print a hard copy version of the planner. The entire planner includes a Year in view of 2022 & 2023 (as the Māori Lunar Calendar goes over 2 Gregorian Calendar years) – and also notes Whiro (New Moon) and Te Rākaunui (Full Moon) within each month, if you are based in the Southern Hemisphere. There is also information about Matariki, a place to set goals and reflections, notes page, and then each of the lunar months, starting from Whiro (New moon) commencing at Pipiri – the first month of the Māori year.
The Māori months are often reference to stars that appear at this time, and it is commonly thought that a new month begins on Whiro, New Moon – not the first of the month as in the Gregorian calendar. (Refer Dr Rangi Matamua, “Matariki” book for more detailed information – this book should be a staple in every home, school and workplace! Love it – go get it if you don’t already have)
|
Gregorian Months |
Gregorian Month |
Māori Transliteration |
Māori months |
Māori month starting on Whiro (New Moon) |
|
1 |
January |
Hānuere |
8 |
Kohitātea |
|
2 |
February |
Pēpuere |
9 |
Huitanguru |
|
3 |
March |
Māehe |
10 |
Poutūterangi |
|
4 |
April |
Āperira |
11 |
Paengawhāwhā |
|
5 |
May |
Mei |
12 |
Haratua |
|
6 |
June |
Hune |
1 |
Pipiri |
|
7 |
July |
Hūrae |
2 |
Hōngongoi |
|
8 |
August |
Ākuhata |
3 |
Hereturikōkā |
|
9 |
September |
Hepetema |
4 |
Mahuru |
|
10 |
October |
Oketopa |
5 |
Whiringa-ā-nuku |
|
11 |
November |
Noema |
6 |
Whiringa-ā-rangi |
|
12 |
December |
Tihema |
7 |
Hakihea |
Note – there are also dialectal differences in the Māori months and for some iwi an additional month added – a great example to see those different kupu is in the Tainui Te Reo Dictionary
Matariki
Our Matariki layout includes an image of the 9 stars known as the Matariki Cluster, and a brief explanation of each star. We also note the dates of the setting and rising of Matariki, as provided by Dr Rangi Matamua in his 3 Year Calendar System Poster. We have an updated Reflections page with specific journaling prompts related to Matariki – so that you can record any observations you make looking up to the stars in the early morning sky, a section to reflect on the year that has been, remembering those who have passed, connecting with whanau and sharing kai, and setting your aspirations for the year ahead.
We have a blank lunar page also with the phases of the moon starting from Whiro (New Moon) and going over 30 nights, which is the most common number of nights in a lunar cycle – however note in some parts of New Zealand this cycle can vary between 28 – 32 nights. We have left this page with no lunar cycle nights so that you may add in the Maramataka names from your own area/ or Hapu. It is also a helpful reference to remind you to look up and take note of the moon phases and how the moon looks at different parts of the month.
Ngā Marama Māori (Pipiri 2022 - Haratua 2023)
Within this planner, each of the months start on Whiro (New moon) and end on Mutuwhenua (Night before next new moon) because of this – they cross 2 calendar months often. For example, Pipiri begins on 30th May 2022, and ends on the 28 June 2022. Each layout still includes NZ public holidays information and Te Rākaunui (Full Moon) for reference. There is space to record monthly priorities, notes, and gratitude.
The whakatauki (proverb/ quote) on each page is referenced from Elsdon Best, Maori Division of Time (1922, pp 15-16) – with the explanations provided to him over a century ago about the names of each month and what was used to describe them. There are many variations across Aotearoa, but we have quoted these as a reminder of the richness of our history and practices, documented over 100 years ago, but existing far longer.
Give it a go
As we celebrate the first public holiday in for Matariki this year (2022) in New Zealand – it’s a time to learn more about traditional practices and add to your own basket of knowledge. We hope this free download gives you the opportunity to learn about different measures of time, months starting from the New moon rather than the traditional 1st of the month, let us know how you find it!
Digital App or Hard Copy
This resource can either be used as a digital file (we recommend the app Good Notes) with a navigation menu (look for the whare symbol) that can navigate between sections, and also can write directly on using an i-pencil or other tools. For those who love a paper version - then this file can be printed directly onto your own printer to use and share also.
Get your copy
Just add to cart, its FREE - after checkout it will be automatically emailed to you. Please note you will receive 2 emails - one confirming the "free order" and another one with the link to download the resource. Please check your spam box if you do not receive both emails. Any problems downloading please let us know. Enjoy!