Insights from the Maramataka & Science

In the fourth of our Horizons of Insight seminars for 2015, and as part of our celebration of Matariki 2015, Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga presents Insights from the Maramataka & Science, with Professor Mike Walker and Dr Pauline Harris.

The Māori lunar calendar – or maramataka – varies across iwi, depending on where they live and their local climate, as well as the availability of edible plants, birds and seafood within their rohe.

This recent NPM project (in association with the Society of Māori Astronomy, Research and Traditions) has focused on studying the maramataka of different iwi / hapū from around the country to identify the similarities and differences between the maramataka and science, in understanding the respective lunar rhythyms, and for example, how these might influence fishing patterns and success. The convergence of mātauranga Māori and contemporary scientific discovery is particularly pronounced in this area of study.

The aim of the project has been to both rediscover and reinterpret long held traditional knowledge, and find modern day uses for the wisdom associated with Māori astronomical observations. Much of this knowledge was lost during colonisation as a result of increasing urbanisation and community living patterns and practices which changed and evolved.

In the seminar, NPM Lead Researcher Professor Mike Walker will detail their project investigations and show how insights derived from the Maramataka can make a distinctive and unique contribution to leading edge research, create new knowledge and generate opportunities for, and increase efficiencies in, industries such as fishing, aquaculture and agricultural practice to name just a few.