Te Marama

Te Marama, ahoroa, māhina and atarau are common names for the moon. The moon has important symbolic meaning for Māori and is strongly associated with women and the menstrual cycle, as in many cultures. The moon as Hineteiwaiwa is associated with fertility and the cycle of life. The terms Hina-te-ao (female light) and Hina-te-pō (female dark) and Hina-keha (pale moon) and Hinauri (dark moon) refer to the waxing and waning moon. Its cycle was likened to the opening and closing of a portal through which departed spirits returned to the origin of life. The moon was also used as a guide for planting and fishing.

Te Marama provides gentle illumination in the darkness of night. Te Marama also symbolizes the nurturing role of caregivers and educators. Just as the moon's gravitational pull influences the tides, caregivers play a pivotal role in shaping Tamariki's development and growth. Te Marama's ever-changing phases remind us that growth is a continuous process, much like the journey of Tamariki as they learn, explore, and become contributing members of their community. Te Marama's significance resonates deeply with the interconnectedness of generations, the nurturing role of caregivers, and the journey of growth and development undertaken by Tamariki. Just as the moon's presence remains constant.

Several hundred Māori whetū names survive from the time before Europeans arrived in New Zealand. Unfortunately, apart from the more prominent stars – Takurua (Sirius), Tautoru (Orion’s Belt), Ruawāhia (Arcturus), Matariki (the Pleiades), Whānui (Vega), Puanga (Rigel), Rehua (Antares), Atuatahi, Atutahi, Autahi (Canopus ) – we no longer know with any certainty which stars many of the names refer to.

However, we do know that different tribes celebrated the rising of certain stars to mark the seasons. Tribes in different parts of the country also identified what we now called the Māori New Year by the dawn rising of one or more of Matariki, Puanga, Takurua and/or Atutahi.

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year. Iwi across New Zealand understand and celebrate Matariki in different ways and at different times.

Te Whetū's constancy in the night sky offers a feeling of safety and stability. In the same way, tamariki flourish when they are provided a nurturing, secure and supportive environment that enables them to explore, learn, grow and shine bright.

Stars have guided people on their journeys across vast oceans, Te Whetū signifies providing guidance and direction to tamariki.

Te Whetū underscores the limitless potential within each child. 

Te Rā was the main deity of the heavens. During winter he was known as Te Rā-tūoi (the lean sun) and during summer Te Rā-kura (the red sun). Midday was Te Poupoutanga-o-te-rā (the post of the sun) or Te Pou-tū-a-tamanui-te-rā (the standing post of the sun). Dawn and sunset were called Te Tamanui-te-rā-kā (the burning sun). The flight of the sun across the sky was described as Te Manu-i-te-rā (the bird of the sun).

Māori mythology says that after the world’s creation the sun moved across the sky so rapidly that night and day were very short; there was not enough time for people to perform daily tasks or get sufficient sleep. The demigod Māui devised a plan to slow the sun. He and his brothers made several strong ropes and journeyed to where the sun rises from the underworld. They built a low wall to hide behind, and laid out their ropes as nooses. When the sun appeared the brothers leapt out from their hiding place, threw the ropes over the sun, and ensnared it. Their quarry securely held, Māui leapt up and beat the sun until it cried for mercy. Today Māori believe that the rays of the sun are the remnants of the ropes used to slow its path.

Just as the sun provides warmth, light, and life-giving energy to the world, it also symbolizes nurturing, guidance, and growth in the context of tamariki. The sun nurtures plants and allows them to grow, tamariki are nurtured and guided by their caregivers and communities. The sun's role in sustaining life aligns with the role of adults in fostering the growth, development, and well-being of tamariki. The sun's warmth and light provide comfort and protection. In the same way, the care and support offered by parents, whānau and the broader community create an environment of safety and security for tamariki to thrive in the future. Tamariki are seen as the future carriers of their cultural heritage.

According to Māori myth, Ranginui played a pivotal role in the birth of the sun, moon, planets, stars and constellations – collectively called Te Whānau Mārama (the family of light). One version told by Hāmiora Pio of Ngāti Awa is that Tangotango (blackness of the heavenly night) and Wainui (the ocean) – two children of Ranginui and Papatūānuku – produced offspring: Te Rā (the sun), Te Marama (the moon), Ngā Whetū (the stars) and Te Hinātore (moonlight). The god Tāne took these offspring and placed them in their abodes in the sky.

A Ngāti Kahungunu version of this tradition says that Kewa, also a child of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, went to the peak of Te Maunganui (the great mountain), where he fetched te whānau mārama (the children of light) from the celestial guardian Te Āhuru. Kewa carried the astronomical bodies in sacred baskets, planting them in the heavens. The basket holding the sun was named Rauru-rangi, the basket carrying the moon was Te Kauhanga, and the basket containing the stars was Te Ikaroa (the Milky Way). Some stars such as Atutahi (Canopus) were put in baskets which hung to one side of Te Ikaroa.

Te Ao, it holds immense importance as it connects individuals to their whakapapa, which is the unique genealogical lineage that traces back through generations. Whakapapa encompasses not only human genealogy but also the connections to the land, environment, and spiritual dimensions. 

Tamariki inherit their whakapapa from their ancestors, carrying forward the connections, stories, and traditions of their people. The knowledge of whakapapa helps tamariki develop a strong sense of identity, belonging, and cultural understanding. It provides them with a profound appreciation for their heritage, land, and the relationships that have shaped their existence.

We want to ensures that the younger generations continue to honour their roots and carry the legacy of their ancestors forward, fostering a deep connection to their cultural heritage. And carry it to the wider world.