🌙 Part 1: Understanding Maramataka

What is Maramataka?
The Māori lunar calendar (maramataka) has been used for hundreds of years to guide daily activities. It follows the phases of the moon to tell the best times for hunting, fishing, gardening, and gathering food.

1. What does the word "maramataka" mean?

Sun calendar

Māori lunar calendar

Weather guide

Farming book

2. According to maramataka, which activities were guided by moon phases? (Select all that apply)

Hunting

Fishing

Gardening

Gathering food

3. The maramataka follows the phases of the:

Sun

Moon

Stars

Seasons

🎣 Part 2: Activities and Moon Phases

Moon Phase Guide:

• New Moon (Whiro): Time for rest and planning
• Waxing Moon: Good for planting and starting new projects
• Full Moon (Rakaunui): Best time for fishing and hunting
• Waning Moon: Good for harvesting and gathering

4. According to maramataka, when is the BEST time to go fishing?

New moon

Full moon

Waxing moon

Any time

5. Fill in the blanks:

The _________ moon phase called _________ is the best time for fishing and hunting, while the new moon called _________ is a time for rest and planning.

6. When would be a good time to plant kūmara (sweet potato) according to maramataka?

7. Why do you think Māori used the moon phases to guide their activities?

🌱 Part 3: Applying Maramataka Knowledge

8. Match each activity with its best moon phase according to maramataka:

Planting vegetables

Going fishing

Harvesting crops

Resting and planning

Full moon

New moon

Waxing moon

Waning moon

9. Imagine you are helping your whānau plan activities for next month. Using maramataka knowledge, what advice would you give them about the best times for different activities?