Maramataka | Calendar

The Maramataka (lunar calendar) is a Māori indigenous framework and knowledge framework to mark time, based on the moon's orbit around the earth. It's used by Māori to observe, monitor and record signs, rhythms and cycles of the taiao (environment) and to direct daily and seasonal activities.

Maramataka guide whānau, hapū and iwi in aligning and regulating their daily activities to support wellbeing. They also help with monitoring seasonal changes. Variations in Maramataka between whānau, hapū and iwi consider the locations and associated landscapes, climate, and environment.

Currently, the Maramataka is modelled on the Gregorian Calendar, which is not the original system of time used by tupuna Māori.

Maramataka 2026/27

Supported by Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti, the Maramataka 2026/27 has been developed by Ngāti Korokī, one of the five hapū of Ōtaki.

Through a collection of stunning landscape imagery, this year's Maramataka celebrates the whenua and places of significance to Ngāti Korokī, reflecting the hapū's rich history, cultural identity and enduring relationship with the land.

Matiu Rikihana of Ngāti Korokī explains

“Ko nga tohu whenua rongonui, mai te tirohanga hou, ka kitea mai i te tirohanga a Ngāti Korokī. | Familiar landmarks, from a fresh perspective, placed within a Ngāti Korokī perspective."

35 generations ago, our tupuna Kupe first sailed these waters and his mokopuna Haunui-a-nanaia named all the rivers of this coast. Over 200 years ago Ngāti Korokī ki Ōtaki and the other hapū of Ngāti Raukawa Au ki te Tonga retraced those footsteps back to this coast.

"He kaiwhakaatu ēnei tohu whenua i nga taonga tuku iho a ō tātou tūpuna, a, nā tō tatou hitori i whakapuaki te mana o ēnei tohu whenua.| These landmarks bore witness to our tūpuna, and our history gives voice to their mana.”

The Maramataka continues to be a valued resource for our community and is a visible expression of the partnership between Mana Whenua and Kāpiti Coast District Council.

Copies are available for purchase at Kāpiti Coast District Council service centres for $30 each.