A Māori language education organisation in the South Island is calling on New Zealanders to consider switching their Gregorian calendar for Matariki calendars.
Photo: 123RF
Te Ataarangi Te Tauihu has launched its first bilingual Matariki calendar, which starts in June in recognition of the Māori New Year.
Te Ataarangi kaiako (teacher) Christine Piper said Robbie Burton of Potton & Burton Publishers in Nelson had mentored and supported the project, which featured the work of Te Tau Ihu (top of the south) photographers Kane Hartill, Naomi Āporo, David Chadwick, and Rob Suisted.
Mr Burton said he had produced many hundreds of calendars and he had been "bowled over" by the Matariki calendar.
He said it was a "beautiful piece of work", that served to deepen people's knowledge of their local culture and environment.
Matariki reflected the Māori view that mid-winter was a better time for planning and renewal, and provided an insight into the connection of Te Ao Māori to the environment, Ms Piper said.
"Matariki is a time for us all [Māori and Pākehā] to connect with ourselves and the environment. Many people feel the middle of winter is a more natural period for reflection and renewal than the beginning of January when we're busy with summer holidays and family," Ms Piper said.
The Glen, north of Nelson City by David Chadwick, features in a bilingual Matariki calendar. Photo: Supplied
Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission) agreed to supply Te Maramataka Māori and other Matariki-related information to the project created by two long-time Te Ataarangi students, Mat Tait and Renee Alleyne.
The project is a fundraiser for Te Ataarangi ki Te Tauihu o Te Waka-ā-Māui and there were plans to produce it on an annual basis, Ms Piper said.
"All of the money raised goes directly to support our reo revitalisation programmes across our region," she said.
"Our mission is to foster and promote the Māori language, values and practices in the Top of the South."