Tātai arorangi – astronomical origins

Māori astronomy is fundamental to Māori belief systems.

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This collection features Hub resources that support learning about tātai arorangi – astronomical knowledge.

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Essential websites

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S.M.A.R.T - Society Of Māori Astronomy Research & Traditions are experts in matauranga Māori tatai arorangi, astrophysics and celestial navigation.

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Professor Rangi Mātāmua has excellent information on his Facebook page Living by the stars. He has also produced two excellent books, Matariki: Te Whetū Tapu o te Tau and Matariki: The Star of the Year.

Background information

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Astronomical knowledge, known as tātai arorangi, informs many aspects of Māori life, culture and traditions. Extensive star knowledge enabled navigators to travel the vast Pacific Ocean. This mātauranga (knowledge) continued to develop upon arrival in Aotearoa. Tātai arorangi informed seasonal and monthly calendars (maramataka), the timing of planting, harvesting and hunting, the positioning and construction of meeting houses and other cultural practices.

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Preserving and revitalising Māori astronomical knowledge

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The following resources feature the Society of Māori Astronomy Research and Traditions (SMART). The kairangahau Māori have been instrumental in rediscovering Māori astronomical knowledge and sharing it widely.

The following resources take a brief look at whakapapa and cosmological origins. Both articles feature whakapapa pūrākau specific to particular iwi.

The following resources feature examples of how tātai arorangi informs aspects of Māori life, culture and traditions.

What is the place of tātai arorangi in Aotearoa's growing aerospace sector?

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Aotearoa is a relative newcomer to the space industry, and our national legislation about the use of space is under consideration. Some industry experts have suggested that a space treaty might be a useful way to set an agreement on how space is used, by whom and when.

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The following activity provides blue-sky thinking about how ākonga might include and protect this unique knowledge.