Astronomy, Māori

Date: [ca 1960s-1970s]

From: Fowler, Leo, 1902-1976: Papers and photographs

Reference: 77-014-3/14

Description: Contains the manuscript of a book Te take o nga iwi Maori which relates to origins of the Maori and Polynesian races and Maori astronomy. Possibly written by G Delaney of Naenae. Other Titles - Pioneer housewife Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 2003

By: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: Eph-E-MAORI-2003-01

Description: A chart showing the events to be held at the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, during the month of June. On 2 June the constellation Matariki (also known as the Pleiades) appeared on the horizon, and the New Year begins on the night of the new moon following this appearance. The appearance of the bright star Puanga (Rigel) also appears at this time. In 2003, the new moon was on 30 June, and Te Papa held related events throughout June. The events involed a portable planetarium "Starlab", events relating to marae life, Maori plays, and Maori cuisine developed by the Icon restaurant at Te Papa. Two copies held. Quantity: 1 colour photo-mechanical print(s). Physical Description: Photolithograph, 845 x 595 mm.

Date: 1910

From: Maori Purposes Fund Board : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-0189-B010

Description: Contains autobiographical notes about Te Whatahoro and his training as a tohunga, and his presentation of information to the Tanenuiarangi Committee; there are also cosmological notes about Rangi and Papa, their children, their separation, Tane's ascent to the highest heaven, the creation of women, notes about the twelve heavens and their inhabitants; there is also a discussion of the points of agreement and digression among various tohunga There are notes about the Maori division of time, whakapapa (cosmological and mortal), notes about astrology and navigation, karakia, waiata, and notes about the changing nature of traditional lore in the modern world There are narratives about various ancestors and their actions; these narratives cover such topics as the origin of tattooing, the migration from Hawaiki and the settlement of New Zealand, and the interaction between Maori and pre-Maori inhabitants of New Zealand There is also narrative text about 18th and 19th century conflicts between hapu of Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane, and between Waikato and Ngati Kahungunu Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: ¼ maroon, blue boards, 33 cm., vol numberedf 6

Date: n d

From: Jones, Pei Te Hurinui, 1898-1976 : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-5220-053

Description: Includes a transcript critique of navigation in the Pacific by Maori explorers and travellers Publication - Published in the JPS March 1957 vol.66 no.1 Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Typescript

Date: 31 Mar-Apr 1846

From: McLean, Donald (Sir), 1820-1877 : Papers

Reference: MS-1202

Description: The diary carries on with McLean's reflections of 31 March 1846 (begun in MS-1201), and then becomes more notelike, with comments on the weather, notes on Maori language and religion, and McLean's own thoughts on the nature of Christian belief, the different denominations, and ideas of premonition. He also outlines in Maori Maori ideas of astronomy, and other Taranaki beliefs, told to him by a William King. Other notes include comment on an increase in wood pigeons, notes on early New Zealand history, and a list of Ngapuhi tribes with population estimates. The weather was evidently very bad in April, and he had been told that the Protectorate Office was to close, which may explain his discursive reflections. Quantity: 1 volume(s).