Maramataka at Wai-akatea Raataa Vine Reserve

How the Maramataka dial works 

Set the Maramataka dial to the current Raakaunui moon phase (you can find the dates here). 

The Maramataka dial is a helpful tool and starting point for learning about Maramataka. Let it guide you as you tune in, observe and build your own understanding of the Maramataka.  

What are mauri states or energies on the dial? 

Mauri Moe - Reflective energy. A sacred time of stillness, to rest and reset 

Mauri Noho - Regenerative energy. A time to sit with new potential and discovery 

Mauri Tau - Calm energy. A grounding time of being present in te taiao 

Mauri Ora - Productive energy. A time of abundance, wellness, connection and planting 

Mauri Rere - Powerful energy - A powerful time of high energy and unpredictability. 

What is Maramataka? 

Everything is connected, and nothing lives in isolation. Maramataka is the living expression of this - an ancestral lunar and environmental system that reflects the natural rhythms of the moon, tides, winds and tohu (signs) of the natural environment.  

Maramataka is often described as a lunar calendar, which it is, but also much more. It is the connecting tohu of whenua (land), awa (waters) and rangi (sky) seen through tirotiro (observation). Maramataka continues to impart knowledge and guide us back to a deeper relationship with our natural world and cycles.  

The Maramataka and its moon phases influence environmental patterns and how we respond to them. Maramataka teaches us to observe, reflect, and respond with intention, guiding our practice of kaitiakitanga, kaiawhinatanga and whakaoranga (restoration). 

 
Maramataka at Wai-Akatea Raataa Vine Stream Reserve 

Wai-akatea Raataa Vine Stream Reserve has become a living classroom within Te Puhinui Manukau, designed to support learning through play and connection to the natural environment especially the Puhinui Stream. At its heart is Ngaa Pou o te Maramataka, a forest playground inspired by each phase of theMaramataka. 

The playground is a pathway to learning play, curiosity and hands on engagement.  

• Play, observe and spend time in the space.

• Notice the tofu around you such as the water, birds, plants or weather.

• Tune into what you can see, smell and hear.

• Reflect on how on different days of the lunar cycle.

About Ayla Hoeta 

Ayla Hoeta is a maamaa and Maramataka practitioner with whakapapa connection to South Auckland, where she lives and works and raises her tamariki. Her work is grounded in a deep relationship with te taiao and a commitment to restoring tuupuna knowledge systems that support wellbeing of people and place.  

Through her involvement in Te Whakaoranga o te Puhinui Ayla shares Maramataka as a way for whaanau and communities to reconnect with the rhythms of the marama, the awa, and the whenua. Her practice is shaped through observation, reflection and a lived connection to place. 

Alongside this kaupapa, Ayla works as a design researcher and lecturer at the University of Auckland, where she brings together maatauranga Maaori, design and community-led approaches that support mahi Maramataka, oranga and intergenerational wellbeing. 

Continue your Maramataka journey 

Ao Maarama App  

Download this interactive app to build awareness, knowledge and connection with the Maramataka 

* This page uses te reo Waiohua conventions, notably the use of double vowels.