To some tribes the new year in mid-winter was signalled by the dawn rising of Matariki (the Pleiades), while to others it was the rising of Puanga (Rigel). Takurua (Sirius) was also associated with winter. Along with other stars, Matariki, Puanga, and Tautoru (Orion's Belt) were important in the navigation of the Ngāti Kahungunu canoe, Tākitimu, to New Zealand. Taumata-kuku is the bright-red giant star Aldebaran.
In this sound clip Hirini Melbourne sings ‘Ngā whetū’ (the stars).
Transcript
Hora ngā whetū, ki te Marae-nui-ātea
Tītiti tātai, ki te Uma o Ranginui
Mai te Kete o Te Hāruru, ko Te Whānau Mārama
Poutini, Tautoru, Rēhua, Matariki, Kōpū, Whānui, Autahi, Te Mangoroa (Te Mangoroa)
Using this item
by Chris Picking
Sound file from Hirini Melbourne, Te wao nui a Tāne. Wellington: Huia Publishers, 1999
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