Treasured Astronomical Knowledge For Matariki

PUBLICITY RELEASE

Maori Television Shares Treasured Astronomical Knowledge For Matariki

The astronomical knowledge and practices of navigation by stars shines on Maori Television viewers’ screens for this year’s Matariki celebrations as the one-hour documentary MATARIKI : TATAI ARORANGI screens on Monday June 6 at 8.30 PM.

Produced by Te Arepa Kahi of Arepa Creations, the bilingual documentary explains the functions and uses of our most treasured celestial bodies, including the Seven Sisters or Pleiades that signal the start of the Maori New Year upon their rising.

Matariki is celebrated by Maori at different times each year, but always during mid to late June. The screening of MATARIKI : TATAI ARORANGI MAORI on Maori Television is part of an entire channel commitment to observing Matariki celebrations in its schedule during the period from Monday June 6 to Sunday June 19.

The documentary looks at traditional concepts of Maori astronomy in comparison to celestial knowledge of other cultures through the assistance of expert commentary, provided by Maori authoritarians and supplemented with computer-generated imagery.

Kahi says that among those sharing their infinite knowledge on this significant event that is enjoying a renaissance in Aotearoa are Rawiri Taonui, Pou Temara, Ranginui Walker, Hoturoa Kerr Bell, Kate McKinney, Hirini Moko Mead and Brad Haami.

“The documentary outlines the oral traditions that deal with the creation of the celestial bodies. It then moves into traditions that relate to Tamanui-te-ra and Marama. From the Sun and Moon, we inspect the planets before sweeping across to various constellations and stars, concluding with the New Year constellation of Matariki,” he adds.

In addition, MATARIKI : TATAI ARORANGI also relates the oral methods used to both explicate and expose meaning of significant stars and constellations including whakatauki (proverbs), waiata (songs), oriori (chants), allegories, metaphors and aphorisms.

“Astronomy is one of the oldest forms of sophisticated knowledge that reflects the wealth and wisdom of the world’s greatest civilisations – a knowledge that can be found in Te Ao Maori.”

Revel in ancient knowledge passed down for generations this Matariki on Maori Television. MATARIKI : TATAI ARORANGI screens this Monday June 6 at 8.30 PM.

Ends

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR NGA WHETU MAORI

Year 2005
Censor Not rated
Duration One-hour documentary
Language Maori and English languages

© Scoop Media