1 Dec 2014

Council using Maori calendar as guide

7:21 am on 1 December 2014

The Auckland Council is planning to plant its trees based on the Maori calendar.

The Society of Maori Astronomy Research and Traditions is collating data and evidence to create accurate maramataka, or calendars, for different areas.

A researcher and adviser to the council, Rereata Makiha, said the aim is to help whanau, hapu and iwi and councils choose the right days to plant, go fishing and hold hui.

Mr Makiha said the council is one organisation that has recognised the benefits of the maramataka including when to plant trees.

He hoped in the long run to develop a Maori Management Plan that enabled communities to live and operate closer to the environment like his tupuna, or ancestors, did.