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New exhibition explores Māori traditions of maramataka and māra kai

Featured news Events and Exhibitions
PUBLISHED: 18 OCT 2023
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Step into the world of Te Kitenga o Hina, a captivating new exhibition at NPDC's Puke Ariki Museum.

 

Here, you will be able to examine maramataka - the Māori lunar calendar and the traditional farming practices of māra kai – and gain a deeper understanding of their significance. You’ll find out more about how maramataka was and is still used to determine when and what to plant.

 

The exhibition is divided into the sacred seasons of Takurua (Winter), Kōanga (Spring), Raumati (Summer), and Ngahuru (Autumn).

 

Dyane Hosler, Acting Museum Manager, described the exhibition as an immersive experience, guiding visitors through the celestial world where the moon phases play a crucial role in planting, harvesting, and seed saving.

 

“The moon's beauty and its various phases are showcased alongside stunning star constellations and will be a draw card for all.”

 

For each season you will learn about cultivation, and harvest timelines, as well as receiving sustainable growing tips.  The exhibition also features precious agricultural tools from Puke Ariki's extensive collection, which were used in māra kai.

 

Hosler also highlighted the ongoing initiatives across Taranaki to revive ancient food preservation practices and how this exhibition explores local communities involved in this revival, passing down the māra kai traditions to future generations.

 

What: Te Kitenga o Hina
When:  Now until 18 April 2024
Where: Lane Gallery, Puke Ariki Museum, New Plymouth.

Free entry.

 

Fast Facts

  • Opened in 2013, Puke Ariki was the world’s first purpose-built, fully integrated museum, library and visitor information centre.
  • Puke Ariki has three long-term galleries.
  • Each year an average there is an average of 267,770 visitors to Puke Ariki Library and 253, 959 to the museum.​

 

Caption: The Te Kitenga o Hina exhibition explores.

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Page last updated: 09:47am Wed 25 October 2023

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