Astronomy NZ - Taatai Arorangi (Maori Astronomy)

AstronomyNZ Home

Catalogue of Maori Star Names

This is a work in progress

Listed below are the traditional Maori names of the bright stars and other celestial objects seen in the sky. If you know other constellations or star names please just email us and we will add the information for everyone to use. We need to authenticate any additions, so please make sure you include your contact details and as much information as possible on the source of any information you provide.

Bayer classification

Proper Name

Maori names

Alpha Aquilae

Altair

Pou-tu-te-rangi (Makemson, Best, Davies, Williams, Stowell) Star of the 10^th month

Takurua-whare-ani (Williams)

Takurua-pare-wai (Best)

Te-Hao-o-Rua (Williams)

Humu

Tama-i-vaho (Best)

Alpha Arietis

Hamal

Alpha Aurigae

Capella

Matariki (Stowell)

Alpha Bootes

Arcturus

Turu (Makemason)

Ruawahia (Stowell)

Alpha Canis Majoris

Sirius

Takurua (Davies; Williams; Best, Beattie)

Rehua (Stowell)

Te Kokota (Best)

Stars in Canis Majoris

Putahi nui o Rehua (Stowell)

Wai whakaata o Rehua (Stowell)

Taumata o Rehua (Stowell)

Pukawanui (Stowell)

Takurua-a-ngana (Stowell)

Takurua-aio (Stowell)

Takurua-a-uru (Stowell)

Wero-i-te-ninihi (Stowell)

Wero-i-te-kokoto (Stowell)

Wero-i-te- whakataka-pungarehu (Stowell)

The Constellation Canis Majoris

Te Kahui Takurua (Stowell)

Te Putahi nui a Rehua (Stowell)

Alpha Canis Minoris

Procyon

Puanga-hori (Best; Stowell)

Alpha Carinae

Canopus

Atutahi (Best)

Ao-tahi (Best; Stowell)

Au-tahi (Best; Stowell, Beattie)

Atutahi-ma-Rehua (Best)

Autahi-ma-Rehua (Beattie)

Kauanga (Best, Davies)

Makahea (Probable -Best)

Paepae-toto (Williams)

Paepae-poto (Best; Williams)

Te Ariki o te Tau (Beattie)

Te ariki o te-ika-o-Raki (Beattie)

Alpha Centauri

Rigel Kentaurus

Atu-tahi-ma Rehua (Best)

Alpha & Beta Centauri

The Pointers

Nga whetu Matarau (Ngata)

Te taura o te waka o Tama-rereti (Tregear)

Nga whetu Matarau (Ngata)

Te taura o te waka o Tama-rereti (Tregear)

Alpha Eridani

Achernar

Turu (Makemason)

Ruawahia (Stowell)

Alpha Geminorum

Castor

Whaka-ahu (Stowell) Sometimes assoc with summer but usually spring

Alpha & Beta Geminorum

Castor & Pollux

Whaka-ahu (Best)

Alpha Geminorum & Beta Orionis

Castor and Rigel

Nga Tokorua a Taingarue (Puangarua and

Whakaahu - Stowell)

Beta Geminorum

Pollux

Alpha Lionis

Regulus

Te Kakau (Stowell)

Alpha Lyrae

Vega

Whanui (Best; Stowell)

Meremere (Best)

Whakakorongata (probably -Best)

Alpha Orionis

Betelgeuse

Rehua (Best)

Beta Orionis

Rigel

Puanga (Stowell) Moriori (Shand)

Puaka (Stowell, Beattie)

Pua-tahiwhi o Tautoru (Stowell)

Orion’s Belt

Puanga’s whata (Moriori – Shand)

Te-tuke-o-Tautoru (Williams)

Tautoru (Best)

Te Tata o Tautoru (Stowell)

Te Tira o Puanga (Williams)

Te tuke o Maui (Taylor; Stowell)

Tautoru (Best)

The Constellation

Of Orion or part of it

Tautoru (Best; Buck; Stowell)

Tuke-a-Maui (Tregear)

Te taurapa o te waka o tama-rereti (Tregear)

Te Kakau (includes Belt and 3 stars at an angle to it-Best)

Te Pewa o Tautoru (Stowell)

Alpha Piscis Australis

Formalhaut

Alpha Scorpii

Antares

Rehua (Best, Davies)

Rerehu (Williams, Stowell)

Pou-tu-te rangi (Williams)

Autahi-ma-rehua (Davies)

Pipiri (Scorpio generally – a winter month)

Stars on either side of Antares (Rehua)

Ruhi/Ruhi-te-rangi/Peke-hawani (Best) Star of the 9^th mth

Whakaonge-kai (Best)

Tail of Scorpius

Te matau o Maui (Rarotonga)

Te waka o Tama-rereti

Te waka o Mairerangi

Alpha Cygni

Deneb

Alpha Tauri

Aldebaran

Taumata-kuku (Best)

The Hyades

Matakaheru (Williams)

Mata (Best)

Mata-kaheru (Best)

Te Kokota (Best)

The Pleiades

Matariki (Best, Beattie)

Wai-puna-o-rangi (Makemson; Best)

Waiti (Makemson; Best)

Waita (Makemson; Best)

Te Huihui o Matariki (Best)

Ao-kai (Best)

Hoko-kumara (Best)

Te Huihui o Matariki (Stowell)

Alpha Virginis

Spica

Pekehawani (probable, Best)

Ruhi (probable, Williams)

Whiti-kaupeka (Best; Stowell)

Mariao (Best)

Southern Cross

Mahu-tonga (Best)

Marere-o-Tonga (Williams)

Taki-o-Autahi (Williams, Stowell)

Kahui o Mahutonga (Stowell)

Kahui-ruamahu (Stowell)

Te Putea iti a Reti (Stowell)

Teka (Beattie)

Te Punga o te Waka a Tamarereti (Stowell)

Coalsack nebula

Hotu-te-ihi-rangi (Hongi)

Mana-kouri (Hongi)

Naha (Williams)

Te Rua-patiki (Hongi, Best)

Te Patiki (Williams, Best)

Patiku (Simmons, when used as navigational point)

Whetu-kaupo

Rangawhenua (Hongi)

Piawai (Hongi)

Te Patiki (Best; Stowell)

Te Rua-o-Mahu (Stowell)

Te Whai-a-titipa (Williams)

Manako-uri (White)

Te Whai-a-titipa (Williams)

Tuhinapo (Beattie)

Magellanic Clouds or one of the clouds

Te-Mango-roa (Best, Williams)

Nga-Patari (Williams; Best)

Nga-Pateri (Williams)

Nga Patari-hau (Best)

Nga Patari-kai-hau (Best)

Te Purangi (Williams)

Manako-uri (Best)

Nonoko-uri (Best)

Nonoko-tea (Best)

Tiripua (Williams)

Tiritiripua (Williams)

Tuputuputu (Williams)

Whakaruru-hau (Best)

Kokouri (Stowell; Best)

Kokotea (Stowell; Best)

LMC

Kokirikiri (White)

Patari-rangi (Williams)

Tioreore (Best)

Manaki-uri (White; Stowell)

Rangi matanuku (White)

Ao-uri (Stowell)

SMC

Patari-kaihau (Williams; Stowell)

Tikatakata (Best)

Manako-tea (Williams; White; Stowell)

Ao-tea (Stowell)

The Milky Way

Te-Ika-a-Maui (Best, Williams)

Te-Ika-matua-a-Tangaroa (Hongi)

Te-Ika-o-te-rangi (Williams; Best; Stowell)

Te-Ika-roa-o-te-rangi (Best)

Te-Ika-roa (Williams; Best)

Te-Tuahiwi-nui-o-rangi (Best)

Te-Ika-a-Maui (Best)

Te-Ika-matua a Tangaroa (Best; Stowell)

Te-whenua-o-te-rangi (Best)

Te-Mangaroa (Best; Stowell)

Te Mangoroiata (Best)

Te Mokoroa-i-ata (Best)

Te Paeroa o Whanui (Best)

Te Tuahiwi o Rangi-nui (Best)

Whiti-kaupeka (Best, Sth Island)

Te Kupenga a Taramainuku (Best - Tuhoe)

Te-Ika-o-Raki (Beattie)

Te Awanui a Rangi (Stowell)

Planet

Jupiter

Hine-i-tiweka (Best)

Parearau (Best; Stowell)

Kopu-nui (Stowell)

Rangawhenua (Best)

Tari-ao (Best, Davies)

K?opu-nui (Ryan; Stowell)

Tariao (Best; Davies)

Hine-i-tiweka (Best)

Mirimiri (Beattie)

Planet

Saturn

Parearau (Stowell)

Planet

Mars

Te-Hau-o-Rua (Best)

Parearau (Best)

Matawhero (Stowell)

Planet

Venus

Kopu (Best)

Kopu-parapara (Best)

Venus as a morning star

Meremere (Stowell, Beattie)

Tawera (Best)

Tawere (Best)

Venus as an evening star

Meremere (Best)

Meremere-tu-ahiahi (Best; Stowell)

Rangi-tu-ahiahi (Best)

Rere-ahiahi (Best; Stowell)

Haere-ahiahi (Beattie)

Mirimiri (Beattie)

Kopuparapara (Beattie)

Planet

Mercury

Takero (Tregear)

Whiro (Stowell)

English

Maori

Translation/association

Source

The Sun

Te Ra

Rehua

Rehua

Tane

Tane-te-waiora

Tane-mahuta

Tane-i-te-wao

Tane-te-waotu

Tane-mataahi

Tane-i-te-rere

Tamauawhiti

Tama-nui-te-ra

Fire/heat

Cooks/ripens tree fruit

The Sun

Tane- the welfare of all

Tane – the forest

Tane – the forest

Tane – the forest

Tane – the birds

Tane – the birds

Honorific name

Honorific name

All

Beattie

Best

Whatutaki te marama ki te ra

Meeting of sun and moon

Beattie

Sunlight

Waiora a Tane

Life-giving force

Best

Sunrise

Puta mai te ra

Haea te pu ata

Ko puta mai te ra

Coming here the Sun Tear open the dawn

Coming in sight the Sun

Beattie

Sunset

Kua to te ra

Ko to te ra

The sun has set

Beattie

Point where sun rises or sets

Rua o te ra

Hole of the sun

Beattie

Winter solstice

Maruaroa

Takanga o te ra

Changing or turning of the Sun

Best

Best

The Moon

Marama

Maramahuakea

Hina

Hina-te-iwaiwa

Hine-te-iwaiwa

Rongo

Rona

Rona-whakamau-tai

"huakea" = fullness

white/grey/light coloured

"Hina" – pale/grey

Fertilising power (male)

Tide controller

Guardian of the moon

All

Beattie

Best

Best

Best

Best

Best

Best

New Moon

Ko korohiti te marama

Korohiti te marama

Beattie

Waxing moon

(nearly full)

Kai te haere te marama kia ohua Hina-keha

Pale Hina (bright moon)

Beattie

Best

Waning moon

Kai te haere te marama kia mate

Ko mate to marama

The moon is dying

Beattie

Dark nights of the moon

Ko te hinapouri

Hina-uri

Dark Hina (dark phase)

Beattie

Best

Full moon

Katoa te marama

Ohua

Hina-keha

Pale Hina

Beattie

Best

27^th night of the moon

Orongonui (Rongonui)

Ancient name of moon god

Best

Spring tides

Tai-ohua

Beattie

The Meridian/ on the Meridian or zenith

Pou-tu-maro

Stowell

The sun at Zenith

Tia Kakahi

Beattie

ecliptic

Pikopiko-i-rangi

Winding about, tying

Beattie

Meteors, falling stars

Tumata kokiri

Matamata kokiri

Wheturere

Whetutaka

Matakoke

Rongomai

Tamarau

Makawe

Those that glitter

Fast stars

Personified form

Personified form

Personified form

Stowell, Best

Stowell, Beattie

Beattie

Beattie

Beattie

Best

Best

Best

Aurora Australis

Kahukura

Tutumaiao

Te Rama-o-Tawhaki

Ka-tara-o-kai

The torch of Tawhaki

Beattie

Comets

Ika-whetu

Upokoroa

Auahi-turoa

Taketake-hikuroa

Wahieroa

Auroa

Unahiroa

Meto

Tunui-a-te-ika

Puaroa

Star fish

Beattie

Best

Zodiacal light

Maru

Glow in the heavens

Best

North

Hurunuku-atea

Hurunuku

Toko-hurunuku

Huruatea

Toko-huruatea

Raki

Marangai

muri

Personified form

Personified form

Personified form

Personified form

Personified form of wind

Best

South

Parawere-nui

tonga

Personified form

Best

East

Tahu-mawake-nui

Huru-mawake

Toko-huru-mawake

rawhiti

Personified form

Personified form

Personified form of wind

Best

West

Tahu-makaka-nui

Tahu-makaka

Uru

Mauru

hauauru

Personified form

Best

Bayer classification	Proper Name	Maori names
Alpha Aquilae	Altair	Pou-tu-te-rangi (Makemson, Best, Davies, Williams, Stowell) Star of the 10^th month Takurua-whare-ani (Williams) Takurua-pare-wai (Best) Te-Hao-o-Rua (Williams) Humu Tama-i-vaho (Best)
Alpha Arietis	Hamal
Alpha Aurigae	Capella	Matariki (Stowell)
Alpha Bootes	Arcturus	Turu (Makemason) Ruawahia (Stowell)
Alpha Canis Majoris	Sirius	Takurua (Davies; Williams; Best, Beattie) Rehua (Stowell) Te Kokota (Best)
	Stars in Canis Majoris	Putahi nui o Rehua (Stowell) Wai whakaata o Rehua (Stowell) Taumata o Rehua (Stowell) Pukawanui (Stowell) Takurua-a-ngana (Stowell) Takurua-aio (Stowell) Takurua-a-uru (Stowell) Wero-i-te-ninihi (Stowell) Wero-i-te-kokoto (Stowell) Wero-i-te- whakataka-pungarehu (Stowell)
	The Constellation Canis Majoris	Te Kahui Takurua (Stowell) Te Putahi nui a Rehua (Stowell)
Alpha Canis Minoris	Procyon	Puanga-hori (Best; Stowell)
Alpha Carinae	Canopus	Atutahi (Best) Ao-tahi (Best; Stowell) Au-tahi (Best; Stowell, Beattie) Atutahi-ma-Rehua (Best) Autahi-ma-Rehua (Beattie) Kauanga (Best, Davies) Makahea (Probable -Best) Paepae-toto (Williams) Paepae-poto (Best; Williams) Te Ariki o te Tau (Beattie) Te ariki o te-ika-o-Raki (Beattie)
Alpha Centauri	Rigel Kentaurus	Atu-tahi-ma Rehua (Best)
Alpha & Beta Centauri	The Pointers	Nga whetu Matarau (Ngata) Te taura o te waka o Tama-rereti (Tregear) Nga whetu Matarau (Ngata) Te taura o te waka o Tama-rereti (Tregear)
Alpha Eridani	Achernar	Turu (Makemason) Ruawahia (Stowell)
Alpha Geminorum	Castor	Whaka-ahu (Stowell) Sometimes assoc with summer but usually spring
Alpha & Beta Geminorum	Castor & Pollux	Whaka-ahu (Best)
Alpha Geminorum & Beta Orionis	Castor and Rigel	Nga Tokorua a Taingarue (Puangarua and Whakaahu - Stowell)
Beta Geminorum	Pollux
Alpha Lionis	Regulus	Te Kakau (Stowell)
Alpha Lyrae	Vega	Whanui (Best; Stowell) Meremere (Best) Whakakorongata (probably -Best)
Alpha Orionis	Betelgeuse	Rehua (Best)
Beta Orionis	Rigel	Puanga (Stowell) Moriori (Shand) Puaka (Stowell, Beattie) Pua-tahiwhi o Tautoru (Stowell)
	Orion’s Belt	Puanga’s whata (Moriori – Shand) Te-tuke-o-Tautoru (Williams) Tautoru (Best) Te Tata o Tautoru (Stowell) Te Tira o Puanga (Williams) Te tuke o Maui (Taylor; Stowell) Tautoru (Best)
	The Constellation Of Orion or part of it	Tautoru (Best; Buck; Stowell) Tuke-a-Maui (Tregear) Te taurapa o te waka o tama-rereti (Tregear) Te Kakau (includes Belt and 3 stars at an angle to it-Best) Te Pewa o Tautoru (Stowell)
Alpha Piscis Australis	Formalhaut
Alpha Scorpii	Antares	Rehua (Best, Davies) Rerehu (Williams, Stowell) Pou-tu-te rangi (Williams) Autahi-ma-rehua (Davies) Pipiri (Scorpio generally – a winter month)
	Stars on either side of Antares (Rehua)	Ruhi/Ruhi-te-rangi/Peke-hawani (Best) Star of the 9^th mth Whakaonge-kai (Best)
	Tail of Scorpius	Te matau o Maui (Rarotonga) Te waka o Tama-rereti Te waka o Mairerangi
Alpha Cygni	Deneb
Alpha Tauri	Aldebaran	Taumata-kuku (Best)
	The Hyades	Matakaheru (Williams) Mata (Best) Mata-kaheru (Best) Te Kokota (Best)
	The Pleiades	Matariki (Best, Beattie) Wai-puna-o-rangi (Makemson; Best) Waiti (Makemson; Best) Waita (Makemson; Best) Te Huihui o Matariki (Best) Ao-kai (Best) Hoko-kumara (Best) Te Huihui o Matariki (Stowell)
Alpha Virginis	Spica	Pekehawani (probable, Best) Ruhi (probable, Williams) Whiti-kaupeka (Best; Stowell) Mariao (Best)
	Southern Cross	Mahu-tonga (Best) Marere-o-Tonga (Williams) Taki-o-Autahi (Williams, Stowell) Kahui o Mahutonga (Stowell) Kahui-ruamahu (Stowell) Te Putea iti a Reti (Stowell) Teka (Beattie) Te Punga o te Waka a Tamarereti (Stowell)
	Coalsack nebula	Hotu-te-ihi-rangi (Hongi) Mana-kouri (Hongi) Naha (Williams) Te Rua-patiki (Hongi, Best) Te Patiki (Williams, Best) Patiku (Simmons, when used as navigational point) Whetu-kaupo Rangawhenua (Hongi) Piawai (Hongi) Te Patiki (Best; Stowell) Te Rua-o-Mahu (Stowell) Te Whai-a-titipa (Williams) Manako-uri (White) Te Whai-a-titipa (Williams) Tuhinapo (Beattie)
	Magellanic Clouds or one of the clouds	Te-Mango-roa (Best, Williams) Nga-Patari (Williams; Best) Nga-Pateri (Williams) Nga Patari-hau (Best) Nga Patari-kai-hau (Best) Te Purangi (Williams) Manako-uri (Best) Nonoko-uri (Best) Nonoko-tea (Best) Tiripua (Williams) Tiritiripua (Williams) Tuputuputu (Williams) Whakaruru-hau (Best) Kokouri (Stowell; Best) Kokotea (Stowell; Best)
	LMC	Kokirikiri (White) Patari-rangi (Williams) Tioreore (Best) Manaki-uri (White; Stowell) Rangi matanuku (White) Ao-uri (Stowell)
	SMC	Patari-kaihau (Williams; Stowell) Tikatakata (Best) Manako-tea (Williams; White; Stowell) Ao-tea (Stowell)
	The Milky Way	Te-Ika-a-Maui (Best, Williams) Te-Ika-matua-a-Tangaroa (Hongi) Te-Ika-o-te-rangi (Williams; Best; Stowell) Te-Ika-roa-o-te-rangi (Best) Te-Ika-roa (Williams; Best) Te-Tuahiwi-nui-o-rangi (Best) Te-Ika-a-Maui (Best) Te-Ika-matua a Tangaroa (Best; Stowell) Te-whenua-o-te-rangi (Best) Te-Mangaroa (Best; Stowell) Te Mangoroiata (Best) Te Mokoroa-i-ata (Best) Te Paeroa o Whanui (Best) Te Tuahiwi o Rangi-nui (Best) Whiti-kaupeka (Best, Sth Island) Te Kupenga a Taramainuku (Best - Tuhoe) Te-Ika-o-Raki (Beattie) Te Awanui a Rangi (Stowell)
Planet	Jupiter	Hine-i-tiweka (Best) Parearau (Best; Stowell) Kopu-nui (Stowell) Rangawhenua (Best) Tari-ao (Best, Davies) K?opu-nui (Ryan; Stowell) Tariao (Best; Davies) Hine-i-tiweka (Best) Mirimiri (Beattie)
Planet	Saturn	Parearau (Stowell)
Planet	Mars	Te-Hau-o-Rua (Best) Parearau (Best) Matawhero (Stowell)
Planet	Venus	Kopu (Best) Kopu-parapara (Best)
	Venus as a morning star	Meremere (Stowell, Beattie) Tawera (Best) Tawere (Best)
	Venus as an evening star	Meremere (Best) Meremere-tu-ahiahi (Best; Stowell) Rangi-tu-ahiahi (Best) Rere-ahiahi (Best; Stowell) Haere-ahiahi (Beattie) Mirimiri (Beattie) Kopuparapara (Beattie)
Planet	Mercury	Takero (Tregear) Whiro (Stowell)

English	Maori	Translation/association	Source
The Sun	Te Ra Rehua Rehua Tane Tane-te-waiora Tane-mahuta Tane-i-te-wao Tane-te-waotu Tane-mataahi Tane-i-te-rere Tamauawhiti Tama-nui-te-ra	Fire/heat Cooks/ripens tree fruit The Sun Tane- the welfare of all Tane – the forest Tane – the forest Tane – the forest Tane – the birds Tane – the birds Honorific name Honorific name	All Beattie Best
	Whatutaki te marama ki te ra	Meeting of sun and moon	Beattie
Sunlight	Waiora a Tane	Life-giving force	Best
Sunrise	Puta mai te ra Haea te pu ata Ko puta mai te ra	Coming here the Sun Tear open the dawn Coming in sight the Sun	Beattie
Sunset	Kua to te ra Ko to te ra	The sun has set	Beattie
Point where sun rises or sets	Rua o te ra	Hole of the sun	Beattie
Winter solstice	Maruaroa Takanga o te ra	Changing or turning of the Sun	Best Best
The Moon	Marama Maramahuakea Hina Hina-te-iwaiwa Hine-te-iwaiwa Rongo Rona Rona-whakamau-tai	"huakea" = fullness white/grey/light coloured "Hina" – pale/grey Fertilising power (male) Tide controller Guardian of the moon	All Beattie Best Best Best Best Best Best
New Moon	Ko korohiti te marama Korohiti te marama		Beattie
Waxing moon (nearly full)	Kai te haere te marama kia ohua Hina-keha	Pale Hina (bright moon)	Beattie Best
Waning moon	Kai te haere te marama kia mate Ko mate to marama	The moon is dying	Beattie
Dark nights of the moon	Ko te hinapouri Hina-uri	Dark Hina (dark phase)	Beattie Best
Full moon	Katoa te marama Ohua Hina-keha	Pale Hina	Beattie Best
27^th night of the moon	Orongonui (Rongonui)	Ancient name of moon god	Best
Spring tides	Tai-ohua		Beattie

The Meridian/ on the Meridian or zenith	Pou-tu-maro		Stowell
The sun at Zenith	Tia Kakahi		Beattie
ecliptic	Pikopiko-i-rangi	Winding about, tying	Beattie
Meteors, falling stars	Tumata kokiri Matamata kokiri Wheturere Whetutaka Matakoke Rongomai Tamarau Makawe	Those that glitter Fast stars Personified form Personified form Personified form	Stowell, Best Stowell, Beattie Beattie Beattie Beattie Best Best Best
Aurora Australis	Kahukura Tutumaiao Te Rama-o-Tawhaki Ka-tara-o-kai	The torch of Tawhaki	Beattie
Comets	Ika-whetu Upokoroa Auahi-turoa Taketake-hikuroa Wahieroa Auroa Unahiroa Meto Tunui-a-te-ika Puaroa	Star fish	Beattie Best
Zodiacal light	Maru	Glow in the heavens	Best
North	Hurunuku-atea Hurunuku Toko-hurunuku Huruatea Toko-huruatea Raki Marangai muri	Personified form Personified form Personified form Personified form Personified form of wind	Best
South	Parawere-nui tonga	Personified form	Best
East	Tahu-mawake-nui Huru-mawake Toko-huru-mawake rawhiti	Personified form Personified form Personified form of wind	Best
West	Tahu-makaka-nui Tahu-makaka Uru Mauru hauauru	Personified form	Best