Mori Astronomy exhibition double-finalist at NZ Museum Awards – Mori Television

Waikato Museum exhibition "Te Whnau Mrama: The Heavenly Bodies" was a double-finalist at the New Zealand Museum Awards.

Curated by Dr Rangi Matamua, Dr Hemi Whaanga, Dr Ann Hardy and Hohepa Tuahine from the University of Waikato, the exhibition shines the spotlight on Mori astronomy and how it is being revitalised.

Supported by taonga, photographs and krero, Te Whnau Mrama opens the door on tuning into the stars and a better understanding of the history and meaning of Matariki.

Dr Rangi Matamua (Thoe) is an associate professor at the University ofWaikato.

He states, The right time to look for Matariki is at the end of June or the beginning or middle of July. That's Pipiri according to the Mori calendar. This year, its from July 17 to July 20 when the moon is in the Tangaroa phase in the month ofPipiri.

Matamua maintains that Mori astronomy is not practised as widely as it once was.

I want this system of knowledge of astronomy to be revitalised in our modern world. We haveforgottenhow to read the stars. However, the knowledge is still there today.

The exhibition was a finalist in the Excellence: Taonga Mori and Most Innovative Use of Te Reo Mori categories.

It incorporates Mori legend, tradition, architecture, music and history to convey the spoken and written language within the exhibition.

Although the exhibition was not a winner, Matamua maintains that the overall aim is the dissemination and revival of traditional Mori knowledge.

The hope is for Mori to return to the environment, to the origin of Mori language and philosophy, governing principals and protocols everything that came from the environment.

The Te Whnau Mrama: The Heavenly Bodies exhibition is on at Waikato Museum and runs until 13 July 2018.

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Mori Astronomy exhibition double-finalist at NZ Museum Awards - Mori Television