Puaka/Puanga (Rigel) is not situated in the Matariki star cluster, but rather is the brightest star in the constellation of Orion, and the star seen first at this time by certain iwi in the North Island and parts of the South Island.
The whakatauki Puaka kai rau – the abundant harvest of Puaka recognises the importance of Puaka as a time where all the hard work and persistence of people is seen. It is a time of reflection, preparation, learning and celebration.
This year to celebrate Puaka we welcome the exhibition Te Takarangi to the Dunedin City Library.
Te Takarangi is an acknowledgement and celebration of Māori-led scholarship and writing across time and genres. The collection of 150 non-fiction publications provides an overview of some of the most important Māori leaders, thinkers and authors of our time.
From the first book published about the Māori language in 1815, to current Māori scholars, researchers and writers making their mark, Te Takarangi is something we can all celebrate. A joint collaboration between Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga and the Royal Society Te Apārangi, Te Takarangi provides a glimpse into the rich publishing history of Māori-led-non-fiction work, with a particular focus on the later years as the growing publication of Māori research has blossomed. It acknowledges the mātauranga and inspirational Māori voices that shape and inform our scholarly debate in Aotearoa New Zealand.
