Media Fact Check
Recent Examples of Dubious Claims in the Kiwi Media
New Zealand Herald Article Supports Māori Calendar Pseudoscience
The New Zealand Herald (June 20, 2025) published “Matariki: How the Māori Lunar Calendar Guides Sustainable Farming Practices.”
1. The writer implies that Maramataka-based farming is “science-based and proven to work well.”
2. It suggests that sowing seeds during a particular phase of the moon may result in better outcomes due in part to “gravitational pull.”
3. It is asserts that during certain phases, moisture is being drawn to the surface.
To report on the Maramataka as a Māori cultural tradition where some people believe these claims – is 100 percent acceptable. The issue here is that the information is being presented as scientifically grounded when it is not and there is no mention of the mainstream scientific position.
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ECE Centres
Teaching by the Moon
Teacher Talk (www.teachertalk.org.nz) published the following article online June 19, 2025: “Maramataka Māori: Exploring the Lunar Calendar in Early Learning.”
It encourages teachers to educate about the Maramataka in Early Childhood Education and incorporate it into their teaching practice. It fails to caution teachers that the claims have no scientific backing. Specifically, there is no evidence that certain lunar phases are responsible for ‘high’ and ‘low’ energy levels in humans or that some phases are better for engaging in certain activities or learning particular subjects. Some of the claims are reminiscent of horoscopes.
1. It is said that the Whiro (new moon) phase is associated with low energy and is “a time for caution and reflection. Avoid major activities and decisions.” They even give an ECE teaching tip: “Encourage quiet, indoor play and restful activities.”
2. During the Ōkoro (First Crescent phase) – teachers should “Introduce new activities and encourage curiosity” as this phase denotes a time of awakening.
3. Tamatea-ā-Ngana (First Quarter phase) is said to be “A time for bold actions and new challenges.” ECE teachers are encouraged to promote activities involving “problem-solving, group projects, and movement.”
4. Tamatea-Whakapau (Waxing Gibbous phase) – This is said to be a time of unpredictability as the moon’s energy “fluctuates” and things can feel “chaotic.” Teachers are advised to be flexible, let the students “lead their learning, and embrace spontaneous play.” [*Robert's note: good luck with that!]
5. The Ōturu (Full Moon phase) is said to be a time of high energy that is “perfect for productivity,” therefore teachers should “Plan high-energy activities like music, dance, and games.”
6. Korekore Piri ki Tangaroa (Waning Gibbous phase) is “a time to slow down and reflect.
ECE Tip: Focus on storytelling and reviewing learning.”
7. Mutuwhenua (Dark Moon phase) – is a time of rest, reflection, and quiet. ECE teachers are encouraged to engage students in “calm, soothing activities” that allow them to rest.
