PRESENTER PROFILE

The maramataka (Maori Lunar Calendar) was a way life for our tupuna. It helped govern activities and actions that allowed them to stand firm within their environment as kaitiaki of te tai ao.

Tuia ki te rangi

Tuia ki te whenua

Tuia ki te moana

E rongo te po, E rongo te Ao.

Environmental signs similar to what our ancestors saw are still there for us to see and use today. We invite you to begin your journey walking in the environment of our tupuna and listen to korero about this knowledge.

Rikki Solomon is from the tribes of Ngati Kahungunu and Ngati Kahu ki Whangaroa. With over 20 years experience working in the funeral industry as an embalmer and funeral director, he is currently the Head Technician at Auckland Mortuary Services Ltd.

Rikki holds a National Certificate in Embalming and He Waka Hiringa: Masters Degree in Applied Indigenous Knowledge from Te Wananga o Aotearoa.  He is currently working on his Doctorate of Indigenous Development and Advancement at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiārangi. His focus is on Nga Kitenga o te Maramataka: Insights into the Maramamataka (Maori Moon Calendar) and its relation to Whakamomori (Suicide).