Rereata Makiha

Māori Astronomer

Rereata Makiha was born and raised in the Hokianga, where he attended Northland College. He studied Social Sciences at Victoria University in Wellington and Māori Business at the University of Auckland, where he was awarded the Dean’s Prize.

“The real learning started when I was 18, spending eight years being taught in the ancient whare wānanga,” says Rereata, who qualified with a PhD in Native Ancient Knowledge.

Rereata is a renowned Māori astronomer and a leading authority on the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). He is currently curating pathways to practice ancient traditions within Te Ao Māori.

Rereata shares his extensive knowledge as a cultural adviser, having held roles at the Auckland Council as a Kaiārahi Tikanga Māori and Kaumātua at the University of Auckland Business School.

Rereata is a former broadcaster with more than four decades of experience as a reporter, news editor, director and television presenter. He has held senior positions at TVNZ and New Zealands’ indigenous broadcaster, Māori Television.

This is his story – Rereata Makiha – Indigenous 100.