Waitī
Waiti (Maia) is the star Maori associate with fresh water, and all the creatures and food that comes from the streams, rivers, wetlands, springs, and lakes. It is a female star that holds the essence of the food that are sustained in these water bodies. Expert Maori astronomers will observe its appearance during the rising of Matariki in the Maori New Year to predict what the upcoming shing, gathering, and harvesting seasons will be like.
Waiti is a predictor of freshwater kai (food), and the sister of Waita. The design depicts Waiti, a daughter of the mother star Matariki, wrapped in a kakahu (cloak). It is adorned with kokopu (native trout), kanakana (lamprey) and koura (freshwater crayfish), species prevalent in the rivers and lakes in this area. As you look at the gure from in front, Waiti’s shield is on the left, tipped by a kokopu. On the right are kanakana, with their gills symbolised in the eight circles. The large back piece represents fresh water coming down from the mountains, with the eye in the sky, the bright star Puaka, depicted in the oval shape to the right of Waiti’s head. Next to Puaka are the pincers of the koura, which also imply the notches on a kotiate, a short, hand-held striking weapon. On the collar and fringes of the kakahu is a design that illustrates the awa (rivers) running down between the maunga (mountains).
Artists
Steve Solomon – Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mamoe, Waitaha, Te Arawa, Te Whanau-a-Apanui