Tuhoe scholar Rangi Mataamua says the way Matariki or the seven stars of the Pleiades constellation appeared in the dawn sky, indicated a good year ahead.
While the European scientific worldview placed astronomy over astrology, Dr Mataamua, from Ruatahuna, says that for Maori, the physical and metaphysical worlds are one.
He told Waatea News that means much was read into matariki.
Dr Mataamua said Matariki was spread out this year, which he hopes augers well for the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup.
He is to give a public lecture on Maori astronomy at Massey University's Albany campus on Wednesday night.
