Professor Rangi Matamua, of Hamilton, ONZM for services to Māori astronomy
Professor Rangi Matamua (Tūhoe) has widely written on Matariki, identifying the nine stars Māori perceived in the cluster, in contrast to the seven associated with the Pleiades in European tradition. He is a professor at Massey University’s School of Māori Knowledge, and has undertaken significant research in Māori language revitalisation, Māori culture, and astronomy. He is a board member of the Society for Māori Astronomy Research and Traditions. He was the first Māori to win the Prime Minister’s Science Prize and is a Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. He is the Government’s Chief Advisor Mātauranga Matariki. He uses his social media platform to engage with diverse audiences, speaking in te Reo Māori and English, educating on astronomy. Professor Matamua gives regular presentations around New Zealand and internationally.