This phrase is a poetic way to describe the Milky Way galaxy, which appears as a luminous band of stars stretching across the night sky.
Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
* Te awanui: This refers to a "great river" or "vast expanse of water".
* A rangi: This translates to "of the sky" or "belonging to the heavens".
Therefore, the phrase as a whole signifies the Milky Way as a vast, celestial river flowing through the sky.