Chatham Islands

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== Chatham Islands ==

The Chatham Islands (Māori: Rēkohu) are an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean about 800 kilometers east of New Zealand. The islands are part of New Zealand and are located in the Chatham Rise, a submerged part of the Zealandia continent. The Chatham Islands consist of about ten islands within a 40-kilometer radius, the largest of which are Chatham Island and Pitt Island.

Geography

The Chatham Islands cover a total area of approximately 966 square kilometers. The largest island, Chatham Island, is about 900 square kilometers in size, while Pitt Island is the second largest at around 65 square kilometers. The islands are characterized by rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and numerous lakes and lagoons. The highest point is Maungatere Hill on Chatham Island, which reaches an elevation of 299 meters.

History

The Chatham Islands were first settled by the Moriori, a Polynesian people, around the year 1500. The islands were later discovered by Europeans in 1791 when the British ship HMS Chatham, commanded by Lieutenant William R. Broughton, arrived. The islands were subsequently named after the ship.

In the early 19th century, the islands were invaded by the Ngāti Mutunga and Ngāti Tama tribes from mainland New Zealand, leading to the near extinction of the Moriori people. The Chatham Islands were formally annexed by New Zealand in 1842.

Demographics

As of the latest census, the population of the Chatham Islands is approximately 600 people. The majority of the population resides on Chatham Island, with a smaller community on Pitt Island. The main settlement is Waitangi, located on the western coast of Chatham Island.

Economy

The economy of the Chatham Islands is primarily based on fishing, farming, and tourism. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making fishing a significant industry. Sheep and cattle farming are also important, with the islands producing wool, meat, and other agricultural products. Tourism is growing, with visitors attracted to the islands' natural beauty and unique wildlife.

Flora and Fauna

The Chatham Islands are home to a variety of unique plant and animal species. Notable flora includes the Chatham Island forget-me-not and the Chatham Island akeake. The islands are also a habitat for several endemic bird species, such as the Chatham Island shag and the Chatham Island oystercatcher.

Related Pages

• Chatham Island
• Pitt Island
• Moriori
• Ngāti Mutunga
• Ngāti Tama
• Waitangi, Chatham Islands
• Zealandia