Have you ever considered that the Chatham Islands might be the best “out of the way” spot for a holiday this summer? The beaches of Rekohu are spectacular and the scenery is delightful. If you dont believe me, have a look at this site then. While you are there check out the ‘culture’ page as well and see what the Chatham Island culture is all about. Moriori European and Maori influences all combine together to form the culture of the islands.
The Moriori people are infamous for their peaceful history and Nunuku’s ‘covenant of peace’ which was a law brought forth by the chief Nunuku hundreds of years ago.
Moriori hokopapa or genealogy goes back hundreds of years and through many generations. During this period Moriori transformed from fierce and capable warriors, to a non-combatant people living in harmony with each other and the environment on Rekohu. This existence was uninterrupted until 1791 when Europeans ‘re-discovered’ the islands, beginning a series of events that would result in the destruction of many of the resources that Moriori had carefully marshalled for generation after generation. Ultimately, in only 142 years, it was to lead to the believed extinction of a whole ‘race’ of people. In 1933 the last known full-blooded Moriori, Tame Horomona Rehe, more commonly known as Tommy Solomon, passed away.
The covenant of peace, or Nunuku’s Law is forming the core of a Moriori renaissance on Rekohu as descendents of Tommy Solomon and other Moriori are rekindling the candle of peace. The construction of Kopinga Marae (meeting house) has been a huge step on the path to revitalising the Morori people and taking their rightful place in Chatham Island and New Zealand history, society and culture.
Visitors to the islands are always amazed by the opportunities to see and study Moriori history and culture, presumably because they think that Moriori are extinct.
Moriori are Moriori and they are a living people.
Pitt island also has some pretty awesome scenery. Check out these two pages ( Pitt1, Pitt2) for some fantastic photgraphs of Pitt Island and then contact education-resources.co.nz for details on how and where to stay on the Chathams and Pitt Island.
For the best in visitor experiences to Rekohu, try the Rekohu Experience. Contact Chatham Lodge for a quote on your next package holiday deal. You might be pleasantly surprised.
“Experience Rekohu with the Rekohu Experience.”
Chatham Lodge is the number one tourist destination on Rekohu and is the venue that best suits the discerning traveller.
