Waiheke

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Waiheke is the largest island in the Pasifika area, (not counting Rangiwhero itself) and is home to nearly ten thousand Pasifikan islanders spread over several villages. Much of the land is cultivated, however there are a few forests left. The island is rather elongated being 15 miles from west tip to east tip and only seven miles wide at the widest point.

It was the first island occupied by the Pasifikans and is traditionally the main meeting point and trading area for all the islands. Every year there is a large gathering of tribes from all over the island, as well as some from other islands, where there are competitions, trading and celebrations. This is usually held at the beginning of spring, marked by the rising of Matariki in the dawn sky. The chiefs take this opportunity to get together to discuss matters and resolve grievances.

The island is also known for it's large sandy beaches and waves. It was on this island that the sport of surfing was invented.