Our Place

Situated over 800km east of Aotearoa New Zealand, Rēkohu (Chatham Island) and surrounding islands including Rangihaute (Pitt island) are frequently described as both wild and beautiful.

Rēkohu is an island of unique character and characters, many willing to introduce you to both, and with its unique flora, fauna and geology, there is no shortage of fascinating places and species to encounter – including the kaimoana.

The resident ‘Islanders’ who sometimes refer to themselves as ‘Weka’ to distinguish themselves from ‘Kiwis’, are both strong and kind, their strength comes from their largely outdoor lifestyle of self-dependence, and their warmth comes from their close family ties and sense of community, where all understand the need to look out for one another on these remote isles.

Beyond its striking landscapes and resilient community, Rēkohu holds a deep and abiding significance not only for those who call it home but also for those who live afar yet feel an unbreakable connection to the henu, moana and their karāpuna. The Island’s wairu extends beyond its shores, calling back those whose roots lie here, no matter how far they may be. For many, Rēkohu is more than a place, it is a source of identity, belonging, and renewal, a reminder that henu and hokopapa transcend distance and time. So for many Moriori who are part of the widely scattered Moriori diaspora, a visit for the first time can be an emotionally charged ‘home-coming’ that will leave an indelible mark on you.

Explore our map to find some of sites of significance to Moriori, which have become part of our Treaty settlement redress.