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Story: Tapa whenua – naming places

Motutapu Island

Motutapu Island

Motutapu Island is in Auckland Harbour. Islands named Motutapu (sacred island) are found throughout Polynesia, and generally stand at the entrance to main harbours. They were used by ocean travellers as safe resting places.

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GNS Science
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How to cite this page:

Rāwiri Taonui. 'Tapa whenua – naming places', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 10-Mar-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/tapa-whenua-naming-places/3/2