Kautea (kaʊˈtea)
Kautea is a long, thin island in the Southern Region, just off the northwestern coast of Atu Motu. It is sometimes called Tauranga's Wall because it shelters the harbor at Tauranga from ocean waves and currents. The island is controlled by the Kautea Nui hapū, which has nearly a thousand members among the villages of Kautea. The largest village on the island is called Onepū Rangi, and is directly across the harbor from Tauranga.
On the opposite side of the island is found the village of Taurapuru. This port is known for whaling vessels that call it home, and some of the most skilled whalers in the Great Ring are from here. Much of Kautea's prosperity depends on the whalers of Taurapuru and the trade goods they bring.
Notable Spirits
The island of Kautea is heavily forested, with the kauri tree making up a large component of woods. This tree is considered sacred to the Atua of Kautea, Tērākauwairua. According to legends, there is a gigantic kauri tree somewhere in the forests that serves as the heart of Tērākauwairua and the source of their power, but only those who have the god's blessing can approach the grove where it is located.
Geography
Kautea is the fifth largest island in Atuao'umi with an area of about 110 square miles. It is about 27 miles long and a little more than four miles wide on average. It is surrounded by several smaller islands and islets, all of which are less than 1 square mile in area. The highest point on Kautea is the extinct volcano called Maunga Manu, directly in the center of the island.
Geographic Details
Location: Southern RegionLatitude: 0.05 degrees South
Longitude: 0.08 degrees West
Average Elevation: 102 ft
Highest Point: 2,037 ft (Maunga Manu)
Lowest Point: -7 ft
Area: 110 sq mi
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