Tangi (ˈtaŋi)
"We want no king. We need no king. We will not accept a king over the Tāngata." - Hauariki Te Korowai
Tangi is an island in the Southern Region, located northwest of the big island of Atu Motu. It is a common stop for ships passing to and from the port of Tauranga, as it is considered one of the most idyllic places in the Great Ring. It is particularly known for the abundance of the Karakaara, a small and very sweet citrus fruit that is a favorite of many sailors.
Tangi is not densely populated, with only a few hundred Tāngata living there. The island is governed collectively by the Te Hono o Tangi hapū, which has actively decided to limit the island's population to preserve its paradisical qualities. While the Tāngata of Tangi do not practice Tulafafo and are welcoming to visitors, they have not embraced immigration or urbanization, fearing that to do so would strain the island's resources and destroy their way of life.
Conflict with the Whenua-Mārama
One threat that they see comes from the Whenua-Mārama hapū of Tauranga, and their advocacy for the Kīngitanga movement. This is a proposal to unite all the Tāngata people under a single ruler, so that they can better deal with threats external to their hapūs such as the increasing raids from the Kaikai. There are many Tāngata who strongly oppose this movement, seeing it as an attempt by Aoraki of the Whenua-Mārama to sieze power at the expense of Tāngata traditions. Those who oppose the Kīngitanga have formed the Te Ao Ngākau hapū. Many of the Tāngata of Tangi consider themselves members of this hapū, and strongly oppose the creation of a central Tāngata ruler.
This position has placed the Te Hono o Tangi in direct opposition to the Whenua-Mārama, and has created escalating tensions between Tangi and Tauranga. Most of the supporters of Te Ao Ngākau are located in southern Atu Motu, far from the Mārama region on the northern coast, and difficult for the Whenua-Mārama to reach. Tangi, on the other hand, is very accessible to the wealthy and powerful hapū. In recent years, Aoraki and the Whenua-Mārama have made covert threats of military action against the Te Hono o Tangi if they persist in opposing the Kīngitanga movement. Doing so would likely spark war across Atu Motu, and so far the people have Tangi believe Aoraki is bluffing.
Notable Spirits
The Atua of Tangi is named Whakanuia, the one who makes things thrive. Whakanuia will usually manifest as a tall and healthy Tāngata woman. She is the creator of the Karakaara trees, and will frequently be seen tending to them and collecting their fruit. According to legend, if you meet Whakanuia you can ask politely for one of the fruits she has collected. A Karakaara received from her hand is imbued with special properties, and those who eat it will be granted great health and vitality for a time.
Geography
Tangi is a long and thin island, measuring about twelve miles long and only six miles across at its widest point. It is hilly and forested, with very few flat areas except for the beaches along the shore. There is no major settlement on the island; the population is fairly evenly distributed, with family homes constructed throughout the forest.
Geographic Details
Location: Southern RegionLatitude: 1.34 degrees South
Longitude: 0.4 degrees West
Average Elevation: 52 ft
Highest Point: 758 ft
Lowest Point: 0 ft
Area: 36 sq mi
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