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Story: Tapa whenua – naming places

Motutapu Island

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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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How to cite this page

Rāwiri Taonui, Tapa whenua – naming places – Traditions and place names from Polynesia, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/18646/motutapu-island (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Rāwiri Taonui, published 1 March 2009.