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The Archipelago of the Chatham Islands ('''Rekohu''' in the Moriori Language and '''Wharekauri''' in the Māori Language ), consists of about 10 Island s within a 40- Km radius. The islands have officially belonged to New Zealand since 1842. GEOGRAPHY See also: Chatham Rise The islands as a grouping are located at about , roughly 800 km east of Christchurch , New Zealand . They cover a total of 966 km&2, almost all of which is in the two main islands, Chatham Island and Pitt Island . The two main islands are the only inhabited islands, with the smaller islands mostly conservation reserves with access restricted or prohibited. Names of the main islands are (in English, Māori and Moriori ):
, and other outlying islands.]] Some of these islands, once cleared for farming, are now preserved as nature reserves to conserve some of the flora and fauna that are unique to the Chatham Islands. The International Date Line lies to the east of the Chathams, even though the islands lie east of 180° longitude. Consequently, the Chatham Islands observe their own time, 45 minutes ahead of New Zealand Time , including during periods of daylight saving. (New Zealand Time orients itself to 180° longitude.) Chatham Island is an Antipode Point of the French department of Hérault ( Languedoc-Rousillon ). Ecology and biodiversity Most of the land is fern or pasture covered, although there are some areas of forest. Of interest are the Macrocarpa trees, with branches trailing almost horizontally in the lee of the wind. The islands are hilly – Pitt more so than Chatham – although the highest point (299 m) is located on a plateau near the southernmost point of the main island. The main island of the chain is dotted with numerous lakes and lagoons, notably the large Te Whanga Lagoon . Other lakes on Chatham include Huro and Rangitahi. The main island has streams including Te Awainanga and Tuku. The island is home to a number of Endemic Bird s. The most famous species of the islands are the Magenta Petrel and the Black Robin , both of which came periously close to extinction before being saved through Conservation efforts. Other endemic species are the Chatham Island Oystercatcher , the Chatham Gerygone , the Parea or Chatham Islands Pigeon, Forbes' Parakeet , the Chatham Islands Snipe and the Shore Plover . Several species have also gone Extinct , including the Chatham Islands Raven and the Chatham Islands Fernbird . HISTORY |
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