Geography
There are two main islands and seven motus or islets in the Rakahanga lagoon. On the east these are Akaro, Motu Ngangie, Huananui, Motu Mahuta and Motu Okakara; while on the southwest side the islet of Te Kainga guards the widest passage into the lagoon. The only village, Rakahanga, seat of Rakahanga Island Council, is on the northwest side of the southern islet. A newer, official source lists five villages, which may just be the lineages living in the same village:
- Purapoto
- Niteiri
- Numahanga
- Teruakiore
- Matara (main settlement)
The island is just over 4 square kilometres in size and is so low lying that it is in serious danger from rising sea levels.
Read more about this topic: Rakahanga
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