The Chathams are unique in New Zealand in that there are 3 cultures of people specific to the islands. Firstly and historically are Moriori. They settled these islands over 800 years ago. Kopinga Marae is the base for Te Imi Moriori and is adorned with carvings and artworks from contemporary Moriori artists. The revival of Moriori culture and language is facilitated from there.
The second group to arrive here were the Europeans. Among the locals are descendants of those early pakeha arrivals.
The third group to settle here after invading and claiming the islands in 1835 are Maori that whakapapa to Ngati Mutunga o Wharekarui. They have a marae and nn office building here on the islands and the Maori culture is very strong on the Chathams.
But the 3 distinctive cultures are Moriori, Maori and Chathams. The “Chathams” culture is a blend of all three ethnicities and has been shaped by the environment, the lifestyle, the contributions from each “ethnicity’ and a community that has learned to rely on each other and deal with whatever is thrown their way, usually with a grin and a great deal of determination. Kiwi ingenuity has nothing on Chatham Islands know-how.