Pitt Island

Pitt Island is a significant landmass in the Pacific Ocean. It is the second largest island within the Chatham Islands group. The island is located about 800 kilometers east of New Zealand's main islands. It sits to the southeast of Chatham Island. A body of water known as the Pitt Strait separates the two islands. The geography of the island is characterized by hilly terrain. Its highest elevation is Waihere Head, which rises above sea level.

One unique feature of the island is Kahuitara Point. Based on the local time zone, this is the first populated location on Earth to observe a sunrise in each new year. This makes the point a notable geographical landmark. The island's landscape includes various coastal features. For example, Flower Pot Bay is located in the northwest part of the island.

The history of the island involves several different groups of people. Originally, the island was inhabited by the Moriori. They were the indigenous people of the Chatham Islands. The Moriori called the island Rangiaotea or Rangihaute. Today, archaeologists find large quantities of artefacts across the island. These artefacts are physical remains of their past lives. While no remains of momori rakau are visible now, records show they were once present. In 1835, Taranaki Maori invaded the Chatham Islands. They called the island Rangiauria, a name that remains in use today.

European contact with the area happened in stages. In November 1791, the crew of William Robert Broughton's ship saw Chatham Island. However, they did not see Pitt Island. Captain Charles Johnston was the first European to see the island in May 1807. He named it "Pitt's Island" after William Pitt, the 1st Earl of Chatham. By 1840, the name was simplified to Pitt Island. European settlers began arriving at Flower Pot Bay in 1843. The history of the waters around the island is also marked by shipwrecks. In January 1827, the Australian sealing brig Glory was wrecked on the island. This site is now known as Glory Bay.

Modern life on Pitt Island relies on specific economic activities. The main sources of income for residents are farming, commercial fishing, and tourism. The island exports live sheep and cattle to mainland New Zealand. However, the island must import fuel and most manufactured goods. A supply ship visits the island approximately every three months. The local population is small. In 2000, the population was about 38 people. In 2011, the Pitt Island School served only eight children. These students were between the ages of 6 and 12.

Infrastructure on the island is adapted to its isolated location. There is a wharf, a church, and a school. For aviation, there is a grass landing strip for light planes. A gravel road connects Flower Pot Bay to this airstrip. Air Chathams operates a Cessna 206 to fly between Pitt and Chatham islands. Because there is no central power grid, each household generates its own electricity. Residents use either diesel generators or wind turbines. Despite this isolation, most homes have broadband internet and satellite TV. Transportation often involves quad bikes, four wheel drives, or occasionally horses.

Nature and conservation are important to the island's management. The New Zealand Department of Conservation is active on Pitt Island. They work with several landowners to administer various reserves and covenanted areas. The island's flora and fauna include flocks of feral Saxon Merino sheep. These sheep live in the wild across the hilly landscape. The island remains a distinct part of the Chatham Islands ecosystem.