HISTORY
History of Motu Kōkako
Motu Kōkako” is the Maori name for the motu / island, the origin of which is said to have eventuated in ancient times and literally translated means Kokako Island.
The Kokako is a bird that once inhabited the motu, whose feathers were valued by Ngapuhi.
Historically, young male warriors would journey to Motu Kōkako and climb its steep cliffs to gather Kokako feathers for their Korowai (feathered cloak). The motu has also been known as Piercy Island, a name given by Captain James Cook.
Bio-diversity of Motu Kōkako
Although small, in terms of conservation it is probably the most important island in the Bay of Islands’ (Taylor et Al 1991), University of Auckland Botany Dept.
The unique bio-diversity of the island is apparent with over 90 species of vascular plants, no predators and the island being ‘naturally’ pest-free.