Ōwenga

Ōwenga, also known as Ōuenga or Kowewenga, is a small settlement on Chatham Island, in New Zealand's Chatham Islands group. It is the second easternmost settlement in New Zealand, after Flower Pot Bay on Pitt Island and one of the five main settlements on Chatham Island. It is located in the southeast of the island, close to Cape Fournier.

History

Ōwenga was one of the earliest occupation areas for Moriori on the island, containing areas of archaeological evidence including coastal dune burials. The site was originally supported by a large Moriori population, however, the arrival of sealers and whalers to the Chathams brought disease, decimating the Moriori population. By 1867, there were only 30 Moriori living in the Ōwenga area. Ōwenga is home to a number of fishermen and now serves as the main departure point for Pitt Island; a boat ride that takes 50 minutes.

Services

The Wharf at Ōwenga was built in 2010 and is the home of many fishing boats. There is a fish factory, the Chatham Island Food Co, but no other shops.
There was one primary school, the Owenga School, which was founded in 1910. It was later disestablished on 11 April 2003.