Re: Mangaia aka Auau

As a real polynesian joined the lagoon, I wanted to know a bit more about her island, starting as often with the weeell-known-but-some-apparently-not-aware-of-so-spread-the-words Wikipedia.
Once in a while, french version is the most talkative (only tested english and german, though). A brief summary of what's being said for non-french speaking lagooners:
Despite of his age (18 million years old) the island still has his basaltic nucleus above sea level.
Population decreasing: 2000 in the 70's, 654 2006.
Three main different population sources (by order of arrival): Ngariki (emanating from Tahiti through Rarotonga?), Tongaiti (Tonga or Rarotonga), Aitu (from Tahiti?). Three more repelled invasions attempts lately, from Rarotonga, Aitukaki and Ngaputoru.
I've always been astonished by the sailing capabilities of Maoris, Polynesians... Just look at a map, consider the Pacific's rages and instruments/boats available at that time, and you'll have an idea of what I mean.
The oral tradition has a different (beautiful) version about Ngariki: they're descending from Vari ma te Takere (her right thigh, more precisely), who lived in Avaiki (could be translated by something like Souls Underworld).
Another possibility for Auau ethymology: a yellow hibiscus.
Coordinates: 21° 55′ 17″ S 157° 55′ 23″ W
My knowledge of polynesian culture being very limited, Raelee would be most welcome correcting any mistake.
Once in a while, french version is the most talkative (only tested english and german, though). A brief summary of what's being said for non-french speaking lagooners:
Despite of his age (18 million years old) the island still has his basaltic nucleus above sea level.
Population decreasing: 2000 in the 70's, 654 2006.
Three main different population sources (by order of arrival): Ngariki (emanating from Tahiti through Rarotonga?), Tongaiti (Tonga or Rarotonga), Aitu (from Tahiti?). Three more repelled invasions attempts lately, from Rarotonga, Aitukaki and Ngaputoru.
The oral tradition has a different (beautiful) version about Ngariki: they're descending from Vari ma te Takere (her right thigh, more precisely), who lived in Avaiki (could be translated by something like Souls Underworld).
Another possibility for Auau ethymology: a yellow hibiscus.
Coordinates: 21° 55′ 17″ S 157° 55′ 23″ W
My knowledge of polynesian culture being very limited, Raelee would be most welcome correcting any mistake.
