History of Mangaia

Before missionary settlement Mangaia was ruled by fierce warriors, in a constant struggle for land and crops. The first recorded European to arrive to Mangaia was Captain Cook in 1777. Long ago, during a trip to London, Numangatini, or "King" John of Mangaia, received from Queen Victoria herself a Union Jack. The flag still exists, albeit in two pieces, half is supposed to be in Oneroa, and the other half in Tonga.

Birds described from sub fossil remains that became extinct as a consequence of human settlement of the island and the introduction of exotic mammals include the Mangaia Rail (Gallirallus