Ahaaha Rocks

Also known as the Ahaaha Islets, the islands are 3.62 km (2.25 mi) east of the Motuhurakia Islands.[2] The Ahaaha Rocks are approximately 1.2 m (3.9 ft) high near another outcropping called David Rocks. The Ahaaha Rocks are surrounded by a 0.4 km (0.25 mi) reef.[3] They are small islands located in the Hauraki Gulf of the Auckland region in New Zealand.[4]

They are part of a chain of islands and other rock stacks which are known as the Noises. They are thought to be 130 million years old. Ahaaha is one of the smaller islands and rocky reefs of the Noises.[5] On September 21, 1973 a large wooden motor yacht named the Rangiora collided with the Ahaaha Rocks which created a hole in the ship. Ten people were rescued from the sinking vessel. New Zealand Police, Royal New Zealand Coastguard, and two commercial ships were able to rescue the crew and passengers before it sank.[6][7] The yacht was holed, but was refloated and repaired.[6]

The Ahaaha Rocks is a rocky reef with a large variety of marine life including Goatfish, snapper, and spotty.[8][9] Consequently, it is reputed to be "another hot-bed for the Auckland boating populace" with Kingfish also being common.[10][11] The area contains spiny kelp or leather kelp known as Ecklonia radiata and the area around Ahaaha is a sponge habitat.[12]

The Covid 19 lockdown resulted in an enforced ban on recreational vessels. An observed increase in dolphin and fish communication ranges was discovered in many areas, including the Ahaaha Rocks.[13]

It is an occasional destination for intrepid sea kayakers.[14]

"Ahaaha" Is a word used for the canoe that the dead Araha were transported to in the sky. It has been translated as "lifted up lofty" or "the sky."[15] Or it may mean breeze or a species of fish. In the Hawaiian language, “For example, “Ka makani ka¯ ‘aha‘aha la‘i o Niua’ alludes to ‘the peaceful ‘aha‘aha breeze of Niua that drives in the ‘aha‘aha fish.’ In this example, ‘aha‘aha refers to both the fish and breeze of the same name. Fishermen knew that when this breeze blew, it was the right time to launch their canoes in search of the ‘aha‘aha fish.”[16][17][upper-alpha 1] In the Maori language "ahaaha" means "Alarm, shyness, want of confidence."[19] In the Tahitian language it means: "the name of a fish remarkable for its rapidity in swimming; rapidity, swiftness; a swift pursuer; to pursue, as a warrior his enemy; neat, smart, of genteel carriage; cadaverous, as a dead animal."[20] The Hawaiian Language defines it twice: "sitting squarely; uprightly" and "to pant; to breath hard on account of heat, as a hog or a dog."[21]^{[under discussion]}

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