[1] The island was originally known by the name Motu Mahurangi, and is a place of importance to Ngāti Manuhiri.

Mahurangi was a revered figure, who was able to ensure that the voyage to Aotearoa was possible through her skill.

Eventually, the name Mahurangi began to be applied to the wider area to the north, between Matakana and Waiwera.

[3] Tāmaki Māori people constructed a defensive pā on the island, likely in the 1600s.

[3] Today, the island forms a part of the Wenderholm Regional Park.