Sub-region of Oceania with more than 1000 islands (9)

I believe the answer is:

polynesia

(Other definitions for polynesia that I've seen before include "Antipodeans around here" , "part embracing South Pacific" , "large group of islands" , "The islands of eastern Oceania" , "Islands including Hawaii, Tonga, Samoa, etc." .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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