Motunui

This is an article related to the Commonwealth of New Duveland

Motunui
City
Clockwise from top: Motunui's city centre, Bank of Australasia Stadium, Avaiki Central Tower, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, The Avaikian Assembly Building
Country	New Duveland
Associated state	Avaiki
Region	Motunui
Settled	1857
Government
• Mayor	Niko Tapu
Area
• Total	36.7 km2 (14.2 sq mi)
Elevation	0–435 m (0–1,427.17 ft)
Population  (2024)
• Total	51,346
• Rank	54th
• Density	1,400/km2 (3,600/sq mi)
Demographics
• Languages	Avaikian English
• Ethnic groups	93% Avaikians 7% other
Time zone	UTC+13 (UTC)
Major airport	Avaiki-Motunui International Airport

Motunui is the capital and largest city of Avaiki, is located on the central west coast of the Avaikian mainland, and is home to roughly 80% of all Avaikian, with a population of 51,346 as of 2024. The city lies within the Motunui Region, one of the four regions in the territory, and the city's boundaries roughly align to the region. The city lies on a harbour protected by the open ocean by both the Otuhaka Lagoon's barrier atoll islands, as well as the smaller island of Fua'amotu to the south. At 520 m (1,710 ft), Sapa'ata closes the city off from the west coast and forms a larger valley where the city is located with the 1,535 m (5,036 ft) tall Ma'unga Tapu on the city's eastern side.

The city is the primary centre of Avaikian public and private governmental, commercial, industrial, and financial services, the hub of Avaikian tourism and a commonly used port of call. The name "Motunui" can be broken down into components derived from Polynesian languages, particularly those related to Avaikian and Tongan. In many Polynesian languages, "motu" means "island" and "nui" means "large" or "great." Therefore, the name "Motunui" can be interpreted to mean "Great Island" or "Large Island," reflecting its significance as the capital city and its importance within Avaiki.

History

Motunui's history pre-dates it's European settlement by almost two millennia. An Austronesian-speaking group associated with the Lapita culture, which spanned from Island Melanesia to Samoa, began to inhabit Avaiki sometime between 1500 and 1000 BC. This migration is part of a broader pattern of Austronesian expansion across the Pacific. Although scholars continue to debate the precise timing of Avaiki's initial settlement, thorium dating has provided evidence that settlers had established the earliest known inhabited town, Motunui, by 888 BC. The settlement would be abandoned several times over the course of history as by the 12th century then area, as well as all of Avaiki, would be controlled by the Tuʻi Tonga monarch. Avaikians would resist Tongan rules numerous times, but would suffer devastating conditions. As such, while Motunui was inhabited as early as 888 BC, only from it's settlement as a European colony has it been maintained connectively.

The arrival of Abel Tasman in Motunui, 1643; drawing by Isaack Gilsemans.

Abel Tasman arrived in Motunui in 1643, and would be the first of many European explorers to visit the area, with notable visitors such as James Cook of the British Royal Navy, who made multiple visits in 1773, 1774, and 1777, significantly contributing to European knowledge of the region. Spanish explorers also reached the islands, with Francisco Mourelle de la Rúa arriving in 1781 and Alessandro Malaspina in 1793. The first London missionaries arrived in 1797, marking the beginning of significant cultural and religious influences from Europe. This period saw the introduction of Christianity to the region, which had lasting impacts on the local culture and social structure.

New Duveland troops in Motunui, c. 1914–15.

Prior to becoming a German colony, Motunui served as a regional capital for Avaiki under the Kingdom of Tonga, under the leadership of the ambitious Tongan warrior Tāufaʻāhau. Tāufaʻāhau's reforms also led to the establishment of a code of law that provided a framework for governance, land tenure systems that regulated property ownership, and the freedom of the press, which allowed for a more informed and engaged populace. With the assistance of Methodist missionaries, Tāufaʻāhau oversaw the religious transformation of Avaiki. This transition involved moving the island's religious practices from traditional Tongan beliefs to the Free Church of Tonga.

The island was formally split from the rest of Tonga during the wave of European colonisation, with the rest of the Tongan islands becoming a protected state under a Treaty of Friendship with Britain on 18 May 1900, while Avaiki came under the control of the German Empire, which governed it as German Avaiki with Motunui as the capital. All power over the islands came direct from the German colonial Governor in Motunui. On 29 August 1914, in the first month of World War I, troops from the New Duveland Expeditionary Force landed unopposed in Motunui and seized control from the German authorities. This action was taken at the behest of Great Britain, which had requested New Duveland to undertake this "great and urgent imperial service." This transfer of control marked the end of German colonial rule and the beginning of a new chapter in Avaiki's history under New Duveland administration.

Motunui remained the capital of the territory throughout transitions of status from a Mandate of New Duveland from the 10 January 1920, to a United Nations trust territory of New Duveland in 1946, an finally, an Associated state in 1960. On 14 March 1960, a constitution was promulgated. The first Monday in July is celebrated each year as Constitution Day.

The city suffered damage from the January 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption, where a small tsunami inundated parts of the city, although most of the capital was protected from the tsunami due to it's geography, it suffered heavy ash cover. The eruption also cut off most communications and killed four people in the city. New Duveland Defence Force came to the islands shortly after, helping in search & rescue as well as rebuilding. The federal government in Macquarie has since contributed over $ND 20 million in rebuilding efforts.

Geography

The coastal Sapa’ata Ranges on the eastern edge of the city, as seen from Veitogo Atoll.

Motunui
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D     174   29 23     210   30 24     206   30 24     165   29 22     111   27 20     95   26 20     95   25 18     117   25 18     122   25 19     128   26 20     123   28 21     175   29 23 █ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C █ Precipitation totals in mm
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column Template:Climate chart/fahrenheit column █ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F █ Precipitation totals in inches

Motunui's central business district is situated on the southern side of the Motunui peninsula, located on the west coast of Tefito’i, Avaiki's mainland. This area is shielded from the open ocean by the barrier islands and reefs of the Otuhaka Lagoon. The suburbs of Motunui extend across the peninsula but are confined to the east by the Sapa’ata Ranges, a small coastal mountain range that encloses the city within a large valley. Additionally, the eastern boundary of the city is safeguarded by Ma’unga Tapu mountain, although politically the mountain is outside of the city's boundaries, at 1,535 m (5,036 ft) tall it dominates the city's skyline. The city's harbor is strategically protected at its mouth by Fua’amotu Island, allowing access to the Otuhaka Lagoon and its various resorts and hotels situated on the barrier islands. Notable accommodations include the Motunui Barrier Resort on Tuanekevale and the Intercontinental Avaiki on Toula Island. The Motunui Region encompasses a total of 16 islands and islets, with its highest point being Mount Sapa’ata, which rises to 520 m (1,710 ft) above sea level. This geographical layout not only provides natural protection to the city but also enhances its appeal as a tourist destination with its scenic harbor and luxurious resorts.

Climate

Motunui features a tropical rainforest climate (Af) under the Köppen climate classification. The area does experience noticeably wetter and drier periods during the year, but it does not have a true dry season month where monthly precipitation falls below 60 millimetres (2.4 in). Temperatures are slightly warmer during January and February where average temperatures hover around 25 °C (77 °F) than June and July where the average temperatures is roughly 21 °C (70 °F). Motunui sees a little more than 1,530 millimetres (60 in) of precipitation annually. As the trade winds are almost permanent and cyclones are not rare in Motunui, the climate is not equatorial but maritime trade-wind tropical climate.

Climate data for Motunui (Elevation: 2m)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	32 (90)	32 (90)	31 (88)	30 (86)	30 (86)	28 (82)	28 (82)	28 (82)	28 (82)	29 (84)	30 (86)	31 (88)	32 (90)
Average high °C (°F)	29.4 (84.9)	29.9 (85.8)	29.6 (85.3)	28.5 (83.3)	26.8 (80.2)	25.8 (78.4)	24.9 (76.8)	24.8 (76.6)	25.3 (77.5)	26.4 (79.5)	27.6 (81.7)	28.7 (83.7)	27.3 (81.1)
Daily mean °C (°F)	26.4 (79.5)	26.8 (80.2)	26.6 (79.9)	25.3 (77.5)	23.6 (74.5)	22.7 (72.9)	21.5 (70.7)	21.5 (70.7)	22.0 (71.6)	23.1 (73.6)	24.4 (75.9)	25.6 (78.1)	24.1 (75.4)
Average low °C (°F)	23.4 (74.1)	23.7 (74.7)	23.6 (74.5)	22.1 (71.8)	20.3 (68.5)	19.5 (67.1)	18.1 (64.6)	18.2 (64.8)	18.6 (65.5)	19.7 (67.5)	21.1 (70.0)	22.5 (72.5)	20.9 (69.6)
Record low °C (°F)	16 (61)	17 (63)	15 (59)	15 (59)	13 (55)	11 (52)	10 (50)	11 (52)	11 (52)	12 (54)	13 (55)	16 (61)	10 (50)
Average rainfall mm (inches)	174 (6.9)	210 (8.3)	206 (8.1)	165 (6.5)	111 (4.4)	95 (3.7)	95 (3.7)	117 (4.6)	122 (4.8)	128 (5.0)	123 (4.8)	175 (6.9)	1,721 (67.8)
Average rainy days	17	19	19	17	15	14	15	13	13	11	12	15	180
Average relative humidity (%)	77	78	79	76	78	77	75	75	74	74	73	75	76

Administration

The Avaikian Assembly building in Motunui.

The national government of Avaiki is headquartered in Motunui, where the Parliament of Avaiki convenes in the Avaikian Assembly building. This assembly is composed of 20 members who represent the legislative branch of the government. In addition to housing the national assembly, the Avaikian Assembly building also accommodates the city's town hall, located in its west wing. The original town hall building was destroyed during a cyclone, necessitating its relocation to the assembly building. This centralization of governmental functions within a single complex underscores Motunui's role as the political and administrative heart of Avaiki. The assembly building not only serves as the venue for legislative activities but also provides a space for local governance and community affairs, highlighting its multifaceted importance to the city's infrastructure and civic life.

Niko Tapu is the current Mayor of the city.

The Planning and Urban Management Act 2004 was enacted by the Assembly to address the challenges associated with the urban growth of Avaiki's built-up areas, with a specific emphasis on the future urban management of Motunui. Historically, Motunui has experienced unstructured growth, evolving from a village to a colonial trading post, and eventually into the island's primary financial and business center. This rapid and unplanned expansion has led to significant infrastructural issues within the city. The Act aims to provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable urban development, addressing problems such as inadequate transportation networks, insufficient public services, and the need for improved housing and commercial facilities. By establishing guidelines for urban planning and management, the legislation seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents, ensure efficient use of resources, and preserve the cultural and historical heritage of Motunui while supporting its continued growth and modernization.

The city's day to day affairs are looked after by the Mayor, currently Niko Tapu, like most other mayors ran an independent campaign and was successfully re-elected at the end of 2023 for another 3 years.

The city hosts a couple diplomatic missions, namely the High Commissions of New Duveland, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. China, Japan and the West Pacific also have embassies in the city. Most other embassies and high commissions are accredited to Avaiki that reside outside the country, namely in Suva and Macquarie.

Economy

Avaiki Central Tower is the tallest building in the city.

Motunui serves as Avaiki's most crucial harbor and the epicentre of the nation's trade activities. The city is a hub for major industries such as agriculture and fishing, which continue to play a significant role in its economy. In recent years, tourism has emerged as an increasingly vital sector, particularly attracting visitors from New Duveland, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2020, Motunui welcomed over 150,000 visitors, resulting in the development of numerous hotel towers, primarily situated along the coastal areas. As the gateway for tourism activities in Avaiki, Motunui hosts the country's tourist office, the Avaiki Visitors Bureau, which is conveniently located near the main cruise port and yacht club. This office provides essential tourist information and facilitates communication with guest houses in remote areas via radio. Additionally, Motunui is home to several bank branches, including the Bank of New Duveland, Bank of Australasia, and Westpac, underscoring its role as a financial centre. The city's connectivity is enhanced by an extensive network of water taxis, ferries, and buses, linking it to other parts of Avaiki. As the first port of entry for tourists visiting the islands, Motunui plays a pivotal role in shaping visitors' experiences and promoting Avaiki's cultural and natural attractions.

Transport

Gas station in Motunui.

The city of Motunui lacks a comprehensive public transit system and predominantly relies on taxis, private buses, and water taxis for transportation. The Avaiki-Motunui International Airport, which serves as the primary gateway for air travel, is situated just outside the city boundaries in the Tokerau Region to the north. Motunui is unique in that it has no traffic lights, with major interchanges managed instead by roundabouts. The city's only true public transportation is a modest bus network that extends from the city center to its northern suburbs and connects outlying towns on Tefito’i. The main bus transfer station is located adjacent to the city's port, where multiple private and public bus lines converge. The government regulates bus fares, offering reduced rates for children, and also sets taxi fares to prevent overcharging. The majority of transportation within the city is conducted using residents' own cars, which navigate a well-maintained road network. Most main roads are sealed and in good condition, while the less frequently used roads remain unsealed.

Demographics

80% of Avaikians live in Motunui.

As of 2024, Motunui is home to 51,346 people, comprising roughly 80% of Avaiki's entire population. When compared to cities in New Duveland, Motunui is a modest-sized town, ranking 54th overall in terms of population. The city is characterized by a unique blend of European and indigenous cultural and living patterns, reflecting the island's colonial history and native traditions. According to the latest New Duveland census, Avaikians, who are predominantly Polynesian with some Melanesian ancestry, represent more than 93% of the city's inhabitants. Approximately 2.1% of the population are of mixed Avaikian heritage, while the remaining population includes Europeans (primarily British), mixed Europeans, Asians, and other Pacific Islanders. This diverse demographic composition contributes to the rich cultural tapestry of Motunui, making it a vibrant and dynamic city that embodies both historical influences and contemporary multiculturalism.

Religion

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is one of the most recognised landmarks of the city.

Most of the population in Motunui adheres to Christianity, with various Protestant groups comprising 62.8% of the believers. The largest Protestant denomination is the Avaiki Christian Church, which is followed by 49.1% of the population. Other notable Protestant groups include the Seventh-day Adventist Church at 7.9%, the Assemblies of God at 3.7%, and the Apostolic Church at 2.1%. The main non-Protestant Christian group are Catholics, which accounts for 17% of the population. Additionally, 4.4% of the inhabitants are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This religious landscape reflects the diverse Christian heritage of the city, which has been influenced by various missionary activities and historical developments over the centuries.

Sport

Bank of Australasia Stadium is the largest stadium in Avaiki.

Avaiki's national Rugby union and Rugby league teams are based in Motunui, with their home grounds at the Bank of Australasia Stadium, which is conveniently located near the city centre. Rugby union is the most popular sport in Avaiki, enjoying a strong following among both men and women. The sport is deeply embedded in the community, with local clubs and schools playing a crucial role in nurturing talent from a young age. Avaiki's national rugby union team competes in New Duveland's national rugby union tournament, showcasing the island's prowess in the sport. Although Avaiki does not have its own rugby league team, many players from Motunui have been successfully recruited into several of New Duveland's National Rugby League (NRL) teams. This involvement in rugby league highlights the significant contribution of Avaiki's athletes to the broader sporting landscape of New Duveland. The prominence of rugby union and the participation of local players in rugby league emphasize the importance of these sports in the cultural and social fabric of Avaiki.