Mata Utu

Mata Utu

Matāʻutu
Mata Utu Matāʻutu
	Top: Mata Utu coastline; Middle: Uvea Royal Palace,Matâ'Utu Cathedral;Bottom: Mata Utu Harbor, Traditional house
	Location of Mata-Utu
	Coordinates:13°17′S176°11′W/ 13.283°S 176.183°W
Country	France
Collectivity	Wallis and Futuna
Island	Wallis
Chiefdom	Uvea
District	Hahake
Capital of	Wallis and Futuna
Population (2018)
• Total	1,029

Mata Utu(French pronunciation:[matautu];ʻUvean:Matāʻutu,[mataːʔutu]) is thecapital cityofWallis and Futuna,anoverseas collectivityof France. It is located on theislandofUvéa(ʻUvea), in the district ofHahake,of which it is also the capital. It is one of two ports in Wallis and Futuna, the other being atLeavaonFutuna.Hihifo Airport,the main airport serving the island and city, is 5.6 kilometres (3.5 mi) to the northwest. Its population was 1,029 in 2018,^[1]up from 815 in 1998.^[2]

The most prominent landmarks in the town are theMatâ'Utu Cathedral,the palace next to it and backdrop of the Mt. Lulu Fakahega where there is an old chapel.^[3]

History

In medieval times,Tuʻi Tongainvaders waged war against the islanders and took control. They installed the first chiefs, and called them theUveas,which became the ruling dynasty of the two islands; they are based at Mata-Utu to this day. During recent archaeological excavations of the area, fortifications built by theTongans(circa theMiddle Ages) were unearthed, at nearbyTalierumuandMalama Tagata.

Catholic missionaries,who came to the island in 1837, ensured that the entire population of the islands was converted toChristianity,in a short period of five years. During this time, missionaries not only protected the islanders from the “highhandedness” of the Europeans, but also ensured that a number of churches were built; mainly at Mata-Utu, but also atMu’aandVaitupuislands.

In the 19th century, Mata-Utu was developed into a town from a small village, by the French (who installed most of Wallis & Futuna's major facilities). Historically, pigs, poultry, yams, bananas, and coconut were available to arriving boats.^[4]During World War II, theFree FrenchsloopChevreuillanded a detachment ofFrench Marinesat Mata-Utu. A small skirmish ensued, after whichVichy Frenchdissidents were taken captive, and the island’s radio communications centre was overtaken.^[5]Francis Fox Parry of the 1st Battalion of the 11th Marines also landed here.^[5]

Geography

Mata-Utu is the largest urban centre onWallis Island,which lies between Tahiti and Nouméa.^[3]Uvea or Wallis island with Mata’Utu as its capital has an area of 60 km²and is part of the larger Wallis archipelago. It is surrounded by coral reefs. Mata’Utu is the administrative headquarters and business capital of the Wallis islands.^[6]It is located on the eastern coast, along the main coast road RT1. The north-south RT1 and RT3, coming from the west, intersect in the town centre.^[7]Mata-Utu is one of two ports in Wallis and Futuna, the other being atLeava.^[8]There are several small islets in the lagoon offshore beyondMata-Utu Bay(Baie de Mata'utu), includingLuaniva,Fugalei,Nukuhione,andNukuhifala;the islets are a good place for ships to anchor as the shore at Mata-Utu Bay is not adequate for this purpose.^[9]^[10]Mata Utu Bay lies about 3 miles (5 km) to the northeast ofMua Bay.^[11]

Climate

Climate data for MATA-UTU, WALLIS AND FUTUNA
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	30.3 (86.5)	30.4 (86.7)	30.3 (86.5)	30.3 (86.5)	29.7 (85.5)	29.4 (84.9)	28.9 (84.0)	29.1 (84.4)	29.3 (84.7)	29.5 (85.1)	29.9 (85.8)	30.3 (86.5)	29.8 (85.6)
Daily mean °C (°F)	27.4 (81.3)	27.5 (81.5)	27.4 (81.3)	27.4 (81.3)	27.0 (80.6)	26.9 (80.4)	26.5 (79.7)	26.6 (79.9)	26.8 (80.2)	26.9 (80.4)	27.1 (80.8)	27.4 (81.3)	27.1 (80.7)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	24.4 (75.9)	24.5 (76.1)	24.5 (76.1)	24.4 (75.9)	24.3 (75.7)	24.4 (75.9)	24.0 (75.2)	24.1 (75.4)	24.2 (75.6)	24.2 (75.6)	24.3 (75.7)	24.4 (75.9)	24.3 (75.8)
Averageprecipitationmm (inches)	381.4 (15.02)	301.3 (11.86)	373.5 (14.70)	287.6 (11.32)	258.4 (10.17)	159.3 (6.27)	186.5 (7.34)	149.9 (5.90)	221.1 (8.70)	330.4 (13.01)	322.9 (12.71)	350.3 (13.79)	3,322.6 (130.79)
Average rainy days	20	19	19	16	16	14	14	14	14	19	17	19	201
Source: Weatherbase^[12]

Cityscape

Downtown Mata-Utu is dominated by theMatâ'Utu Cathedral,a French national monument, which bears the royal insignia of Wallis, aMaltese crossbetween its towers.^[13]The cathedral is also known as "Our Lady of Good Hope Cathedral", which overlooks the lagoon. Within its vicinity there are, as well as several restaurants, the Au Bon Marche and Oceania market, hotels and the post office, and the simplePalace of the King of Uvéa,which features two-storey verandas adjoining the church.^[3]^[6]

There is also a platform known locally asFale Fonoon the opposite side of the wharf which was used by the chief of the local tribes to address people. The hill known as the Mt. Lulu Fakahega, which rises to a height of 145 m, forms the backdrop of the village. It has an old chapel at the top. This site is accessed by a short and narrow road and the view from the top of the hill is particularly scenic.^[3]

The town contains the rugby stadiumStade Laione Rugby,Stade Lomipeau,Stade de Kafikain the western suburbs andSia Hospital.^[7]^[10]There are no street names in Mata-Utu.^[13]Telephone facilities, banking facilities and other essential services are all available in the town.

Economy

The economy of the island is dependent on its chief produce of copra, cassava, yams,taroroots, and bananas. Livestock consists of 25,000 pigs and 7,000 goats. The unit of currency is theCFP franc.The balance of imports is not favorable to the islands as imports exceed exports.^[2]

Services

The magistrate's court of Wallis and Futuna is located in Mata-Utu.^[14]Radio Wallis et Futuna is broadcast from Mata-Utu.^[15]A short distance out of town are the police station and shopping mall. There is also a branch of theIndosuez Bankin Mata-Utu, and a thermal power station.^[2]The Uvéa Shop sells cassettes of the music of the Wallisian singer and composerPalisio Tuauliof the bandTalamohe.^[16]The town lacks a tourist information center.^[13]

A cargo shipping service connects to Mata’Utu on Wallis andLeavaon Futuna withNouméa.As of 1995, there were eight cargo vessels with a total capacity of 146128 DWT.^[2]TheHihifo Airportserves Mata’Utu and Wallis Island is 6 km (4 mi) northwest of the town.

Culture

The cultural identity of the Wallis's islanders is Wallisian, an offshoot of Polynesian culture. The language spoken in the town and on the island is 'Uvean, a derivative of Western Polynesian with close affinity toTongan.In Wallis island, Wallisians use 'Uvean as their everyday language, while French is the language of the administration.

Assumption Dayis celebrated in Mata-Utu on August 15.^[17]

Near Mata-Utu are two important archaeological sites,Talietumu^[18]andTonga Toto.^[19]

Uvea Museum Association,in the shopping centre, is a military history museum that records the Second World War history of the territory.^[20]

References

^^a ^b"Census2018".Statistics Wallis and Futuna.Retrieved2020-03-21.
^^a ^b ^c ^dAdemuni Odeke; Dr. Ademuni-Odeke (1998).Bareboat and Charter (Ship) Registration.Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. pp. 517–.ISBN 978-90-411-0513-4.Retrieved6 May2013.
^^a ^b ^c ^dDavid Stanley (2004).Moon Handbooks South Pacific.David Stanley. pp.567–.ISBN 978-1-56691-411-6.Retrieved6 May2013.
^United States. Hydrographic Office (1916).Publications(Public domain ed.). Government Printing Office. pp. 395–.Retrieved5 May2013.
^^a ^bRill, James C. (23 September 2008).History of the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines.Lulu. p. 41.ISBN 978-1-4357-5810-0.
^^a ^bSouth Pacific 4.Lonely Planet. 2009. pp. 616–.ISBN 978-1-74104-786-8.Retrieved6 May2013.
^^a ^b"Mata Utu"(Map).Google Maps.Retrieved5 May2013.
^Page, Kogan (1 October 2003).Asia and Pacific Review 2003/4: The Economic and Business Report.Kogan Page Publishers. p. 271.ISBN 978-0-7494-4063-3.
^Cornell, Jimmy (13 July 2010).World Cruising Destinations: An Inspirational Guide to All Sailing Destinations.A&C Black. p. 349.ISBN 978-1-4081-1401-8.
^^a ^bSailing directions for the Pacific Islands, volume III: the south-central groups.United States Defense Mapping Agency, Hydrographic Center. 1976. p. 173.
^United States. Hydrographic Office (1940).Publications.p. 358.
^"Mata-Utu, Wallis and Futuna".Weatherbase.
^^a ^b ^cSouth Pacific(4 ed.). Lonely Planet. 2009. pp.616–.ISBN 978-1-74104-786-8.
^Central Intelligence Agency (2010).The World Factbook 2010(Cia's 2009 ed.). Potomac Books, Inc. p. 689.ISBN 978-1-59797-541-4.
^Taylor & Francis Group (2003).The Europa World Year Book 2003.Taylor & Francis Group. pp. 1723–.ISBN 9781857432275.Retrieved5 May2013.
^Stanley, David (1999).South Pacific handbook.David Stanley. p.525.ISBN 978-1-56691-172-6.
^Olton, Tina (19 February 2007).Always Another Horizon: A Journey Around the World.iUniverse. p. 61.ISBN 978-0-595-86325-9.
^"Talietumu".Alluring World. 16 February 2016.Retrieved16 April2022.
^"Wallis & Futuna Islands".Triton Cape.Retrieved16 April2022.
^Mayer, Raymond; Nau, Malino; Pambrun, Eric; Laurent, Christophe (2006)."Chanter la guerre à Wallis ('Uvea)".Journal de la Société des Océanistes(in French) (122–123): 153–171.doi:10.4000/jso.614.

External links

13°17′S176°11′W/ 13.283°S 176.183°W/-13.283; -176.183

[2018census-1] "Census2018".Statistics Wallis and Futuna.Retrieved2020-03-21.

[OdekeAdemuni-Odeke1998-2] Ademuni Odeke; Dr. Ademuni-Odeke (1998).Bareboat and Charter (Ship) Registration.Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. pp. 517–.ISBN 978-90-411-0513-4.Retrieved6 May2013.

[Stanley-3] David Stanley (2004).Moon Handbooks South Pacific.David Stanley. pp.567–.ISBN 978-1-56691-411-6.Retrieved6 May2013.

[Office1916-4] United States. Hydrographic Office (1916).Publications(Public domain ed.). Government Printing Office. pp. 395–.Retrieved5 May2013.

[Rill2008-5] Rill, James C. (23 September 2008).History of the 1st Battalion, 11th Marines.Lulu. p. 41.ISBN 978-1-4357-5810-0.

[Pacific-6] South Pacific 4.Lonely Planet. 2009. pp. 616–.ISBN 978-1-74104-786-8.Retrieved6 May2013.

[GM-7] "Mata Utu"(Map).Google Maps.Retrieved5 May2013.

[Page2003-8] Page, Kogan (1 October 2003).Asia and Pacific Review 2003/4: The Economic and Business Report.Kogan Page Publishers. p. 271.ISBN 978-0-7494-4063-3.

[Cornell2010-9] Cornell, Jimmy (13 July 2010).World Cruising Destinations: An Inspirational Guide to All Sailing Destinations.A&C Black. p. 349.ISBN 978-1-4081-1401-8.

[Center1976-10] Sailing directions for the Pacific Islands, volume III: the south-central groups.United States Defense Mapping Agency, Hydrographic Center. 1976. p. 173.

[Office1940-11] United States. Hydrographic Office (1940).Publications.p. 358.

[12] "Mata-Utu, Wallis and Futuna".Weatherbase.

[Lonely2009-13] South Pacific(4 ed.). Lonely Planet. 2009. pp.616–.ISBN 978-1-74104-786-8.

[Agency2010-14] Central Intelligence Agency (2010).The World Factbook 2010(Cia's 2009 ed.). Potomac Books, Inc. p. 689.ISBN 978-1-59797-541-4.

[Taylor2003-15] Taylor & Francis Group (2003).The Europa World Year Book 2003.Taylor & Francis Group. pp. 1723–.ISBN 9781857432275.Retrieved5 May2013.

[Stanley1999-16] Stanley, David (1999).South Pacific handbook.David Stanley. p.525.ISBN 978-1-56691-172-6.

[Olton2007-17] Olton, Tina (19 February 2007).Always Another Horizon: A Journey Around the World.iUniverse. p. 61.ISBN 978-0-595-86325-9.

[18] "Talietumu".Alluring World. 16 February 2016.Retrieved16 April2022.

[19] "Wallis & Futuna Islands".Triton Cape.Retrieved16 April2022.

[:2-20] Mayer, Raymond; Nau, Malino; Pambrun, Eric; Laurent, Christophe (2006)."Chanter la guerre à Wallis ('Uvea)".Journal de la Société des Océanistes(in French) (122–123): 153–171.doi:10.4000/jso.614.

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v t e Capitalsof Oceania
Dependent territoriesare in italics
Australasia	Canberra,Australia Wellington,New Zealand¹
Melanesia	Honiara,Solomon Islands Nouméa,New Caledonia² Port Moresby,Papua New Guinea³ Port Vila,Vanuatu Suva,Fiji
Micronesia	Hagåtña,Guam⁴ Majuro,Marshall Islands⁵ Ngerulmud,Palau⁵ Palikir,Federated States of Micronesia⁵ Saipan,Northern Mariana Islands⁴ South Tarawa,Kiribati Yaren,Nauru(de facto)
Polynesia	Adamstown,Pitcairn Islands⁶ Alofi,Niue⁷ Apia,Samoa Avarua,Cook Islands⁷ Fakaofo,Tokelau⁸ Funafuti,Tuvalu Mata Utu,Wallis and Futuna(de facto)² Nukuʻalofa,Tonga Pago Pago,American Samoa⁴ Papeete,French Polynesia²
¹Often included in Polynesia ²Overseas collectivitiesorsui generiscollectivityof France ³Often included in Australasia ⁴Insular areaof the United States ⁵Infree associationwith the United States ⁶Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom ⁷Infree associationwith New Zealand ⁸New Zealand dependent territory