Oaroa
Oaroa | |
|---|---|
City, provincial and regional capital | |
 Flag | |
| Nickname(s): Hidden Gem of Polynesia | |
| Country | Tierrador |
| Region | Saukhin Islands |
| Province | Ato'Ato |
| Parish | Oaroa |
| Founded | 1541 |
| Incorporated | 1832 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-council |
| • Body | Ambaqwe City Council |
| • Mayor | Ray Kauna (I) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 103.3 km2 (39.9 sq mi) |
| • Land | 116.1 km2 (44.8 sq mi) |
| • Water | 12.8 km2 (4.9 sq mi) |
| Population (2033) | |
| • Total | 445,233 |
| • Density | 4,300/km2 (11,000/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC–08:00 (East Australis Time) |
| SPT codes | 90571–90605 |
| Area codes | 906 |
Oaroa is the capital and largest city of the Saukhin Islands region of Tierrador. It is an incorporated parish seat of the consolidated Oaroa Parish, situated along the north-central coast of the island of Ato'Ato. Oaroa is the southernmost and easternmost major city in the Woqalate. With 445,233 residents within the city limits, Oaroa is the 30th-largest city in Tierrador, only slightly behind Wadičaq. Oaroa is the Saukhin' main gateway to the world. It is also a major hub for business, finance, hospitality, and military defense in both the region and the Polynesian Sea. The city is characterized by a mix of various Polynesian, Occidental, and Coscivian cultures, reflected in its diverse demography, cuisine, and traditions.
Oaroa had originally been settled by the Kahu'nale since the mid-1500s, situated at the foot of Mount Ganja, the tallest point in Tierrador. The city was a important hub for trade with other major powers, such as Daxia (through Stenza and Truk), Burgundie, and Takatta Loa. On June 19, 1832, during the Saukhin Conquest, the city was ambushed by the Qabóri Navy, in what took two days to fully capture and integrate the city along with the rest of the Saukhin Archipelago into the Qabóri Woqalate. The city's desirability as a port accounts for its historical growth and importance in the Saukhin archipelago and the broader Polynesian region. Oaroa has been the capital of the Saukhin Islands since 1675, firstly of the Tapkoii Kingdom, and since 1832 of the Tierradorian province and state of the Saukhin Islands.
Oaroa's favorable southern hemisphere tropical climate, rich natural scenery, extensive beaches, and prominent hiking trails on Mount Ganja make it a popular global destination for tourists. With over 3.1 million visitors as of 2029, Oaroa is the sixth-most visited city in the Woqalate, after Taisgol, Qabór, Prisamarina, Porvaos, and Santa Cruz.
History
Evidence of the first settlement of Oaroa by the original migrants from Vallos along with the original Polynesian peoples to the archipelago comes from historical anecdotes along with historical artifacts discovered through archeological endeavors. These factors indicate the presence of a settlement where modern-day Oaroa stands dating back to the 3rd century BCE. After Ato'Ato Island Chief Kauap'aua ascended the throne from his father, Chief Tapaliu'iu, he sought the unite all of the islands of Saukhin under one banner. He, along with the chiefs of the other islands, had learned of the Daxian Capture of Truk, which had sent shockwaves throughout the entire archipelago. Just a few days after the conflict involving the Saukhins' eastern neighbor, Kauap'aua, along with the other island chiefs, would form the Tapkoii Kingdom, an island kingdom with its capital located in the small village of Oaroa.
Two hundred years following the unification of Tapkoii, the islands would be invaded one-by-one by the Qabóri Woqalate, in what would be the Saukhin Conquest. On June 25, 1832, Qabóri troops under the control of General Aphío Saunders disembarked on the beaches of the ruined fort and established a military camp that would eventually develop into modern-day Oaroa. From this place began the quick conquest of the island of Ato'Ato. Just a few months later, on October 17, 1832, Oaroa would be incorporated as the capital of the Ato'Ato Province and the Saukhin Region.