Matuku Island
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Matuku
Burotukula | |
---|---|
Island | |
Coordinates: 19°10′S 179°46′E / 19.167°S 179.767°E | |
Country | Fiji |
Island group | Lau Islands |
Sub group | Yasayasa Moala |
Area | |
• Total | 57 km2 (22 sq mi) |
Elevation | 385 m (1,263 ft) |
Matuku is a volcanic island in the Moala subgroup of Fiji's Lau archipelago. Located at 19.18° South and 179.75° East, Matuku covers an area of 57 square kilometers. It has a maximum elevation of 385 meters. Matuku is part of a group of islands known as Yasayasa Moala.
There are altogether seven villages in Matuku namely Yaroi, Natokalau, Qalikarua, Levukaidaku, Makadru, Raviravi and Lomati.
History
In 1827, Jules Dumont d'Urville became the first European to discover the island.[1]
There are conflicting accounts on whether or not the island was conquered by the Tongans led by the Tongan Prince
Notable people
Matuku has produced a number of people who have contributed to the development and progress of Fiji and have held public office during their time. The late Reverend Setareki Tuilovoni hailed from Natokalau, to be the first local President of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma since it became an independent entity, and Reveremd Setareki Rika and his family who have either served as Church Ministers, Doctors or Teachers. Dr Macu Salato hailed from Qalikarua who became the Lord Mayor of Suva, Dr Peni Rika hailed from Makadru, along with numerous medical practitioners, teachers, and clergymen. The late Setareki Tuinaceva, who held office with the Fiji Rugby Union for a number of years, hailed from Lomati. Sir Timoci Tuivaga, who served as Fiji's first native-born Chief Justice from 1974 to 2002, was also from Matuku. The late Former Member of Parliament and Government Minister Hon Jonetani Kaukimoce was from Qalikarua. Savenaca Tuivaga was the Fiji Police Contingent leader to the Solomon Islands and other international assignments. Joeli Veitayaki, former Fiji 15s rugby captain was also a native of the island.
References
- ISBN 978-0-8108-5395-9. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ [1], The journal of Thomas Williams, missionary in Fiji, 1840-1853.