Auki

Auki (Aoke)

Fish for sale in the Auki market
Auki (Aoke)

Location in the Solomon Islands

Coordinates: 8°46′06″S 160°41′49″E / 8.76833°S 160.69694°E / -8.76833; 160.69694
Country  Solomon Islands
Province Malaita Province
Island Malaita Island
Elevation 157 m (515 ft)
Population (2013)[1]
 • Total 7,785
Time zone UTC (UTC+11)

Auki is the provincial capital of Malaita Province, Solomon Islands. It is situated on the northern end of Langa Langa Lagoon on the north-west coast of Malaita Island. It is one of the largest provincial towns in Solomon Islands. It was established as the administrative center for Malaita Province in 1909.[2]

Overview

There are daily flights between the Solomon's capital of Honiara (on Guadalcanal Island) and Auki (however, this is no longer operating due to land disputes). There are also regular shipping services between Honiara and Auki. The area is rich in culture and has become a central hub for many Malaitans who use the area to conduct a majority of trade and business in the province.

The town has electricity and the road is paved to the airport (approx. 11 km). The town has fruit, vegetables and fresh fish sold daily in the newly build market (built by Japanese Aid) located on the waterfront. Tourism is largely underdeveloped in Auki; it is immediately to the north of Langa Langa Lagoon, which provides opportunities for snorkeling, and the villagers provide shell making demonstrations.[3]

The newly elected Member of Parliament in the 2010 elections for Auki-Langalanga constituency is Matthew Cooper Wale who was the former Minister of Education and Human Resources Development in the last government and is currently the Deputy Leader of Opposition. The fifth Anglican Bishop of Malaita, The Right Reverend Sam Sahu is based at the Diocesan office in Auki. He administers Malaita's 42 parishes from Auki.

Correctional Services of Solomon Islands operates the Auki Correctional Centre in Auki.[4]

References

  1. ↑ World Gazeteer
  2. ↑ "Auki". Solomon Islands Historical Encyclopaedia 1893-1978. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  3. ↑ Matthew Prowse blog. 18 June 2014. Retrieved on 22 March 2015.
  4. ↑ "New Correctional Centre in Auki." Solomon Times. Monday 31 August 2009. Retrieved on 11 March 2011.

Coordinates: 8°46′S 160°42′E / 8.767°S 160.700°E / -8.767; 160.700


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