Vaʻa-o-Fonoti

(Redirected from Va`a-o-Fonoti)

Vaʻa-o-Fonoti is a district on the north east coast of Upolu Island in Samoa, with a population (2016 Census) of 1,621, making it the least populated district in the country and the Second smallest one by area after Aiga-i-le-Tai.

Vaʻa-o-Fonoti
District
View of Uafato village at Fagaloa Bay
View of Uafato village at Fagaloa Bay
Map of Samoa showing Vaʻa-o-Fonoti district.
Map of Samoa showing Vaʻa-o-Fonoti district.
Country Samoa
Government
 • Member of ParliamentMauʻu Siaosi Puʻepuʻemai
Population
 (2016)
 • Total1,621
Time zone+13

The district is 38 km2 and consists of a main area around Fagaloa Bay with nine villages and a small coastal exclave about 10 km further northwest, with the village of Faleāpuna (pop. 582). The district includes areas with significant conservation and cultural values. Vaʻa-o-Fonoti geographical boundaries are surrounded by the larger district of Atua. The capital of Vaʻa-o-Fonoti is Samamea.[1]

The small settlement of Uafato is part of the Uafato Conservation Area, a project started by the villagers in the early 1990s, to protect their environment from logging. The area has gained a reputation in the last decade for woodcarving and traditional arts and crafts in Samoa.

Historical

edit

Vaʻa-o-Fonoti was established within the district of Atua in the 16th century when Fonoti Tupu Tafaʻifa ('King') when he was victorious in the preceding war with his siblings Vaʻafusuaga Toleʻafoa and Samalaʻulu. King Fonoti rewarded the people of this part of Atua for the role they played in securing his victory. Vaʻa-o-Fonoti ("The longboat or war canoe of Fonoti") is the honour bestowed upon the region for the bravery of the naval canoes who defeated Manono, Sapapaliʻi and Saleaumua in the fighting that took part on the sea.[2]

The paramount titles of the district is Ulualofaiga Talamaivao. There is no current occupant of the title.

Electoral results

edit
2021 Samoan general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
HRPP Mauʻu Siaosi Puʻepuʻemai 751 63.7
Independent Fauoo Fatu Tielu 269 22.8
FAST Logo Pelenatino Lavataʻi 71 6.0
HRPP Valaʻau Togia Maʻalaelu 63 5.3
HRPP Taumainamoe Aufui Tuimalatu 25 2.1
HRPP hold Swing +13.7
2016 Samoan general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
HRPP Tialavea Tionisio Hunt 573 50.0 +9.1
Independent Leilua Tavas Leota 254 22.2
Independent Molioo Pio Leo 215 18.8
Independent Ofoia Vaipua Nomeneta 103 9.0
HRPP hold Swing +9.1
2011 Samoan general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
HRPP Tialavea Tionisio Hunt 774 40.9
HRPP Taito Faitele 663 35.0
HRPP Togiai Eteuati Faiʻilagi 235 12.4
TSP Togia Ioane Sagapotulele 152 8.8
HRPP Tautaiolefua Nomeneta Ofoia 70 3.7
HRPP hold Swing 15.4
2006 Samoan general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
HRPP Leao Talalelei Tuitama 369 24.5
SDUP Togiai Fuatau Eteuati Faiilagi 365 24.3
Independent Taito Aliifaalogo Faitele 348 23.1
HRPP Leniu Fea Tionisio Seinafolava Hunt 269 17.9
HRPP Leilua Tavas Leota 153 10.2
HRPP gain from SDUP Swing -17.7
2001 Samoan general election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
SDUP Masoe Filisi 797 53.5
HRPP Moliʻo Teofilo 738 45.0
Independent Vaipuʻa Setu 23 1.4

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Fagaloa Bay - Uafato Tiavea Conservation Zone". UNESCO World Heritage. Retrieved 13 November 2009.
  2. ^ [1] The making of modern Samoa by Malama Meleisea, p.132

13°57′S 171°32′W / 13.950°S 171.533°W / -13.950; -171.533