Iririki

Iririki
Island resort
Iririki Island
Iririki
Location in Vanuatu
Coordinates: 17°46′S 168°17′E / 17.767°S 168.283°E / -17.767; 168.283Coordinates: 17°46′S 168°17′E / 17.767°S 168.283°E / -17.767; 168.283
Country  Vanuatu
Province Shefa Province
Area
 • Total 0.279 km2 (0.108 sq mi)
Time zone UTC+11 (VUT)
Website Official website

Iririki is a privately leased island, located in Mele Bay, near Port Vila, the Capital of Vanuatu. The whole island is owned and operated by Australian businessmen Shane Pettiona, Darren Pettiona and Peter Stockley.

Current usage

Iririki, Vanuatu

Iririki Island Resort continues to operate as a resort.

History

Iririki Island is the traditional land of Ifira Islanders.

  • 1910 – The first British Hospital in the New Hebrides was established on Iririki Island in memory of the well-known Presbyterian missionary John G Paton. Patients were seen for such ailments as broken bones, meningitis, and rheumatic fever, and Pacific islanders were trained in tropical disease management.
  • 1913 – Iririki Island housed the British Residency who leased the island from missionaries for 99 years. The Residency was located at the peak of Iririki (reached by climbing 179 steps) affording it magnificent views to Port Vila and the surrounding bay. The original household was built for the Queen for an overnight visit, and subsequently accommodated the British High Commissioner.
  • 1980 – At independence, the residence was abandoned although is now currently in use.
  • 1983 – After consideration by the Ifira Islanders, they leased the Island to Peter Nicholson to develop into a resort.
  • 1987 – Cyclone Uma hit Iririki Island and Port Vila with 200 km (124 mi) winds and flooding, with the resort taking up a year to return to full operation.
  • 1991 – Former Geelong AFL player Rick and Ngaire Graham took over Iririki as owner, turning the Resort into a child-free sanctuary.
  • 1994 – On 1 August, American author James A. Michener wrote the classic book Tales of the South Pacific after serving in Vanuatu during the Pacific War, subsequently the Resort choose to honor James’ time on Iririki by naming their signature restaurant "Michener's".
  • 2004 – The Resort was sold to a private consortium of Australian business men
  • 2009 – Policy changed to a family friendly resort
  • 2015 – Cyclone Pam bore down on Iririki at speeds over 300 km (186 mi) per hour, requiring considerable refurbishment. The resort was relaunched in May 2016.

Language

Bislama is spoken by everyone as the day-to-day language. In addition, English and French are also widespread. Other Indigenous languages are also spoken in the city.

Climate

Port Vila has a tropical climate, with little variance in temperature throughout the year. Temperatures can reach a high of 93.2 °F (34.0 °C), with an average low of 84.2 °F (29.0 °C). The region also enjoys south east trade winds. November to February are generally quite warm and a little humid, with April to October providing perfect weather conditions. With warm ocean temperatures ideal for all water sports.

References

Freeman, T.E.A., (2006), Doctor in Vanuatu: A Memoir, Institute of Pacific Studies.
Rodman, M.R., (2001), Houses Far From Home: British Colonial Space in the New Hebrides, University of Hawai'i Press, Honolulu, USA. ISBN 978-0-8248-2307-8.

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