Munda history

Foundation and First Mentions

Munda, located in the Western Province, historically formed not as a single city but as a cluster of closely related settlements on the island of New Georgia. This territory has long been the home of the Roviana people. A significant milestone in its history was the early 20th century, when a major mission was established here, facilitating the unification of scattered villages into a significant administrative and educational centre, now part of the nation of the Solomon Islands.

Key Development Factors

The development of the settlement was determined by a combination of geographical and historical prerequisites:

• Convenient Geography: Its location on the shores of the vast Roviana Lagoon provided natural protection from ocean waves and created ideal conditions for navigation and fishing.
• Strategic Importance: In the mid-20th century, the presence of a flat cape allowed for the construction of an airstrip, which transformed the quiet village into a vital transport hub for the region.
• Social Influence: Its status as a religious and educational centre attracted residents from neighbouring islands, contributing to population growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The traditional economy of the region was based on marine resources and tropical agriculture. The inhabitants of the lagoon were renowned as skilled seafarers and master boat builders. Copra production for export, as well as the exchange of traditional values, played an important role in early trade. The culture of local tribes was distinguished by developed crafts, including intricate wood carving and the creation of shell jewellery, which circulated as currency between the islands of the archipelago.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1902: Reverend John Francis Goldie founds the Methodist mission, turning the small settlement of Munda into a significant religious and educational centre.
• 1910s: Active development of coconut plantations around the mission and the beginning of copra exports.
• December 1942: Japanese troops occupy the territory during World War II and begin constructing a strategic airstrip.
• July 1943: American forces begin landing on New Georgia Island, initiating fierce battles for control of the airfield.
• 5 August 1943: Allied forces capture the Munda airfield, which becomes a key airbase for further advances in the Pacific.
• 1945: End of hostilities and the transition of military infrastructure, including the hospital and roads, to civilian use.
• 1978: Declaration of independence, after which the town officially becomes part of the sovereign state of the Solomon Islands.
• 1980s: The beginning of the tourism industry, attracting travellers with military heritage and the rich underwater world of the lagoon.
• 2012: Hosting of the major Roviana Lagoon Festival, contributing to the revival of local traditions and crafts.
• 2019: Completion of airport modernization and the granting of international status, opening the region to direct flights from Australia.

Stages of Urban and Economic Development

The history of the formation of Munda is a journey from scattered villages to one of the main centres of the Western Province. Several key transformations can be identified that defined the modern appearance of the town and its significance for the Solomon Islands:

• Centralisation of settlements around the mission. The founding of the Methodist mission in the early 20th century was the first step towards urbanisation. This event united the residents of surrounding villages into a single community, creating a base for the development of education and medicine, making this area the social centre of the entire Roviana Lagoon.
• Formation of the transport framework. The construction of the airstrip in the 1940s forever changed the geography of the settlement. From a quiet coastal zone, the territory turned into a strategically important aviation hub, around which a new road network and supporting infrastructure began to form.
• Adaptation of military infrastructure. In the post-war years, technical roads, wharves, and buildings were successfully integrated into civilian life. This allowed for accelerated trade development and the establishment of regular connections with other islands, laying the foundation for modern logistics.
• Shift to a tourism economy. The development of diving and eco-tourism became an important milestone in economic diversification. The unique nature of the lagoon attracted international interest, stimulating the construction of guest houses, the development of the service sector, and the creation of jobs unrelated to traditional agriculture.
• International integration. Granting the airport international status and launching direct flights from abroad became a powerful driver of growth. This event opened the region to external investment, simplified seafood exports, and significantly increased the flow of tourists.

Urban Features and Layout

The architectural appearance of Munda differs strikingly from classic cities with dense buildings. There are no historical quarters in Baroque or Art Nouveau styles here. The layout of the settlement is linear and stretched along the shore of the Roviana Lagoon, and its unique feature is the integration of transport infrastructure into the living environment: the airstrip literally cuts the territory into parts, serving as the main axis around which districts are formed.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Development did not follow the canons of European eras but was influenced by the climate, missionary activity, and modern functionality. Three main layers can be distinguished:

• Traditional Pacific Style (pre-colonial and modern). The indigenous architecture of the region, ideally adapted to the tropics. These are light structures made of wood and bamboo with high roofs made of sago palm leaves, ensuring natural ventilation. Such structures are often raised on stilts and are actively used today in the design of tourist bungalows, preserving the authentic look of the resort.
• Colonial Missionary Style (early to mid-20th century). With the arrival of the Methodist mission, Western-style buildings appeared, adapted to local conditions. They are characterised by wide verandas, wooden frames painted in light colours, and pitched roofs made of corrugated iron. This style is associated with the era of the establishment of education and medicine in the region.
• Utilitarian Functionalism (post-war period to present). After World War II and the Solomon Islands gaining independence, civilian construction became more pragmatic. Commercial and administrative buildings (shops, warehouses) are built from concrete blocks and simple structures, where durability and protection against cyclones come first, rather than decoration.

Iconic Landmarks and Districts

There are few monumental structures in Munda, but there are key zones that shape its appearance:

• Kokengolo District. The historical and spiritual centre of the settlement. Here, amidst well-groomed green lawns, are the mission buildings and churches, preserving the spirit of the colonial era and tranquillity.
• Lambete. The commercial and administrative heart of Munda. This is a lively area near the wharf where shops, the market, and essential services are concentrated. The architecture here is chaotic and strictly functional, reflecting the lively rhythm of the local community.
• The Airfield. A unique urban planning phenomenon: the runway is not fenced off by high walls and is part of the urban landscape, serving as a landmark and transport artery that defined the development of the settlement in the second half of the 20th century.

Iconic Figures in the City's History

The history of the settlement is inextricably linked with the names of powerful chiefs, pioneer missionaries, and modern enthusiasts preserving the region's heritage. Here is a list of key figures who influenced the development of this part of the archipelago:

• Chief Hingava — Paramount Chief and Diplomat (late 19th — early 20th century)
  A powerful leader of the Roviana Lagoon clans, whose residence was located in the Sisieta area (modern-day Munda). During the heyday of traditional culture, he controlled vast territories. Later, Hingava played a decisive role in the region's peaceful transition to a new era by allowing the establishment of a Christian mission on his lands.
• John Francis Goldie — Missionary and Educator (1870–1955)
  Founder of the Methodist mission in the Solomon Islands. In 1902, he chose Kokengolo Hill for the construction of a headquarters, school, and hospital. His activities turned the small settlement into an educational and spiritual centre for the entire Western Province.
• Norman Wheatley — Trader and Pioneer of Commerce (late 19th — early 20th century)
  A British entrepreneur who settled in the Lambete area. He laid the foundations of the local economy by developing coconut plantations and the copra trade. It was around his trading post that the modern business centre of the town and the wharf were formed.
• Agnes Kera — Founder of the Tourism Industry (20th century)
  A legendary local entrepreneur who turned a former government guest house into the famous Agnes Gateway Hotel. She became a pioneer of hospitality in the region, and her legacy continues to develop tourism in the Roviana Lagoon to this day.
• Barney Paulsen — Historian and Guardian of Memory (Contemporary)
  Creator of the private Peter Joseph WWII Museum. An enthusiast who devoted years to searching for artefacts in the jungles around the airfield, collecting a unique collection of soldiers' personal belongings that attracts historians and tourists from all over the world.
• Job Dudley Tausinga — Politician and Statesman (born 1951)
  One of the most influential politicians in the region and a long-serving member of parliament. A native of these parts, he made a significant contribution to defending the interests of the Western Province at the national level and developing local infrastructure.
• Ronald Bei Langono Talasasa — Composer and Guardian of Culture (1933–2018)
  An outstanding musician whose songs in the Roviana language became unofficial anthems of the region. His work played an important role in preserving folklore and popularising the unique music of the islanders abroad.