Meneng District: Nauru's Coastal Gem

• HelloIaorana
  [yah-or-ah-nah]
• GoodbyeAere ra
  [ah-eh-reh-rah]
• YesIo
  [ee-oh]
• NoAka
  [ah-kah]
• Please/You're welcomeKoa
  [koh-ah]
• Thank youMeitaki
  [may-tah-key]
• Excuse me/SorryTangio
  [tang-ee-oh]
• How are you?Ko uara?
  [koh wah-rah]
• Fine. And you?Mamana. E iko?
  [mah-mah-nah. eh ee-koh]
• Do you speak English?Ko koe e tautala i te reo Puka?
  [koh koh-eh eh tao-tah-lah ee teh reh-oh poo-kah]
• I don't understandE kore au e mohio
  [eh koh-reh oh eh moh-hee-oh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKia kite i te mea kai, koa
  [kee-ah kee-teh ee teh meh-ah kai, koh-ah]
• I don't eat meatKare ahau e kai kau
  [kah-reh ah-how eh kai kow]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe nofoa te moni, koa
  [meh noh-foh-ah teh moh-nee, koh-ah]

• Help!Awhina!
  [ah-fee-nah]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [hai-reh ah-too]
• Call the Police!Karanga ki te Pirihimana!
  [kah-rah-ngah kee teh pee-ree-hee-mah-nah]
• Call a doctor!Karanga ki te doctor!
  [kah-rah-ngah kee teh dock-tor]
• I'm lostI wareware ahau
  [ee wah-reh-wah-reh ah-how]
• I'm illKua mate ahau
  [koo-ah mah-teh ah-how]

• I'd like to buy...Kia hoko au...
  [kee-ah hoh-koh oh]
• I'm just lookingE tau i te titiro
  [eh tow ee teh tee-tee-roh]
• How much is it?E hia te moni?
  [eh hee-ah teh moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveHe nui rawa te utu
  [heh noo-ee rah-wah teh oo-too]
• Can you lower the price?Ka taea e koe te whakaiti i te utu?
  [kah tah-eh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kai-tee ee teh oo-too]

• What time is it?He aha te wa?
  [heh ah-hah teh wah]
• It's one o'clockKo te tahi haora
  [koh teh tah-hee how-rah]
• Half past (10)Tekau ma rua
  [teh-kow mah roo-ah]
• MorningAhiahi
  [ah-hee-ah-hee]
• AfternoonAhi
  [ah-hee]
• EveningPō
  [poh]
• YesterdayInanahi
  [ee-nah-nah-hee]
• TodayTenei ra
  [teh-nay reh]
• TomorrowApopo
  [ah-poh-poh]
• 1Tahi
  [tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [toh-roo]
• 4Wha
  [fah]
• 5Rima
  [ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [oh-no]
• 7Whitu
  [fee-too]
• 8Waru
  [wah-roo]
• 9Iwa
  [ee-wah]
• 10Tekau
  [teh-kow]

• Where's a/the...?Kei hea te...?
  [keh heh-ah teh]
• What's the address?He aha te wāhitau?
  [heh ah-hah teh wah-hee-tow]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ka taea e koe te whakaatu mai ki ahau (i te mahere)?
  [kah tah-eh-ah eh koh-eh teh fah-kah-ah-too my kee ah-how (ee teh mah-heh-reh)]
• When's the next (bus)?He wa tērā te (pahi) e tae mai ai?
  [heh wah teh-rah teh (pah-hee) eh tah-eh my eye]
• A ticket (to ....)He penei (ki ...)
  [heh peh-neh-ee (kee)]

Meneng District, like much of Nauru, has been inhabited for at least 3,000 years. The early settlers were Micronesian and Polynesian peoples who brought with them a rich tradition of navigation, fishing, and agriculture. Evidence of these early settlers can still be found in the form of ancient artifacts and oral histories passed down through generations.

In the late 19th century, Nauru, including Meneng District, came under German colonial rule. The island became a strategic point for the Germans in the Pacific. The colonial period saw the beginning of phosphate mining, which would later become the backbone of Nauru's economy. Meneng, being one of the districts, was part of this transformative era.

During World War II, Nauru was occupied by Japanese forces. Meneng District, like the rest of the island, experienced significant hardship during this period. The Japanese fortified the island, and remnants of these fortifications can still be found. The local population suffered under harsh conditions until the liberation by Allied forces in 1945.

After World War II, Nauru came under the administration of Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Meneng District, along with the rest of Nauru, saw significant changes as the island prepared for self-governance. Nauru gained its independence in 1968, and Meneng played its part in the national celebrations and the establishment of a new government.

The discovery and exploitation of phosphate had a profound impact on Meneng District. The district became one of the key areas for mining activities. The wealth generated from phosphate exports led to rapid modernization and infrastructure development in Meneng, although it also brought environmental challenges that are still being addressed today.

In recent years, there has been a strong movement towards cultural revival in Meneng District. Efforts have been made to preserve traditional Nauruan culture, including dance, music, and craftsmanship. Local festivals and events celebrate this rich cultural heritage, providing visitors with an authentic experience of Nauruan traditions.

Today, Meneng District is a vibrant community that balances modernity with tradition. It is home to important institutions, including government buildings and schools. The district continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic history and resilient spirit of its people.

Meneng District is located in the eastern part of Nauru. The primary way to get to Nauru is by air. Nauru International Airport (INU) is the only airport in the country, and it receives flights from Brisbane, Australia, and other Pacific Island nations. From the airport, Meneng District is just a short drive away. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport for transportation to Meneng.

Within Meneng District, transportation options are somewhat limited. Walking is a feasible option for exploring the district due to its small size. Taxis are available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Renting a car is also an option, providing more flexibility for exploring Nauru's other districts. Bicycles can be rented for a more eco-friendly and leisurely way to get around.

The official currency in Nauru is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments. ATMs are available, but they can sometimes run out of cash, so it is wise to have enough cash on hand for your needs.

Meneng District is generally a safe place for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always advisable.

In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance or 111 for medical emergencies. The Republic of Nauru Hospital is located in Denigomodu District and provides medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local communities. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering someone's home or a place of worship. Public Transport: Do be respectful and polite when using taxis or rental services. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake or a nod. Smiling and being polite goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Meneng District like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Nauruan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the district's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Meneng Stadium for local sports events or the coastal areas for a relaxing day by the sea. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Nauruan dance performance if available.