Poya is situated between Bourail and Pouembout, 210 Kms from Nouméa. It is a geographical and cultural crossroad between the north and the south of the west coast and the central mountain range. Poya is the only town in New Caledonia that is shared between southern and northern provinces. Poya is seen when you arrive at the summit of a pass, offering a beautiful panoramic view of the valley and mountain range.

Poya is a small peaceful commune whose 6 tribes are quite far from the centre.
Poya-Village is the administrative and commercial centre.

The population of the commune distributed among several small urban centres : Moindah, Poya-Village, “Basse-Poya” (Lower Poya), the tribes ( Nepou – Nekliai – Netea – Gohapin – Montfaoué – Ouenji) and Népoui.

The Poya commune, has about 2 600 inhabitants coming from different caledonian ethnic goups.

The moutain range five tribes and the coastal tribe can all be visited.
The following dialects are spoken: Adje-Arho, Aeke, Paici et Arin.

It is the real rural countryside (“the bushes”).
The SLN and SMSP Nickel mines are exploited in the south and north of the commune. The Enercal electric powerstation in Népoui is of great importance.

All of the roads of this commune can be used by cars.

Economic activity of Poya Commune:

• Pastoral farming –cattle, sheep, deer-
• Numerous mining activities
• Different crop farming: onion, squash, citrus fruits
• Aquaculture
• Fishing

Just before the big metal bridge over Moindah river (dating from the american presence 1942 til 1945), the Beaupré road is signposted. It crosses areas of pastoral farming and aquaculture and goes to the coast.

A beautiful small island called “ Contrariété” is 20 minutes away from the wharf which is 2.5 Km from the  “Au Carrefour” grocers’ shop.

SPORTS:

There is a well-developed network of sports clubs for example: football, handball and basketball.
Each year, Poya welcomes the national and international car rally as well as motocross events, in Népoui village.

THINGS TO SEE:

The catholic church “Sainte Jeanne d’Arc” and its “chemin de croix” ( via cruxis) with 14 stations are recommended, with an immense painting of the Christ painted by an artist from the “Ecole des Beaux Arts” (A specialist arts training establishment).
The old listed chapel in Gohapin is now disused.
The Nekliai church with its stone altar.
The “Escande” castle in the region of Muéo-Népoui (private property).

PRATICAL INFORMATION:

Gendarmerie (Police station): 45 53 05
Post office: 47 17 15
Poya community Dispensery: 47 74 30
Népoui community Dispensery: 47 74 40
Népoui chemist: 47 10 81

Shops, village centre, “Basse-Poya” (Lower Poya) and Népoui.
Service stations: Village centre, “Basse-Poya” (Lower Poya) and Népoui.

Sale of local products by women from the commune during municipal markets, every second Friday.