Empire of Polynesia (6.0)

The Empire of Polynesia, commonly referred by the colloquial names of "Polynesia" and the core regions of "Aotearoa" and even the now defunct predecessor state of New Zealand, is a thassalocratic nation in Oceania. It covers a vast area of ocean encompassing the islands of Aotearoa, Tasmania, Kangaroo Island Territories, Noumena (formerly New Caledonia), the Fiji Archipelago and the Solomon Islands. The Empire was founded after a series of successful but bloody military campaigns by the Maori Armed Forces utilizing the seized British Pacific Fleet against the Commonwealth of Australia and the warlord states of US Forces South Pacific. Emerging from the crucible of civil war and environmental catastrophe from the Great Flood, the Maori state of Aotearoa was able to extend it's reach utilizing it's vast armada and a totalitarian command economy geared towards war, to conquer island chains both to acquire resources and secure bases for the Navy and ensure the safety and security of the Maori's cradle. The New Zealand Civil War represented a major catalyst for the collapse of Australia into belligerent separatist states as well as the destruction of the Royal Australian Navy and US Forces South Pacific secured Polynesia's place as the preeminent naval power in Oceania granting the country power projection capabilities that exceed their neighbors in Oceania.

## **History**

### *1945-Collapse and Civil War*

The Trinity test, a testament to mankind’s hubris caused apocalyptic flooding worldwide. The flooding destroyed coastal cities and completely eradicated the global economic order and supply lines. New Zealand, a state completely dependent on the United Kingdom for its export economy and imports as well as the flooding of its cities caused a total collapse of the government of New Zealand. To prevent the inevitable in a desperate gamble for stability amidst the rising pressures from displaced people and its economy falling apart, Peter Fraser’s government agreed to incorporate New Zealand into the Australian government based in Canberra fulfilling the last orders by the British government in London. The incorporation ensured Australia would protect New Zealand from invasion and unrest but it meant New Zealand was subject to Australian law and their increasingly draconian exclusionary policies.

Alas, the gamble of the government was for nothing as the last cash reserves ran out and societal order disintegrated, the military was reduced into gangs fighting for survival while refugee camps littered the nation. Only the Wellington Security Zone, the remnant of the government forces and loyalists remain. Except nearly 1 month after the collapse, a new power base emerged from the ashes of the New Zealand dominion, that of the ancient Maori tribes who have ruled Aotearoa for centuries and lived amongst the New Zealanders. Organized amongst ethnic lines and developing a highly organized and capable armed militia by the Maori veterans, officers, and soldiers of the Second World War, mobilized the Maori population, men and women alike to retake their lands by negotiation and force. Controlling sections of the North and South Islands in particular the mountainous regions of North Island as the Maori flee inland. They quickly moved to secure both islands. The Wellington Security Zone which hosted a sizeable Australian military presence moved to secure their holdings as well as the Maori increasingly gained legitimacy with the population. Utilizing social programs based on mutual aid, food distribution, Toa soldiers keeping order as well as the development of arms workshops and seizing of naval yards kept the Maori with an edge against Wellington, They offered both Maori, Kiwi, and refugees alike a better world, a prosperous and safe place for all who join the Maori. The Toa proved their worth in combat despite facing a technologically superior opponent, the superior will, determination, tactics, and legitimacy won out against the tired and starving loyalist defenders. Due to Australian forces being present, the Maori-controlled successor state believed Australia was in a state of war with the Maori and indeed they were. Once the remnants of Wellington fell, the Australian Fleet withdrew sending one last communication to the Maori forces victorious.

“We shall return”

Those words echoed through the burgeoning Maori state who was just beginning to organize a state controlling both North and South Island which all opposition either surrendered or were destroyed by 1946.

### *1947-1952 Operation Blue Whale (The Invasion of Tasmania and the Great Australian Bight)*

One might expect the Maori state would immediately ignore the Australians to focus on internal buildup. However, the military high command of the Maori state saw an opportunity to consolidate its power through war measures. Austerity measures were continued even while the economy was recovering, adapting to the new circumstances it found itself to. The great wool farms of the highlands were partially nationalized which began a diversification program of different animal husbandries such as cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals. Food stocks by 1947 by what is called the “Great Maori Miracle” have been on a surplus since years before the war began as government-owned sawmills granted every citizen and family bearer of Aotearoa a fishing boat built from treated wood harkening to their roots as sailors. Fishing equipment and education were distributed to great effect capitalizing on the vast coastline of New Zealand. Industrial machinery and factories destroyed by the floods were salvaged and transferred over to the highlands, By early 1948 with the population economically mobilized through war measures, Aotearoa acquired a limited supply of steel, aluminum, and petrol production through great sacrifice. South Island’s Tiwai Point’s Aluminum smelter and North Islands’s Iron Sands Steel Mill became the largest industrial base after the apocalypse while the first Taranaki Oil Refinery and Silo opened in the north in 1947, providing the country with liquid fuel to run warships and aircraft, the edge they need to project power.

Luckily for the Maori, the former New Zealand Fleet stationed at the now flooded Devonport base which now included refugee ships from the British Pacific Fleet, including the battleships HMS Howe and HMS Anson, both King George V class battleships, HMS Glory and HMS Vengeance, both Colossus class light aircraft carriers, as well as numerous light cruisers such as HMNZS Achilles HMNZS Gambia, and heavy cruisers such as HMS Suffolk were seized by Maori forces in the wake of the civil war. A speech made by the Maori english speaking allies as well as concessions allowed for the crews and specialists on board the Far East Fleet to defect to the Maori in insubordination of their superiors. With extensive refits and maintenance conducted at Tasman Wāhi hanga kaipuke, Aotearoa’s largest naval base and shipyard, the Tangata Fleet was ready for war for January 1948.

      20,000 Maori soldiers comprising of 4 Marine brigades embarked on retrofitted Liberty Ships alongside the Tangata Fleet in a show of force with their objective being Tasmania. Being the closest island relative to Australia and Aotearoa, reconnaissance by Tangata long-range destroyers found the garrison to be minuscule and lightly equipped, Tasmania being a low priority front compared to the multitude of fronts the Australian government faced. After a long voyage by February 1948, the Tangata Fleet reached the major settlements in Tasmania, the small garrison was powerless to prevent a landing, however with the arrival of the Maori they took to the highlands and forced the marines through a brutal struggle up the mountains. The battleship *Tawaki* and the cruiser *Mataho* bombarded the enemy positions as Maori carrier-based close air support bombers crushed the Australian defense. The Maori offered an honorable surrender witnessing the staunch Australian defense in which facing destruction, they accepted. Tasmania fell under Maori control by May 1948. On a simultaneous operation partly to guard for the fleet against western attacks, the cruisers *Maru* and *Ahuahituroa* seized Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln Island with limited opposition. Fearing more invasions by the Maori, the Canberra government sent a ship with representatives alongside white flags to discuss terms for a truce, The Tangata Fleet welcomed the representatives in a rare sight of civility during such a chaotic time for the world. Delegates from both sides of the conflict signed the **Treaty of Launceston** which the Canberra government would officially cede the territories of Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, and Port Lincoln Island to the Maori.

### *1952-1954, Operation Gateway to the West (The Invasion of Caledonia, Fiji, and the Solomons) Economic and social transformation through wartime*

The victory in Tasmania and Southern Australia brought much needed legitimacy to the Maori state which has begun it's "hibridization" social policies that to restore and expand Maori culture, faith and social values into the settler and immigrant populations. The refugees from the floods were the most receptive towards conforming to Maori values, grateful for Maori hospitality and affirmative action while the majority protestant white population of New Zealand were less receptive. Incompatibilities between the two abounded, up until the signature of the Christchurch accords where in exchange for security and autonomy as a separate political electorate, the Maori would have authority over the nation's education and cultural framework. Maori language, culture was promoted as the primary while English as a secondary language and elective in all Maori schools, interracial marriages were highly promoted and land ownership restored to Maori authority whom they distributed to ethnic Maoris and the rising "Kiwi" hybrid peoples who were quickly becoming the majority of Aotearoa's population. Christian monotheistic faith in New Zealand declined dramatically after 1945 with the arrival of the apocalypse, discrediting the beliefs of the church and sending much of the population willing to adopt Maori native religious beliefs or none at all leading to a highly secular and atheistic society post flood. Political reform in Aotearoa saw the rise of a new Imperial government as Whina Cooper, Te Whaea o te motu, the founder of the modern Maori state was elevated into the title of Empress of Aotearoa and her territories.

June 1952 saw a curious case of events as the Tangata destroyer "Tumatauenga" spotted a refugee ship being boarded by what appeared to be a American built Benson class destroyer. The Tumatauenga received orders to intervene and opened fire to the Benson and ordered the ship to surrender, Once the crew arrived to the scene they could not believe their eyes, malnourished, desperate people, some resorting to cannibalism once food stocks ran out in the refugee ship, the cargo ship Echuga was near the scene and distributed food and rations to the starving passengers. The sailors in the assailing ship were questioned, all of whom were equally as malnourished as the crew of the refugee ship, they responded that they were under orders to seize the ship and turn it around towards , where a US Navy remnant set up shop, the passengers, majority of Austronesian descent were mutineers who attempted to flee towards New Zealand, hearing of better lives and a beacon of stability and prosperity. Admiral Arleigh Burke of US Forces South Pacific claimed much of what remains of the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and the British Protectorate of Fiji.

Maori Chiefs of Staff believed that the region of the Coral Sea and Polynesia to be a deep humanitarian crisis in effect and Burke effectively declared these islands as his personal fiefdom disregarding the well being of the population and keeping his ships afloat whatever the cost. An intervention was proposed into the Maori Chamber of Deputies July 1952 and the vote passed with the blessing of the Empress who in a fiery speech before the Chamber believed it was Aotearoa's mandate to help those in need and bring stability and health to Oceania and the World. While there was no diplomatic backchannel between US Forces South Pacific and the Empire of Aotearoa, jury rigged long range Lancaster bombers sent fliers to New Caledonia informing their enemies of a subsequent declaration of war. The Tangata Fleet mobilized alongside veteran Maori marines and set sail for New Caledonia. They found a small squadron of destroyers and a light cruiser near the region in which was alerted to the enemy fleet's presence. Due to the limited amount of munitions and sorry state of the vessels in a remote post like New Caledonia, the Americans were annihilated by the Tangata fleet with the "Tawaki" striking a accurrate salvo on the USS Fargo, sinking it alongside the smaller craft. One destroyer survived which left limping back to home base informing the Admiral of what happened. Maori Marines quickly landed and launched a short campaign in New Caledonia, the islands quickly fell with the last of them falling October 1952. Admiral Burke was alerted of enemy presence in the south and deployed scouts to find the Tangata Fleet. Next, the Armada deployed towards Fiji where they met a flotilla of 8 destroyers which was quickly disposed off. While marines were securing the beachhead, airborne scouts from the "Kaulu" aircraft carrier spotted a enemy fleet bound east, including 2 heavy cruisers 4 light cruisers and several destroyers. While the task force was formidable, The Tangata Fleet knew they were coming and opted to strike and take the initiative. A bombing strike was ordered catching the fleet by surprise. While the air wing took casualties, it managed to sink the USS Boston. chaos in the fleet took over as the "Tawaki" shelled the Americans with impunity. The US fleet fired back but to no avail, a massive explosion destroyed the USS Minneapolis shattering unit command, the Americans withdrew back to the Solomons. Fiji fell on December 1952.

The Tangata Fleet now set their sights on the Solomons and to put an end to the rouge warlord state. Through their conquests, the Maori observed as starving indigenous populations with their livelihoods destroyed by the flood forced to work by the Americans to construct bases and extract resources to fuel their ships and personnel. Cruelty and human horrors have only intensified since the Apocalypse, thinking as if the Second World War never ended. Maori Commanders made sure their subordinates and the peoples in their care were fed and freed of their labors and return to plough their lands. Other's blinded by bloodlust and vengeance ordered mass show trials to captured US servicemen who were using the natives as slave labor for their execution, It is estimated that 10,000 US servicemen were killed by Maori show trials and executions.

1953 saw the Solomons campaign begin in earnest as the Tangata fleet resupplied from the Fiji campaign began the push north. The Island of San Cristobal became the site of great struggle as a carrier flotilla of 2 escort carriers and several destroyers guarded the island. The Tangata Fleet under exceptional coordination and command by Admiral Maaka Kaihautu were able to strike down the US air squadrons. Maori Marines were surprised as the US forces in the island were far stronger than expected, bringing in M4 Sherman tanks and artillery into the fight. The tide turned once more marines, now armed with bazooka and anti tank equipment destroyed multiple tanks demoralizing the defenders. The Uki Naval base fell with staunch resistance by the Americans who relented as the Maori brought tanks of their own decimating the entrenched defenders. With San Cristobal seized, the route was open towards Guadalcanal where Maori air reconnaissance detected the largest naval presence in the area and Admiral Burke's main base of Henderson Field. The Americans fought for years against the Japanese invaders, sacrificed tens of thousands of lives and multiple warships to secure this airfield, so it is expected that Burke's men will fight to the last man to defend their last major bastion. Guadalcanal has become a veritable fortress with dozens of pillboxes, land based naval guns, anti aircraft guns, hidden anti tank guns, a large air fleet and a sizeable naval presence. The lands surrounding Henderson Field became a small city with fisheries, terrace farms, factories, mines, refineries, fuel silos, and dockyards. It is evident that the rest of the islands' were used for construction material extraction, food and fuel production using the natives as slave labor while a small organized elite of naval officers ruled from Guadalcanal.

This status quo must end at once. Strategic bombing campaigns from San Cristobal softened the defense avoiding residential centers and focusing on naval artillery and infrastructure while taking multiple losses to anti aircraft fire. Burke's fleet which included the battleships USS South Dakota and USS Massachussets , 2 fleet carriers 10 cruisers and 24 destroyers and a myriad of small craft. Thus the Battle for Guadalcanal much like the 1942 campaign became a slog as the Tangata Fleet relentlessly sieged the sector. Burke's Armada encountered the fleet August 3rd 1953. the battle lasted 7 days as the Battleship Ruamoko (formerly HMS Anson) engaged the USS South Dakota. The South Dakota had superior gunnery and anti aircraft power than the Ruamoko but was in a very poor condition. While the Ruamoko held improved detection and armor plating through post Australian war refits. Eventually the USS South Dakota succumbed to concentrated fire and sank due to magazine fires but not before severely damaging the Ruamoko and putting it under no condition to fight. Admiral Burke, commanding in his flagship USS Massachussets chose to fight in honor raising the morale of the battered American forces. They were confronted by the Tawaki alongside the cruisers Maru, Uenuku and Maui as well as her destroyer escort, As the battle raged, a large thunderstorm emerged, believing it to be a sign of the Maori gods, the Maori morale of the crews rose dramatically as well as their combat performance. The battle sparked a duel between the Tawaki and the Massachussets in what seems to be the last big gun battleship duel in history, Aided by torpedoes from the destroyer Tangaroa, the Tawaki came out on top from the duel as the Massachussets suffered catastrophic engine failure, multiple torpedo and artillery hits, flooding the ship. Admiral Burke chose to go down with his ship as his Armada lay devastated. The death of Admiral Burke on September 25th caused chaos in the chain of command of US Forces South Pacific as no real successor could emerge and US captains and naval officers were too busy fighting each other for the spot of leader of the warlord state. The now veteran Maori marines landed in Guadalcanal facing limited opposition as exhausted American troops surrendered their posts with an unruly leadership. Henderson Field fell on November 1953. The Solomons Campaign will continue up until February 1954 when the last outposts and bases in the Solomons loyal to US Forces South Pacific fell to Tangata troops. Victory was declared February 9th 1954 as the regional government of the Solomons was established with a state visit of the Empress. Empress Whina Cooper declared that her realm now no longer spanned just their humble lands of Aotearoa, but vast territories thousands of miles in size thus, a new empire must be forged in this new reality. The Polynesian Empire was thus born on the crucible of war with a thassalocracy covering much of Oceania under its rule.

### 1954-1980 Demobilization and the "Cooper Era"

With the war's end however, the Empire has completely exceeded their viable supply range while bureaucratic overextension crippled the nation for decades. Under the wishes of Empress Whina Cooper, no longer chained by the specter of war, began to demobilize and demilitarize the Empire, lifting the atrociously harsh "Whakahau Ohanga" system that while has helped Polynesia secure it's destiny, it has run its course and people were demanding a return to civilian life after decades of war. The government obliged to the thousands of sailors, soldiers and civilians on the Homefront and transitioned to a market civilian economy with moderate state powers. The transition meant the armed forces became too bloated and expensive to maintain with Polynesia's shrinking military budget, thus several sacrifices were made. In 1960, the burgeoning Maori Air Corps were abolished due to lack of funds diverting it's personnel to civilian aircraft manufacturing, the Army was sized down to a quarter of it's former wartime size and even the Navy has seen a slash of funds and construction materiel which severely hampered it's ability to build new naval bases abroad and maintain their old vessels, leading to many ships being mothballed and put on reserve. Warehouses stashed full of military aircraft, equipment and resources were built inland in which it was easier to maintain while demobilized.

Focusing on maintaining the Empire's integrity and stability, Many veterans were granted generous stipends, honors and benefits as well as lands for them to use. Formerly British sailors of seized Pacific Fleet ships were granted rights which exceed a normal white civilian's status in the new Maori Order as gratitude in their service during the war. After the 1960s, major resettlement projects began on Polynesia's lands, enforced by the Maori, all unequal European treaties forced upon them were officially revoked. Tasked with reducing homogeneity in Polynesia's territories, Maori hybrid people (also known as Polynesians) and pure blood Maori were incentivized to settle in Tasmania which while caused moderate unrest in the territory, the disjointed white communities in Tasmania could do little to stop the consolidation of the Maori bureaucracy in the island. The Austronesian territories in the North have seen a major revitalization, with investment from the state and immigrants flowing to the new lands, the economy in Fiji, Noumena and the Solomons boomed with the city of Waipuke Nui in Noumena becoming the realm's largest and most economically active city. Becoming the nexus of Oceanic trade between Fiji, the Solomons and Aotearoa. Tasmania has also seen great economic growth post war with the mining of coal, iron and tin resources which fueled Polynesia's expanding steel and alloy industry as well as the production of synthetic fuel and coal liquefaction technologies. From 1960-1980, the Empire has seen great prosperity and peace, dubbed the "Cooper Era" after Empress Whina Cooper, contact was established with the state known as the Blue Collar Brigade in Queensland province, The Salvation Emirate, Javan Union and Batak Sumatra. Trade flourished with Polynesia being all too distant of a threat for any nation in Oceania with the exception of the Australian states.