Fijian Community Plans Take Another Step Forward

Back row, left to right –Iliesa Navuasere, Pastor Qalo Seniceva, Atama Batisaresare, Seremaia Baleisomosomo, Tikiko Viqasi, Jone Tokasa, Mere Kaukirewa, Tale Tuapati, Ratu Sakiusa Raiviko, Mitieli Saunaqali | Middle row, left to right – Romano Tikotikoca, Willie Kwong, Ravuso Rayasidamu, Sia Nakabea, Akariva Nawai, Epeli Bogitini, Greg Traill, Sarah Tuapati, Litiana Tukuca, Aliti Masitabua, Silvia Tiko | Front row, left to right (sitting) –Matilda Emori, Sala Lealea, Voniani Nawaqavanua, Sai Lealea, Mariah Fagaloa-Time (MSD), Lidia Hanfiro

Most of those present had been involved with the launch and implementation of the ‘Lalawa ni Tiko Vinaka’ in 2022. One of the main reasons for the meeting was to review progress made in the past two years, discuss common issues that had presented themselves and work out how to address them.

Fijian Community Project lead Sai Lealea said while some time had passed since the launch, he hoped a lot of good would come out of it.

"Our communities are keen to share their stories about how the implementation of the Plan was going," he said.

"It was a much-anticipated day and a chance for us all to discuss the progress, and the challenges we're facing, a real opportunity for us to come together, and to show Government how it could be of use to them."

He said two of the main issues of the day turned out to be Community Governance, Leadership, community preparedness and disaster management plans.

When it came to governance, Sai said it was clear people need a helping hand in knowing where to turn to apply for assistance and funding.

"Some communities may need to set up a Trust to facilitate running programmes. We can help provide structure, so it was important to cover those topics as part of the day," he said.

The establishment of a national advisory body to represent and advocate for Fijian communities in Aotearoa was another significant achievement at the Bose Vata.

Sai noted that previous efforts to create such a body had lacked the nationwide mandate now secured through representation from the current Wellbeing project. Sai emphasised, “With this body and its mandate, Fijians can now confidently engage with government and other stakeholders more effectively.”

Looking forward, he said the different communities around the country were having monthly Zoom meetings and inviting different agencies to take part to keep momentum going.

Serena Curtis, General Manager, Pacific and Community Capability Programmes for the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) (pictured left middle) welcomed the delegates who had travelled from as far away as Northland and Southland to the capital and spoke of how proud she was that MSD, through Pasefika Proud involvement continues and values a long-standing partnership with the Fijian community.

She said the Fijian community had put in a lot of hard work and effort since Lalawa ni Tiko Vinaka in 2022 and she commended all those present for the work they had done.

"MSD, through Pasefika Proud, will continue to work alongside your leadership team supporting the socialisation of your plan, brokerage relationships at national and regional level and help influence the system for all”.

For more information email | Mr Sai Lealea MNZM

Also, of interest

Fijians come together for a better future

Fijian formulate a plan for wellbeing

National Fijian Wellbeing Plan 2022-2025

Vuvale Doka Sautu – A Cultural Framework for addressing violence in Fijian families in New Zealand