Features
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Aryan Naidu: Suva’s Kirtan Rising Star Balances Finance Degree with Devotional Music
At 21, Aryan Aditya Naidu from Suva is turning bhajan and kirtan into a bold, growing journey. Guided by family mentors and balancing finance studies, he aims to keep Fiji’s devotional music thriving for generations to come.
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Fiji’s ONOP Youth Foundation: Turning Challenges Into Change
Across Fiji, a bold youth-led effort is turning challenges into opportunities. Through backyard gardens, climate-conscious programs, and leadership training, young volunteers are driving lasting change—and earning international recognition for their impact.
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Fiji’s Hospitality Rising: 21-Year-Old Frances Turns Struggle into Service
At just 21, Frances Tabanidalo is turning hardship into hospitality on Fiji’s front lines. From a tough upbringing to serving guests with warmth and grit, her story captures resilience redefining Fiji’s tourism scene.
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Offset and JID Drop Nu-Metal Collab Bodies Ahead of New Albums
Offset and JID fuse melodic grit with rapid-fire verse in a nu-metal-tinged collab that defies genre labels. Recorded across continents around a bold sample, this track signals a new era as both artists prep new albums.
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Can Fiji’s Youth Turn the Tide?
Facing rising youth mental‑health and drug concerns, young Fijians are being urged to lead locally as new community-focused services and opportunities roll out.
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Tramonto: Taveuni’s Hilltop Sunset Secret
Perched above Matei with sweeping ocean views, Tramonto is Taveuni’s beloved sunset spot — thin‑crust pizzas, sundowners and a warm family welcome keep evenings lingering long after the light fades.
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Fiji’s Hidden Housing Crisis: What’s Next?
A high-profile visit masks urgent, long-running challenges in Suva — from stalled housing plans to gaps in traditional leadership — while small, practical experiments hint at possible ways forward.
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What’s Really Happening at Fiji’s Mental Hospital?
Rising drug-related admissions and a troubling number of long-stay patients abandoned by their families are pushing Fiji’s only mental hospital to the brink. Officials are weighing major changes to care, community support and facilities as pressure mounts.
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Fiji’s Quiet Emergency: Housing Delays and a Leadership Gap
High-profile events in Suva are masking deeper strains: stalled resettlement and vacant customary leadership roles are fraying local governance and housing security. Small housing pilots and leadership drives offer hope — but significant hurdles remain.
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Under Fiji’s Spotlight: A Hidden Crisis of Homes and Chiefs
While diplomacy dominates headlines, Fiji is quietly grappling with widespread housing insecurity and thousands of vacant customary leadership roles — a convergence with major consequences.
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Homegrown Wisdom: USP Scholar’s Quiet Revolution for Fiji’s Climate Future
A son of Koro Island is exploring how iTaukei worldviews and mataqali-owned businesses could underpin community resilience as climate pressures mount.
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The Fiji Plot Turning Prejudice into Produce
A small garden in a Fijian village is quietly reshaping lives and local attitudes. One caretaker’s story of hardship, ingenuity and newfound pride hints at how community farming can drive unexpected social change.
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The Untold Origins of Fiji Iguanas
Genetic sleuthing uncovers an astonishing origin story for Fiji’s Vokai—an ancient, unlikely ocean voyage and a looming conservation crisis that could erase that epic legacy.
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Fiji500 Cyclists Chase More Than Miles
What began as a roadside idea has become a 500‑km ride around Viti Levu — cyclists braving hills and heat to fund life‑saving oxygen for remote communities.
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Bara Battle 2025: Racing for a Cause in Fiji!
Get ready for an exhilarating showdown as the **Bara Battle 2025** approaches! This year, 23 corporate teams will compete not just for glory, but to make a substantial difference for children with disabilities. As the excitement builds, the event is set to highlight the incredible impact of teamwork and community spirit in creating a brighter,…
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From Solitude to Success: The Inspiring Journey of a Market Vendor
At 65, Ram Mahesh embodies resilience and adaptability, crafting a fulfilling life amidst solitude. After his family moved to the U.S., he transformed from an automotive electrician to a thriving market vendor in Suva, embracing independence and overcoming adversity without turning to negative habits. His journey is not just one of survival, but a testament…
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Breaking the Silence: The Hidden Risks of Early Menopause in Women Under 40
Dr. Tema Rasoki-Windust sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of early menopause, particularly in women under 40. With significant health risks like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease at stake, her call for awareness is urgent. As women in Fiji and the Pacific grapple with unacknowledged menopausal symptoms, the lack of discussion leaves many feeling isolated. Discover…
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Empowering Single Mothers: A Journey of Love and Resilience
Discover the inspiring journey of Pritika Vandana Nandani, a single mother from Lautoka, as she navigates the challenges of raising her daughter with cerebral palsy. With unwavering strength and a commitment to love, she shares the valuable lessons learned along the way. Dive into her story of resilience, community support, and the hope that fuels…
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Breaking Barriers: The Fight for Women’s Voices in Leadership
In a landscape often dominated by male voices, Tui Nakasa Bulou Sulueti stands as the sole female district head in Kadavu, grappling with the challenges of earning respect in her leadership role. Her experiences shed light on the broader struggle for female representation in decision-making processes, as echoed by fellow leader Salote Nawalowalo. Together, they…
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Compassion Over Judgment: A Call for Change in Fiji’s View on Unplanned Pregnancies
In the wake of a tragic incident involving a newborn found in a restroom, Shamima Ali of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre is urging society to shift its perspective on single expectant mothers. With a powerful call for compassion over judgment, she highlights the need for supportive resources and understanding for women facing unplanned pregnancies.…
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Bula Festival: A Tribute to a Musical Legend
The FMF Bula Festival in Nadi takes on a heartfelt tone this year as it honors the memory of Fijian musician George ‘Fiji’ Veikoso. Contestant Grace Suvei, whose connection with Veikoso inspired her participation, reflects on the meaningful conversations they shared just before his passing. As she competes for the title of Bula Queen, the…
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Shifting Masculinities: iTaukei Men Open Up About Gender-Based Violence in Fiji
A groundbreaking study reveals a transformative shift among iTaukei men in Fiji as they begin to engage in conversations about gender-based violence. Once hesitant to address these issues, many are now reconsidering their perspectives on masculinity and violence. This change signals a potential cultural evolution in the fight against GBV. Explore the personal journeys and…
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Melaia Dimuri: The Fijian Icon Who Redefined Music and Empowered Generations
This week, the vibrant legacy of Melaia Dimuri, a beloved icon in Fijian music, comes to the forefront. With her unforgettable songs like “Vei Bogi Kece” and “CBM,” Melaia’s powerful voice transcended barriers, inspiring generations of musicians. Discover how her journey from humble beginnings to stardom continues to resonate within the hearts of many, celebrating…
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Hope Centre Transforms Lives with New Prosthetics for Amputees in Fiji
A recent initiative at the Hope Centre in Nadi has brought new life to seven individuals through the provision of custom prosthetic limbs. This effort, backed by Australian funding, addresses a critical need amidst rising diabetes-related amputations in Fiji. The centre’s chairman emphasizes the transformative impact of these prosthetics on mobility and independence. However, the…
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Jaden Francis: A Beacon of Academic Excellence Rising from Marist Brothers High School
Jaden Francis’s remarkable achievement at the Inaugural Academic Excellence Induction at Marist Brothers High School marks a significant milestone in his educational journey. With an impressive score of 366 out of 400, he embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication. His heartfelt reflections on success, along with the support of his family and teachers, illustrate…
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Young Scholar Michael Tugaga Aims for the Skies: A Journey of Excellence and Inspiration
At just 14, Michael Tugaga is capturing attention with his extraordinary academic success at Marist Brothers High School. Scoring an impressive 580 out of 600, he topped his classes in Business Administration and Agriculture, all while dreaming of becoming a pilot. His humble outlook and determination to inspire others in his community reveal a young…
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Wilson’s New Fijian Adventure: A Film Resurgence
Discover the enchanting journey of Wilson the volleyball as he finds a new home in the stunning landscapes of Fiji! With a heartwarming twist, this short film captures his vibrant adventures alongside a local girl, celebrating both friendship and culture. But this tale is more than just a happy ending; it highlights the blossoming film…
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“Emeritus Honor: Celebrating a Legacy of Academic Leadership”
Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, has received the prestigious title of Emeritus Professor from the University of Adelaide. This recognition highlights his remarkable contributions to academia and leadership between 1992 and 2006. As USP celebrates this honor, it signals the lasting impact of his work on education policy…
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“Living with Lupus: A Journey of Struggles and Resilience”
Anareta Matainadroga’s inspiring journey through the challenges of living with lupus reveals the stark realities faced by many with chronic illnesses. After a decade on medication, her decision to quit led to a grueling two-year struggle filled with unexpected complications and intense withdrawal. As she confronts the unpredictability of her symptoms, Matainadroga also highlights the…
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Bridging Cultures: Father Hoare’s Spiritual Journey in Fiji
Father Frank Hoare’s journey in Fiji unfolds through deep cultural connections, spiritual growth, and a quest for unity. From immersive experiences in local communities to navigating the challenges of a significant pilgrimage, his commitment to understanding and respecting diverse traditions paints a vivid picture of life on Koro Island. Discover the transformative lessons he learns…