Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, recently met with representatives from Te Whānau o Waipareira in Auckland to discuss enhancing the welfare of communities in both nations. Te Whānau o Waipareira, a non-profit organization founded in 1984, offers a wide array of services such as health, housing, social justice, and education primarily for Māori and other ethnic groups.
During the meeting, Ratu Inoke commended Te Whānau o Waipareira for the exceptional support it extends to Māori communities in urban settings. He expressed a desire for Fijians to learn from the organization’s successful initiatives. “We would like to learn what you are doing for Māori and apply similar initiatives for our people in Fiji. I see you are advanced in your efforts, and we invite you, Mr. Tamihere, to visit Fiji soon,” he remarked.
Moreover, Ratu Inoke emphasized the Fijian government’s commitment to affirmative action for iTaukei people in areas such as business and education.
Chairman Raymond Hall and CEO John Tamihere acknowledged the discussions and the historical relationship shared by Fiji and New Zealand. Tamihere expressed his eagerness to pursue direct economic and social exchanges to further strengthen the enduring bond between the two nations.
Ratu Inoke was joined by Second Secretary Josua Tuwere and Auckland Fijian community leaders Rachel Mario and Nik Naidu, who participated in efforts to promote closer collaboration. These discussions align with Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper, which has recently received endorsement from the Cabinet.