Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, recently conducted a meaningful meeting with representatives from Te Whānau o Waipareira in Auckland, focusing on enhancing the well-being of communities in both countries.
Te Whānau o Waipareira, a non-profit organization founded in 1984 in New Zealand, offers a wide array of services, including health, housing, social justice, and education, primarily benefiting Māori and other ethnic groups.
During the meeting, Ratu Inoke commended Te Whānau o Waipareira for its exceptional support and services to Māori communities in urban settings. He noted that the organization’s initiatives could provide important lessons for the people of Fiji.
“We would like to learn from your work with the Māori and implement similar programs for our communities in Fiji. I recognize that you are advanced in your efforts, and we invite you, Mr. Tamihere, to visit Fiji soon,” he remarked.
Ratu Inoke also underscored the Fijian government’s dedication to affirmative action for iTaukei individuals in business and education.
Chairman Raymond Hall and Chief Executive Officer John Tamihere expressed their appreciation for the discussions and acknowledged the historical connections between Fiji and New Zealand. Tamihere showed his eagerness to explore direct economic and social exchanges to further solidify the strong relationship between the two nations.
Ratu Inoke was joined by Second Secretary Josua Tuwere and Auckland Fijian community leaders Rachel Mario and Nik Naidu, who actively participated in the dialogue aimed at enhancing collaboration.
These efforts by Fiji’s diplomatic missions abroad are in line with the country’s recently endorsed Foreign Policy White Paper.