The affection for the Fijian people has inspired Waisea Tokikiviro and his wife Dijana Green-Tokikiviro to establish a business in Nadi.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, their families in Fiji lost their jobs. To help, they encouraged their relatives to produce handicrafts and send them to Australia for sale.
When the Australian government permitted the import of yaqona, the couple decided to enter the business.
“This allowed us to ensure our family members remained employed while we assisted in providing for them,” said Ms. Green-Tokikiviro, founder and CEO of Elevating Food Safety Pty Limited.
As their business thrived, Mr. Tokikiviro began importing seafood from Fiji to sell in Australia.
“We found a local business partner who could help us meet all requirements. It’s been two years now, and we are progressing well,” she said.
“Part of our business growth involved setting up vertical integration, which meant establishing a seafood processing plant in Fiji to supply fresh quality products both locally and internationally.”
Ms. Green-Tokikiviro explained that this business model enables villages to harvest seafood and supply it to Pacifika Delicacies, a seafood shop and processing facility in Martintar, Nadi, opened on August 1.
“Our new business in Fiji involves sourcing seafood locally and sending it to Australia,” she said.
“We will also sell the seafood locally in Fiji. This shows our support and commitment to the local community, family, and friends in Fiji, introducing this exciting new concept.”
The initial investment was F$250,000 with ongoing annual investments of F$200,000. The business will employ three full-time and four part-time workers.
Its head office is based in Sydney, Australia.
“We can manage the business remotely while having the shop operated in Fiji.”
Ms. Green-Tokikiviro had previously worked in Fiji seven years ago, representing the Parramatta Eels and collaborating with her husband, who was the president of the Nadi Eels Rugby League Club.