Timoci Balenaivalu, the principal archivist at the National Archives of Fiji, has experienced a remarkable journey in his career, one that began unexpectedly. As one of the few individuals in Fiji skilled in the intricate task of managing official records, Balenaivalu has risen to become the President of the Pacific Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (PARBICA).
Hailing from Nakorosule in Naitasiri, Balenaivalu is the youngest of three siblings and attended various schools due to his father’s civil service postings, including Ra High School, Ba Provincial High School, and Swami Vivekananda College. His career path in record management took shape after he completed high school. Seeking to earn some money during the school holidays, he went job hunting and remembered advice from a career counselor: the difference between writing a letter and visiting an office in pursuit of a job.
While passing by the National Archives of Fiji, he learned of a vacancy from a friend working at the iTaukei Land Trust Board. Despite being unfamiliar with the archives, Balenaivalu applied for the position and began working there in 1994 at the age of 20, right after finishing Form 7. Over the years, he has accumulated nearly thirty years of service and acquired extensive knowledge in record keeping and management.
Starting as a junior officer known as an archives assistant, Balenaivalu quickly immersed himself in the work. He served as a reprographer and learned how to collate old records for microfilming, a process similar to digitization. He noted the importance of ensuring that documents were in order before filming, and he often had to replace missing pages by obtaining copies from relevant offices.
Balenaivalu developed a keen interest in his work as he interacted with individuals conducting research or seeking genealogical information. He enjoyed gathering records to support their stories and was motivated by the collaborative work environment, where experienced colleagues shared their knowledge.
Influenced by a diligent supervisor who set a high standard for productivity, Balenaivalu adopted strong work ethics and became more efficient in his tasks, gradually advancing in his career. Throughout his journey, he faced various challenges, including routine outdoor tasks that built his character.
He also shared some eerie experiences from his years at the archives, recounting instances of unexplained noises in the building and mysterious phone calls in the evening. Furthermore, he appreciated his interactions with the public and learned valuable customer service skills by answering calls when required.
Reflecting on his successful journey, Balenaivalu emphasizes the importance of discipline and dedication. Although he began with limited knowledge of record management, he established himself as a proficient archivist. His commitment to professional development led him to a scholarship that allowed him to study at the University of Western Australia, where he obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in information management with a specialization in archives and records management.
Balenaivalu advocates for all government agencies and organizations to adopt proper record-keeping practices, underscoring its role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance within institutions.