The Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, has announced that the Review Team tasked with evaluating the i-Taukei Affairs Act is expected to complete its work and submit its findings by the end of this month.
Vasu highlighted that the primary goals of this review are to enhance economic opportunities for the i-Taukei people and to strengthen governance within the Vanua community. Addressing an Oral Question regarding the status of the review, he noted that the team’s efforts are being guided by the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG).
The review process is structured into five phases, with the team providing regular updates to the SAG after each phase. Vasu mentioned that the Review Team has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including religious organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), university students, i-Taukei institutions, women’s groups, statutory bodies, provincial councils, and the general public.
“The Review Team has consulted with a diverse cross-section of the community. Feedback from these consultations indicates strong support for the continuation of the i-Taukei administration; however, there is a consensus on the need for significant changes in its operational approach,” Vasu stated. He emphasized the importance of addressing contemporary issues that influence today’s development agenda.