The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs has expressed its support for the 2025-2026 National Budget, which is characterized as balanced and inclusive. Minister Ifereimi Vasu highlighted that the ministry’s budget allocation has increased to $41.2 million, representing a $1.8 million rise compared to the previous year.
Notably, last year’s budget contributed to significant milestones for the ministry, including the revival of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), the reopening of the GCC Meeting House, and the initiation of the first-ever GCC meeting at the new venue. The iTaukei Land and Fisheries Commission has also made substantial progress by confirming 1,438 chiefly titles, exceeding targets in both record preservation and digitization efforts.
Furthermore, under the initiatives supported by the budget, the commission successfully surveyed land parcels in regions such as Serua, Ba, and Kadavu, mapped 129 villages across Rewa, Kadavu, and Southern Lau, and completed numerous confirmations of iTaukei land ownership. It even commenced lease surveying in Vanuatu.
In an effort to bolster traditional leadership, the Ministry has entered into an agreement with Fiji National University to launch a Diploma in Traditional Leadership and partnered with Pacific Specialist Healthcare to enhance health services for the iTaukei community.
The iTaukei Resource Owners Development Fund allocated over $1.5 million for various community improvements, including water catchments, tree planting, governance reforms, and community discussions. Moreover, the government has earmarked $1 million specifically to prepare for Fiji’s hosting of the 2026 Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture.
Looking ahead, the iTaukei Land Trust Board aims to facilitate 2,500 new leases and estimates it could generate $171.94 million in revenue while reducing processing times by 60%. The iTaukei Affairs Board is set to receive $4.7 million to support local councils, traditional ceremonies, and programs for youth and women’s leadership training.
In continuing these efforts, the ministry will advance its Jobs for Nature initiative and collaborate with the Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Risk Management Office to implement tools for assessing vulnerable populations. Minister Vasu believes that this budget reflects a shared vision for a robust iTaukei community that respects its traditions while striving for future progress.
The overall sentiment surrounding the budget and initiatives reflects hope and commitment to enhancing the well-being of the iTaukei people, ensuring that they can thrive economically while preserving their rich cultural heritage.
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