The Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, announced that the Review Team tasked with assessing the i-Taukei Affairs Act is expected to complete its work and submit its findings by the end of this month.
Vasu outlined that the main goals of the review are to enhance economic opportunities for the i-Taukei people and to fortify Vanua governance structures. Responding to an Oral Question regarding the status of this review, he mentioned that the team’s efforts are shaped by the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG).
The review process is structured into five phases, with the team providing updates to the SAG at each stage. Vasu noted that the review team has engaged with a diverse range of stakeholders, including religious organizations, NGOs, civil society groups, university students, i-Taukei institutions, women’s groups, statutory bodies, provincial councils, and the general public.
“The Review Team has consulted and gathered feedback from various sectors of the community. During these discussions, Fijians expressed their endorsement of the i-Taukei administration’s continuation, while emphasizing the need for significant changes in its operational approach,” Vasu stated. He highlighted the importance of addressing emerging issues that influence contemporary development agendas.