The Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, announced that the Review Team tasked with assessing the i-Taukei Affairs Act is anticipated to complete its work and submit its findings by the end of this month. The primary goals of this review are to boost economic employment opportunities for the i-Taukei people and to enhance Vanua governance.
While responding to an Oral Question regarding the progress of the review, Vasu mentioned that the review is being carried out under the guidance of the Strategic Advisory Group (SAG). The process is organized 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 groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), university and tertiary students, i-Taukei institutions, women’s groups, statutory bodies, provincial councils, and the general public.
“The Review Team has consulted and gathered perspectives from credible representatives across the community. Throughout these consultations, many Fijians have expressed their support for the continuation of the i-Taukei administration, while also emphasizing the need for a significant transformation in its operational methods,” Vasu stated. He further emphasized that the administration must consider emerging issues that influence the current development agenda.