Rewa high chief and former United Nations security official Ro Naulu Mataitini has warned that Fiji is "undermining our own diplomats" and allowing growing foreign influence to shape national policy, in a pointed social media statement that calls for a strategic reset of Fiji’s foreign engagement.
Mataitini, a Rewa high chief and former UN security executive, accused political leaders of sidelining the country’s diplomatic service and of being susceptible to flattery and ceremonial prestige that, he says, erodes political judgement. “To get elected, they will promise anything. But once inside Parliament, too many follow their worst instincts,” he wrote, arguing that this behaviour has left Fiji ill-equipped to defend its interests abroad. “Are we resourcing our embassies to advance and defend Fiji’s interests? Or are we reducing them to protocol and consular offices?” he asked.
His statement highlighted the rapid growth of foreign presence in Suva, saying new embassies and non-resident ambassadors are “flocking to Suva” with strategic intentions and proper resourcing to pursue their national interests. Mataitini warned that while other countries are deploying well-resourced missions and senior envoys, Fiji has not matched that effort in key capitals such as Canberra, Beijing, Wellington or Washington — leaving its Heads of Mission unable to fully leverage insights or push Fiji’s agenda.
Mataitini singled out Australia as an example of an imbalance in influence. He said Fiji has “had three Australian High Commissioners who exerted and continue to exert enormous influence over our government,” adding that the current high commissioner “is selling Australia’s interests brilliantly. His success is built on our political gullibility.” The remark underscores longstanding concerns about the relative power of resident diplomatic missions in the capital and the access foreign envoys enjoy to ministers.
The chief’s intervention comes as geopolitical competition in the Pacific intensifies, with Suva increasingly seen as a hub for diplomatic activity in the region. His comments also arrive against a backdrop of domestic fiscal strain: Parliament is expected to consider measures including a proposed 20 percent pay cut for public servants, a potential signal of tighter budgets that could constrain diplomatic staffing and overseas operations.
Mataitini’s call for a “strategic reset” seeks to refocus attention on building capacity in Fiji’s foreign service and on ensuring diplomatic postings are equipped to shape regional and global policy in Fiji’s favour. He questioned whether Fiji is “shaping Australian policy, or just following,” and urged a reassessment of how foreign policy is conducted and resourced.
There was no official response to Mataitini’s statement at the time of publication. His critique is likely to revive debate about Fiji’s diplomatic posture and resource allocation at a moment when global powers are accelerating engagement across the Pacific and geopolitical tensions elsewhere are affecting strategic calculations.