MATAQALI KAVUGALEI INVESTMENT REDUCE RELIANCE ON LEASE INCOME AND CULTIVATE IDLE LAND FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
January 29, 2026
The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has reaffirmed its call for closer, more practical collaborations with key land agencies following the reconvening of the TLTB–Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources (MLMR) Cluster Meeting after some time.
Opening the meeting on Tuesday (27th January 2026), the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Mr. FIlimoni Vosarogo, highlighted the importance of TLTB and the Department of Lands working closely together. He also noted that land administration plays a major role in attracting investment, creating jobs, and supporting industrial growth. He also pointed to Fiji’s strategic position in the Pacific and the opportunities that can be unlocked when land matters are handled efficiently and in a coordinated manner.
TLTB CEO Mr Solomone Nata welcomed the reconvening of the Cluster Meeting between the two institutions after a lapse and acknowledged the opportunity it provided to openly raise key land administration challenges. He emphasised TLTB’s commitment to working closely with MLMR and expressed hope for more regular, results-driven meetings moving forward.
During the meeting, TLTB made it clear that regular engagement and collaboration are critical to addressing long-standing land issues that continue to affect landowners, investors, and communities. The Board stressed that delays and gaps between agencies can slow development and create uncertainty, and called for practical, solution-focused collaboration that delivers real outcomes on the ground.
To support this position, TLTB tabled ten discussion papers covering proposed legislative and policy changes. These included matters relating to ALTA and TLTA, NG187, REDD+, Standing Tree Compensation, Intangible Valuation, and Mangrove and Tiri Land boundary demarcation, among others. The papers were aimed at strengthening land governance while ensuring that the interests of iTaukei landowners remain protected.
Several important decisions were reached during the meeting, largely in response to matters raised by TLTB. These included commitments to joint follow-up actions on outstanding land issues and agreement on timelines to progress specific land-related requests.
The discussion papers were well received by senior officials, including the Permanent Secretary Mr Paula Cirikiyasawa, Director of Lands Mr Josefa Vuniamatana, and Director of Mineral Resources Dr Apete Soro.
