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Ratu Nemani Kobakobau, from Nukurua Village, Vugalei, Tailevu was presented with a Taukei Development Fund Facility (TDFF) loan of around $100,000 from the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) on Tuesday.
While making the presentation, CEO Mr Solomone Nata said the TDFF is funded through the iTaukei Wealth Fund, established from the 10 percent poundage levy approved in 2024.
“We are strategically investing in initiatives that build long-term, inter-generational wealth for our people. A significant portion of the Fund is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurial ventures, giving landowners the tools to grow their businesses and secure a stronger future for their families,” he said.
Mr Kobakobau, the founder and director of Kobakobau Investment, is a registered and licensed sawmill operator specializing in forestry support services, including non-wood forest product collection, logging, sawmilling, wood planning, and wholesale timber trade.
He became emotional as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to TLTB and the Ministry of Forestry, acknowledging their support in turning years of hard work into meaningful progress. He shared that the assistance from TLTB brings renewed hope for achieving his business goals and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Using these funds, Kobakobau Investment is set to increase its production of furniture, including beds supplied to Courts Fiji Limited, from 60 to 120 units per month.
The TDFF support will also help secure a permanent workshop using a TLTB-leased land, strengthen working capital and enabling the business to expand operations and more create jobs.
The operation has created employment for 10 family members in the Nasinu operations and five skilled family members in the Nukurua operations, demonstrating the company’s commitment to establishing sustainable income streams for its community.
Kobakobau Investment is currently meeting its local supply commitments to Courts Fiji Limited, facilitated through Gaunavou Cooperative Limited, which operates under an MOU with the Ministry of Forestry. The company also maintains supply arrangements with Vision Investments Limited, with a standing order to deliver 120 beds per month.
In addition to beds, Kobakobau Investment manufactures and supplies other mahogany-based products, including chest boxes, coffin boxes, sawn timber, and various other timber items.
The sawmill, operating under License No. 310/2025 issued on 15 May 2025, is currently based in Nasinu and plans are underway to relocate it to a permanent workshop in Kasavu.
