Toso Ki Liu Newsletter -Vol 2 , 2026
August 17, 2026
TLTB BRINGS SENIOR MANAGERS MEETING TO NAVUNIIVI VILLAGE
August 18, 2026
There has been considerable discussion on social media regarding the unresolved Momi Land Swap.
The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) wishes to clarify its position on this matter and reiterate its commitment to pursuing an appropriate resolution, whether through the completion of the land swap arrangement or the reversion of the affected freehold land back to iTaukei ownership.
By way of background, an itaukei land lease was granted to support the development of a golf course associated with the five-star hotel project now known as the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.
The project was originally proposed by Matapo Limited. To facilitate the development, Cabinet approved the Momi Land Swap on 4 July 2006, involving:
• 68.7 hectares (170 acres) of iTaukei land owned by Tokatoka Nasau, which was to be converted to freehold land; and
• An equivalent area of freehold land owned by Matapo, which was to be converted to iTaukei land and was later acquired by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).
This land exchange was undertaken to facilitate the Momi Bay tourism development project, which was anticipated to generate significant economic benefits, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the long-term prosperity of both the landowners and the people of Fiji.
In terms of landowner benefits, more than $5,209,029.32 has been paid to the landowning unit of Tokatoka Nasau and the Vanua o Nalolo as detailed below:
• Premium – $1,074,657.75
• Rent – $2,775,000.00
• Education Scholarship – $595,000.00
• Directors Training – $30,000.00
• Use of Space – $50,000.00
• Compensation Land Swap – $50,000.00
• Community Development – $50,000.00
• Community Hall (Bavu, Lomawai & Navutu) – $240,000.00
• Water Pipes – $3,900.00
• Qoliqoli Compensation – $40,471.57
• Staff Quarters – $300,000.00
The current rent is $260,000 subject to five years review. Landowners company has a tours and transfers business with Marriot Resort and has 19 vehicles. Landowners has business, employment and training preferences under the lease.
The land swap was carried out pursuant to Section 6 of the Crown Lands Act [now the State Lands Act], resulting in the conversion of the iTaukei land to the State and the subsequent issuance of a State Grant. Following this process, freehold titles CT 36803 and CT 36939 were transferred to TLTB in September 2007.
However, CT 36803 was later mortgaged to the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) and subsequently transferred to FNPF in September 2008.
As a result of Government intervention at the time, the final stage of the land swap—the conversion of the freehold land into iTaukei land—was never completed. TLTB has been following up for years, in fact, last year made a submission to government to unwind the land swap if it cannot be competed.
Current discussions are centred on completing the outstanding land exchange in accordance with the provisions of the Momi Bay Development Act 2010 and giving effect to the Cabinet decision of 4 July 2006, which approved the original land swap arrangement.
However, the principal challenge today is Section 29(5) of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, which prohibits the direct conversion of freehold land into iTaukei land.
Consequently, neither the Government nor any other institution has the legal authority to simply reclassify freehold land as iTaukei land, irrespective of the intentions underpinning the original Momi Land Swap Agreement.
Upon completion of the acquisition and transmission process by the Director of Lands, the land would then be eligible for registration as iTaukei land in accordance with the applicable legal requirements.
Following such registration, TLTB should formally notify TLFC to facilitate the creation of a new Register of iTaukei Land (RTL) for the subject property, with ownership duly recorded under Tokatoka Nasau.
The affected landowners of Tokatoka Nasau have consistently maintained that a fair and lawful solution must be achieved. Their position, which is consistent with TLTB’s stance, remains that either:
• The original land swap arrangement should be completed in accordance with the 2006 Cabinet decision; or
• Their original iTaukei land should be returned if the swap can no longer be lawfully implemented.
TLTB is working with Ministry of Lands and FNPF to resolve the matter; either compete the process or unwind it.
TLTB MANAGEMENT