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The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) notes with grave concern a series of Facebook posts made by one Mr. Vilisi Nadaku titled “Landowner Concerns About Abuse/Misuse and Mismanagement of Our Monies Held in Trust By TLTB”. Mr. Nadaku makes several serious allegations against TLTB, members of the TLTB Board, the Board Chairman, the CEO and officers, as well as specific cases involving iTaukei land and TLTB-administered leases.
TLTB states unequivocally that these allegations are false, reckless, and unsupported by any credible evidence. The posts are designed to mislead landowners, stakeholders, and the public about TLTB’s work. Despite this, TLTB remains steadfast in its commitment to serve iTaukei landowners as the sole statutory institution entrusted with administering iTaukei land.
TLTB wishes to set the record straight, as the allegations could cause unwarranted harm to TLTB employees and their families. TLTB’s responses to matters raised in Mr Nadaku’s Facebook post are set out below.
Leases to the Grace Road group of companies
As a foreign investor, the Grace Road group of companies is required to operate in Fiji in strict compliance with Fiji’s laws. In the same way, leases to the various Grace Road companies, including Grace Road Property Development Pte Limited and Grace Road Food Company Limited, must be processed and issued in accordance with TLTB’s policies and procedures.
TLTB, as statutory trustee, must consult with the relevant iTaukei landowners before issuing a lease. This is a requirement under section 9 of the iTaukei Land Trust Act 1940. For land within “iTaukei reserve”, the Board is required under section 17 to show “good cause” for de-reservation and obtain the signatures of no less than 51% of the members of a landowning unit. These statutory checks and balances are in place to safeguard the interests of iTaukei landowners.
TLTB issues leases to eligible applicants who satisfy TLTB’s statutory and procedural requirements. Leases are granted only after meeting established rules and submitting required documents, such as IDs, proof of income, and development plans. Another requirement is the ability to meet the lease’s financial obligations, including payment of the premium and rent. TLTB consistently applies these standards in processing new lease applications.
Grace Road in Yadua
Mr Nadaku alleges that the TLTB CEO facilitated the issuance of a lease to Grace Road in Yadua. To clarify, the land on which the Grace Road True Mart is situated used to form part of a development lease in the name of the landowner trust. This portion was sold to Grace Road Trading Limited. The landowner trust then permitted Grace Road Trading Limited to continue developing the remainder of the land following the expiration of the original development lease.
Mr Nadaku’s allegation that TLTB blocked the landowner trust project and instead pushed through the Grace Road lease is unfounded and libellous.
Grace Road in Wainadova
Again, the allegation is false, as Mr Nata was not involved in the processing of the leases. However, TLTB acknowledges the concerns raised regarding the breach of conditions on the agricultural lease in Navua. A formal breach notice was issued to the lessee, and the penalty was duly paid. Subsequently, a new industrial lease was executed for the 5-acre portion used for industrial purposes, ensuring compliance with the lease conditions.
Furthermore, the matters relating to the Grace Road Wainadova lease are currently before the High Court. It would therefore be inappropriate for TLTB to comment further. TLTB will allow the judicial process to take its proper course. TLTB is, however, committed to ensuring the interests of the landowners are protected and that lease obligations are observed.
Leases in Nadi
These old allegations were raised during the 2023 transition and were investigated by the Board, which cleared the CEO, who was then the DGM Operations. However, necessary disciplinary measures were taken against those involved, including dismissals, and lapses have been addressed with the tenants.
The public must be made aware that all leases and licences are processed by the Regions and Tourism Department and must comply with clear guidelines, requirements, and procedures.
TLTB Appointments, Recruitments and Staff Benefits
TLTB also condemns Mr Nadaku’s allegations of impropriety and collusion in the appointment of Board of Directors members, the CEO, Executive Management, and senior management. All appointments were merit-based, and due diligence processes were conducted in accordance with TLTB’s policies and procedures.
Appointments to the Board of Directors of TLTB are made by the Minister responsible for iTaukei affairs and governed by section 3(1) of the iTaukei Land Trust Act 1940. The appointment of TLTB’s CEO and other officers is made by the Board of Directors pursuant to section 30 of the Act. Appointments are subject to oversight and accountability mechanisms. Board member Toga is a graduate of the South Australian Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Valuation) and has extensive experience across various Board departments at a management level before his retirement in 2007. He runs his own private valuation firm. The current Board members are a well-qualified mix in finance, law, academia, executive management, and private and public experience, with gender consideration, and were appointed on merit. They are well qualified and have able, competent chairmanship under the Minister of iTaukei Affairs.
The Board and CEO performance
The last two and a half years have been a period of transformative change for TLTB, with tangible empowerment for landowners through robust policy reviews and long-overdue reviews. A wealth fund set up by law, financial assistance to the landowners mostly in rural arears, a scholarship fund set aside for advance education, joint-venture land development projects with landowners, TLTB properties purchased to broaden its asset and save rental expenditures, increased income collection and distribution, substantial reduction of arears, significant IT strengthening, increased staff health index, major capacity building, establish rural services extensions in Dada – Vunidawa – Levuka, massive consultation with chiefs and landowners, winning the President’s Award at the Fiji Business Excellence Awards, undertaking ISO 9000:2015 benchmarking, now attaining complete accrual finance reporting system (IFRIS) for the first time and many others.
Mr. Nadaku also alleges that TLTB acted corruptly in facilitating retirement benefits for former staff. This allegation is simply untrue and libellous. TLTB’s policies relating to staff benefits have been passed by resolution of the full Board as required under section 3 of the iTaukei Land Trust Act. The two former staff members mentioned in the post, along with another, qualified for retirement benefits but were denied. Management decided to address this as a matter of fairness and justice. TLTB will not lend credence to Mr. Nadaku’s allegations by justifying decisions that have been made in full compliance with its policies and procedures.
TLTB stands as the guardian of iTaukei land—a trust built on heritage, responsibility, and hope for future generations. It will not be swayed by political commentary on social media, nor will it be sidetracked from fulfilling its statutory duty. Our mission is not ours alone; it is a shared journey with landowners to protect what is sacred while unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth. Together, in unity and trust, we can preserve our legacy, empower our iTaukei community, and shape a future where iTaukei land remains a source of pride and prosperity for all.