TLTB PROVIDES ONE-THIRD FUNDING SUPPORT TO MATAQALI WAIMARO COOPERATIVE LTD
October 30, 2026
CAVU I KALAWA NA YAVUSA WAINIKORO E NA KENA TEIVAKI NA DOVU E NA NODRATOU QELE
October 30, 2026
The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) officially opened Taukei Plaza Tolu in Labasa on Friday, marking another key achievement under its New Business Direction and becoming the third commercial property acquired since the initiative began in 2024.
The new building was officially opened by the Turaga na Tui Nadogo, Ratu Ilisaniti Malodali, in a ceremony attended by stakeholders, landowners, and community representatives from across the Northern Division.
In his official address Ratu Ilisaniti spoke of a “wind of change” within the Board, with a renewed focus on empowering the lives of the iTaukei people.
He called on all iTaukei to unite and join the Board in moving together towards a clear and brighter future for all landowners, built on unity, progress and prosperity.
Also present were the Minister for iTaukei Affairs Hon. Ifereimi Vasu, Rev. Apisalome Driadria Nai Talatala Qase Wasewase o Wailevu, Adi Adi Ana Ratuilagi (TLTB Board Member). From the vanua also represented were the Turaga Tui Labasa, Turaga Tui Wailevu, Buli Dama, Buli Raviravi, Turaga ni Yavusa Wasavulu (Qoibau), Turaga ni Yavusa Labasa, Turaga ni Yavusa Vuniwai, Marama ni Yavusa Yauca, Marama ni Yavusa Qawa, Marama ni Yavusa Nika, Marama ni Yavusa Muanaicake and Turaga ni Yavusa Matasawa.
Also present were the Roko Tui Macuata, and representatives from Merchant Finance, Fiji Development Bank, Sugar Cane Growers Fund, Bred Bank, ANZ, Labasa Town Council, Town & Country Planning Office, Navualiku Office and Fiji Pine Trust.
The $2.98 million investment strengthens TLTB’s commercial footprint in the North, enhances service delivery to landowners and tenants, and creates a platform for future investment and business growth.
Speaking at the event, CEO Mr Solomone Nata said that the organisation is moving beyond its traditional role of lease administration and is actively creating pathways for landowners to participate in Fiji’s economy through entrepreneurship, investment, and business development.
Through the Landowners Empowerment Division, commercial ventures, and the Taukei Development Fund Facility (TDFF), TLTB is supporting landowners to access finance, improve financial literacy, establish businesses, and become active participants in resource development and investment opportunities.
The impact of these initiatives is already being seen in the Northern Division. Successful projects supported by the TDFF include the fully repaid eco-tourism venture of Vuadomo Company Fiji Ltd in Cakaudrove and tractor acquisition projects in Macuata that have assisted local landowners to improve productivity and expand their economic activities, plus many more.
TLTB also acknowledged the broader development opportunities presented by strategic projects such as the proposed Waiqele Airport, which has the potential to improve regional connectivity, boost tourism and trade, and generate new opportunities for landowners and surrounding communities.
As Taukei Plaza Tolu opens its doors, the building stands as a symbol of confidence in the North and a testament to TLTB’s ongoing commitment to creating sustainable wealth for iTaukei landowners.
