MEDIA STATEMENT- MOMI LAND SWAP CLARIFICATION
August 18, 2026
TRACTOR HANDOVER TO MATAQALI BUA
August 18, 2026
The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) continued its efforts to strengthen its connection with landowners by taking its July Senior Managers Meeting to Navuniivi Village in Navitilevu, Ra. Navuniivi Village is one of the four traditional villages of the Navitilevu District, alongside Nayavuira, Nasau and Veidrala and is the chiefly village of Navitilevu and the traditional seat of the Turaga na Tui Navitilevu,
The gathering marked another important event in TLTB’s commitment to bringing its leadership team closer to the people it serves, allowing senior managers to witness firsthand the realities, challenges and aspirations of iTaukei landowners in villages.
The initiative forms part of TLTB’s ongoing effort to hold management meetings in villages across the country. By stepping away from the boardroom and into village communities, TLTB aims to better understand the everyday lives of landowners, listen to their concerns, and identify practical ways to improve livelihoods and create sustainable opportunities for the young iTaukei people.
The meeting commenced with a short devotion drawing from Genesis 4:10, “The Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground,'” the message emphasized the sacred relationship between people and the land.
The devotion reminded participants that land is a gift from God and the source of life, and that future generations will suffer if it is not properly cared for and managed.
In his official opening address by the Turaga na Tui Navitilevu, Ratu Kadavu Mara he expressed his appreciation for the Board’s decision to bring management meetings directly to the village. “Sa levu sara na tamata vinaka ia sa lailai sara na tamata dina,” he said.
Ratu Kadavu challenged TLTB’s management team to remain truthful, principled and courageous in making decisions concerning iTaukei land, stressing that integrity must always guide land administration and development.
CEO Mr Solomone Nata, reaffirmed the value of engaging directly with lour chiefs and landowners. He noted that meaningful engagement in the villages creates opportunities to hear perspectives and wisdom that would otherwise be missed.
“One of the reasons why I wanted to bring our meetings to villages like this is so that we can listen directly to our chiefs and people, learn from their experiences, and understand how we can continue improving our services,” Mr Nata said.
He added that the knowledge shared by our chiefs and village elders provides valuable insights that help shape TLTB’s decisions and ensure its work remains aligned with the needs and aspirations of landowners.
The meeting was followed with a talanoa session to hear the voices of the people in regards to the use and development of their land.
