TLTB JOINS FIJI-NZ BUSINESS MISSION 2025

The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) was proud to be part of the Fiji–New Zealand Business Mission 2025, held from 8–12 September in Wellington and Auckland.

Led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs and Communications Hon. Manoa Kamikamica and Investment Fiji, the mission brought together senior officials, business leaders, and stakeholders from both countries to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

For TLTB, this mission was especially significant as it provided an international platform to:

Showcase Fiji’s land policies and investment frameworks.

Engage with potential investors in land development.

Promote sustainable development on iTaukei land.

Build ties with New Zealand businesses and Māori land authorities.

Connect with Fijian communities in Wellington and Auckland.

Key learnings included insights from Māori Trusts and Iwi Leaders who have grown their assets from initial settlements into multi-billion-dollar portfolios in tourism, real estate, agriculture, and fisheries — while ensuring employment and opportunities for their people. This experience highlighted valuable lessons for TLTB as we continue empowering iTaukei landowners through sustainable investment and joint ventures.

Representing TLTB at the mission were CEO Mr. Solomone Nata, Acting Senior Estate Officer (Tourism) Mr. Savenaca Bola, and Landowners Relations Officer Mr. Ilaitia Ralulu.

Mr Nata said TLTB continues to foster its relationship with the Maori tribal leaders who have been very successful in implementing their development models for the Maori people.

For TLTB the highlights were their engagement with the Chairman of the Māori Trust, the Chairman of the Waikato Iwi Trust, and the Chairman of the Ngāti Manuhiri Trust.

Their stories of resilience and determination after decades of struggle for self-determination are truly inspiring. Today, the Māori economy is valued at NZ$126 billion. For example, the Waikato Iwi Trust, which began with a settlement of NZ$170 million under the Waitangi Tribunal (established through the Waitangi Treaty Act 1975), now manages assets worth NZ$4 billion. Their portfolio includes five-star hotels, retail businesses, real estate, dairy farms, and fisheries. Importantly, every project they undertake guarantees 30% employment for Māori, supported by robust training and capacity-building programs.

Similarly, the Ngāti Manuhiri Trust grew from an initial NZ$9 million settlement to NZ$700 million in assets today.

These examples demonstrate the power of strategic investment, cultural resilience, and community empowerment — a vision TLTB shares. For us, this is a reminder of the opportunity and responsibility we carry: to grow, to innovate, and to ensure that development on iTaukei land is sustainable, inclusive, and truly beneficial to landowners, while driving Fiji’s economic growth.