Vanua Clay Fiji was awarded the tourism award at Fiji Development Bank’s National Small and Medium Enterprises awards night at Grand Pacific Hotel.

The award was sponsored by the Fiji Sun.

Company owner Taito Lawakele of Natokalau, Matuku, designed unique crafted necklaces for delegates who attended COP23 meeting at Bonn, Germany last November.

Mr Lawakele was excited when he won the Tourism award.

He said the recognition means so much to him and his staff.

“I am so happy for the win as I was not expecting to receive an award tonight.

“I would like to thank the Fiji Development Bank for their recognition of the works that I do.

“This is my first win and I am over the moon. This win is dedicated to hardworking staff of Vanua Clay Fiji,” he said.

He said he was honoured to be given an opportunity to showcase his skills at an international platform such as COP23.

“Pottery is something unique to the iTaukei culture and I was happy that they adorn themselves with something that is new to them.”

About Vanua Clay Fiji

Vanua Clay is a family owned business based at Meigunyah Road in Nadi.

“As the name suggests Vanua Clay is 100 per cent Fijian made with products baked at 1000 degree celcius in a gas kiln for more than eight hours,” he said.

“From pendants, to mosquito coil holders, to pen holders, soap dishes, wind chimes, the clay products are baked at 1000 degrees in a gas kiln.

“The business started on April 1, 2015.

“We survey an area first before digging natural resources.

“We pick the best resource and then use it to craft jewelleries,” he said.

Mr Lawakele won $5,000 prize money.

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