Businessman and career farmer Simon Cole, is a grog-drinking dalo eating Englishman, who considers himself fortunate to have extensively visited most of the Pacific.

The Vuda Pigs owner said in sport, he supports Fiji ahead of England.

“So does my family in England,” he said.

Mr Cole will travel a long way for a pint of hand-pulled English beer – in this case, Auckland, New Zealand.

A proud family man, he enjoys making people smile.

Mr Cole dislikes writing reports.

“I believe the answer is in spreadsheets,” he said.

“Words only muck them up.”

Businessman and career farmer Simon Cole.

His 30 years of experience in the local pork industry evolved from a small piggery previously owned jointly by West Farm Holdings, and Dan Costello’s Fiji Meats.

Pig farming was not the original plan, he said.

“I want to run a small dairy farm and produce cheese.”

Wainibuka River in Tailevu.

What Is One Place In Fiji You Would Take Visitors/Friends To, And Why?
I cannot live without water, so I like to go to a river crossing at the top of the Wainibuka River in Ra inland, from Nasayani Village.

What Is Your Favourite Spot For A Coffee/Pie, And Why?
Vuda Marina has good coffee, and beautiful views of Nadi Bay, and the yachts in the Marina.

It is also close to home.

Viseisei Village

What Is One Place In Fiji On Your Bucket List?
I have been lucky and visited many places in Fiji on many islands, but I have not been to Gau.

I had a very good friend from that island who presented my sevusevu to the Taukei Sawaieke of Viseisei Village, when I moved to the West to start the piggery.

Unknown to me, there is a traditional link between Viseisei and Sawaieke in Gau.

The presentation was not what I expected.

Sadly, I never got to visit his island; although I hope there is an opportunity to do so.

Businessman and career farmer Simon Cole on his veranda.

What Is Your Favourite Backyard Spot?
Our house has large verandas.

I enjoy sitting early in the morning with a cup of tea and a biscuit, on the veranda overlooking our backyard, planted by my wife Lia.

It helps start the day.

As a long time farmer, it is only recently that I have had time early in the morning to do this.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj