Fijian diaspora can now shop online for loved ones in remote areas

Fijians living overseas can now send groceries directly to their loved ones in remote villages through a new delivery service launched today.

NewWorld IGA and transport company Unravel Viti signed a partnership agreement to bring the Tala Leka Delivery Service to rural and interior communities across Fiji, starting with Naitasiri and Tailevu.

“Through Tala Leka, our diaspora can now express their support and affection in a real, tangible way, a modern act of love made possible by technology and shared vision,” said Taraiasi Wara, director of Unravel Viti, during the signing ceremony at NewWorld IGA Distribution Centre in Vatuwaqa.

The service allows customers shopping on www.newworld.com.fj to select Tala Leka delivery at checkout, enabling groceries to reach homes and villages previously outside normal delivery zones.

Mr Wara said many overseas Fijians want to help their relatives in rural areas but face challenges with bank transfers or M-Paisa, especially with elderly family members unfamiliar with technology.

“So through Tala Leka, they’ll be able to take care of that through shopping online and having the goods delivered to their relatives in the rural communities,” he said.

Sameer Patel, Head of Merchandise, Marketing and Wholesale at NewWorld IGA, said the partnership fills a gap in their e-commerce business.

“Currently our delivery radius is only 10 kilometers. So what this means is we can reach customers in Naitasiri, Tailevu, which are well beyond 10 kilometers,” Mr Patel said.

The seven-month pilot programme will also create income opportunities for local drivers supporting delivery routes.

Expansion to maritime and outer islands will be considered based on the pilot’s success, with NewWorld operating stores in 19 locations across Fiji.

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