Corrections chief pulls out of NZ trip amid court case

Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service Sevuloni Naucukidi has formally withdrawn from an official delegation to New Zealand, citing the need to prioritise his responsibilities at home.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed that Mr Naucukidi wrote to Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga, advising that he would not accompany the Minister’s team on the trip this week.

“In his correspondence, Mr Naucukidi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the Minister’s delegation but stated that his personal and professional responsibilities within the Fiji Corrections Service, given the current situation, had to be prioritised,” the ministry said.

Mr Naucukidi, who appeared in the Suva Magistrate Court today, has been charged with one count of criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening a member of his support staff in July this year. He was granted bail on strict conditions, including the surrender of his travel documents upon returning to Fiji on October 17.

The court heard that the alleged victim is no longer employed by the Corrections Service. His lawyer confirmed that Naucukidi remains Acting Commissioner and has not been suspended.

In the statement, Mr Naucukidi said he had every confidence in the Fiji Corrections Service representatives accompanying the Minister and their ability to “carry out their responsibilities in New Zealand effectively and professionally.”

He also reaffirmed his support for the Ministry’s overseas engagements, expressing confidence that the visit “will further strengthen bilateral relations and justice cooperation between Fiji and New Zealand.”

Mr Turaga acknowledged and respected Mr Naucukidi’s decision, commending his continued leadership in maintaining “the effective operation and stability of the Corrections Service during this period.”