Nadala land returned after 121 years

Paulina Rabo, 73, says the returning of Native Grant 2 (NG2) to the mataqali Nadala of the yavusa Nubu in Nadarivatu is “God’s timing”.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka officiated the handover on Friday.

Ms Rabo said her late father and brother had long fought for the land’s return but was unsuccessful.

“The reversion has now come through our younger brother, Joveci Korotama, and our nephew, Luke Vauvau. They worked hard on documentation and with Government ministries to get our land back,” Ms Rabo said.

“We have waited a long time for this moment. I am grateful to God that, while I am still alive, I am witnessing this significant event.”

She said there had been disagreements among family members, including claims from those asserting membership in the mataqali.

Mataqali Nadala spokesperson Peceli Natusoro said plans were in place for development.

“At last, after 121 years, our land has been returned. We have been meeting and planning, and we are ready to work with Government on any development on this land,” he said.

Prime Minister Rabuka said the reversion presents an opportunity for Fiji to strengthen local production amid global uncertainties.

Speaking in iTaukei, he warned the country to prepare for possible disruptions, including fuel shortages linked to conflict in the Middle East.

“We need to make use of what we have,” Mr Rabuka said.

Mr Rabuka said the return of land to traditional owners reinforced the Government’s commitment to justice, transparency and respect for indigenous land ownership.

The land was initially acquired by the colonial government in 1905 for £25, now returned to its customary owners after more than a century.

About 15,000 acres of ancestral land have been handed back. It was previously used for a sanatorium and later for forestry and agricultural purposes.

Mr Rabuka urged landowners to use the opportunity to grow crops Fiji currently imports.

“With global fuel shortages and disruptions to imports, we must use our land to grow what we eat,” he said.

He encouraged the planting of cocoa and coffee and the protection of forests and natural resources.

He also raised concerns about lifestyle-related health issues, particularly among iTaukei men.

He cited the Fiji STEPS Survey 2025, which found nearly 68 per cent of adults are obese and 17 per cent live with diabetes.