Vunivivi reclaims ancestral land taken during colonial era

After decades of waiting, the Vanua of Vunivivi in Tailevu has finally reclaimed land that was taken during Fiji’s colonial period for a sugar mill project. 

The announcement was made by Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, during the opening of the Tailevu Provincial Council meeting at Buretu Village.

The land, located in Nausori, was taken by the colonial government to develop the Vunivivi Sugar Mill site. But long after the mill stopped operating, the land was never returned to the traditional owners. 

That changed this week with the minister’s statement confirming the land will be listed back under the Vanua of Vunivivi.

Mr Vosarogo said the Ministry of Lands had approved the council’s request for the site, which had been vacant for years.

“They identified a piece of land in Nausori that they wanted to relocate the provincial office to. It’s a normal application, and we have approved it,” he said.

The Taukei Vunivivi, Jese Qalirea, welcomed the announcement, saying the people of Vunivivi had waited for generations to see justice.

“The land was taken during the colonial era for the sugar mill in Vunivivi. But when the mill stopped operating, it was never given back to the vanua. Today’s decision brings closure and pride to our people,” Mr Qalirea said.

Provincial Council chairperson Ratu Semi Matalau, who is also the Tui Nabou, said the development represents more than just a land handover—it’s a foundation for unity and progress in the province. He confirmed that the council plans to use the site to build a new “Vale ni Yasana o Tailevu” (Tailevu Provincial House).

“There will be a meeting house for the province, a place for our women and youth, and quarters for staff. We want a common venue where our people can meet and work together,” Mr Matalau said.

The new provincial complex will serve as a hub for future council meetings, provide training facilities for youth and women, and accommodate leaders and guests from across the province.

The decision comes amid a wider national effort to restore land and strengthen ties between government and traditional owners. 

According to the Ministry of Lands, more than 6,000 acres of Crown land have been restored to local communities in recent years as part of ongoing land reforms.

For the Vanua of Vunivivi, this milestone marks not only the recovery of ancestral ground but also the revival of identity and shared purpose.

“Our ancestors fought for this land. It’s a reminder that unity and persistence can achieve great things,” Mr Qalirea said.

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