Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, held an insightful meeting with the representatives from Te Whānau o Waipareira in Auckland, with focus on promoting the wellbeing of the communities of both nations.
Te Whānau o Waipareira, a New Zealand based non-profit organization established in 1984, provides a comprehensive range of services, including health, housing, social justice, and education for Māori and other ethnic groups.
During the meeting, Ratu Inoke praised Te Whānau o Waipareira for its outstanding services and support provided to the Māori communities in urban areas.
He emphasised the organisation’s potential to provide valuable lessons for Fijians. "We would like to learn what you are doing for Māori and apply similar initiatives for our people in Fiji. I see you are advanced in your efforts, and we invite you, Mr. Tamihere, to visit Fiji soon," he stated.
Ratu Inoke highlighted the Fiji Government's commitment, under the Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka on affirmative action for iTaukei people in business and education.
Chairman Raymond Hall and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Tamihere welcomed the discussions and acknowledged the historical ties between Fiji and New Zealand. Mr. Tamihere expressed his willingness to explore direct economic and social exchanges to further strengthen the robust relationship between Fiji and New Zealand.
Ratu Inoke was accompanied by the Second Secretary Josua Tuwere and also Auckland Fijian community leaders Rachel Mario and Nik Naidu, who actively participated in the discussions aimed at fostering stronger collaboration.
These engagements undertaken by the Fiji Missions abroad align to Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper, which has been recently endorsed by the Cabinet.