EXPLORE Fiji May-July 2018

MAY - JUL 2018

award-winning tourism magazine

TROPICA’S fresh new look

KANA VINAKA Cookbook & RECIPES

Fiji Birds

The Big Easy to headline golf event ICONIC HOTEL TURNS 50 INTERHASH & other EVENTS

FREE

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Contents Fiji can be enjoyed all year round because of its mild tropical climate. The dry season is from May to October. Temperatures are cooler and there is less rainfall and humidity.

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MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

MONUMENT RECOGNIZES FLYING BOAT VETERANS

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TROPICA’S fresh new look

KANA VINAKA

42

ISA LEI

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RECIPES

OVERSEAS MISSIONS & CONSULATES IN FIJI

USEFUL INFORMATION

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17 FIJI BIRDS 22 INTERNATIONAL FIJI

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26 SERENITY 28

FIJI MAP

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12 Cookbook 13

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EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

ZIGZAG CAFÉ & VIVA PIZZERIA

32 SEPTEMBER SWIMCATION

INTERHASH

Fiji International photo.

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RAKIRAKI HOTEL MARKS 50 ICONIC YEARS

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Message from the Publisher Bula & Cola Vina!

W

elcome to Fiji and our May-July 2018 magazine edition.

A top dreamy destination with year-round tropical temperatures, our 333 Fijian islands attract travellers (affluent & budget, relaxers, adventurers, honeymooners, families, groups, sports teams, businesspeople and celebrities) from all corners of the globe.

Besides our legendary natural reefs and surf, romantic islands with soft sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, verdant rainforests and colourful underwater world, it is our rich cultures and our people - renowned for their warm, friendly hospitality that continue to inspire those who seek out happiness in our land of Bula. Fijians touch the hearts of many visitors – from the young to the elderly. Just ask the many people who return each year for their Fiji fix.

Once you are here, we encourage you to engage with our locals and the community.

Only then can you relish a true Fijian experience. No app can substitute this.

Among other things sports help raise the profile of Fiji as a travel destination. If you didn’t already know, rugby is an intricate part of Fijian culture.

Congratulations to Fiji’s Rugby 7s Men’s team led by head coach Gareth Baber and its captain Jerry Tuwai for doing the country proud with their incredible performance in Singapore. Fiji secured a third consecutive tournament victory on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series after a 28-22 win over Australia in the dramatic and high quality Singapore 7s cup final in late April.

Fiji now sit on top of the World Series standings on 145 points, just four ahead of South Africa with two rounds to play in London and Paris. The drama-filled match was an adrenaline-charged display of end-to-end action. Quoting Jerry’s words, his team gave “everything for this final”.

Vinaka vaka levu! #TosoVitiToso.

In the pages ahead, we hope you enjoy the features, information and even recipes.

Prepare to be totally enchanted at the stylishly renovated Tropica Island Resort, an adults-only gem in the Mamanuca group of islands. (See page 8.) On page 12, we feature renowned chef Colin Chung and his cookbook packed with Fijian recipes, techniques and tips on cooking local and eating well. There is two recipes to try out.

As this is the Year of the Bird, our cover features a male orange-breasted Myzomela which is endemic to Fiji. On pages 17-18, our article Fiji Birds-marvels of the natural world highlights their importance, especially those found only in Fiji.

We have strived for accuracy, but please note that travel information is subject to change at any time, especially prices. EXPLORE Fiji cannot be held responsible for the changes or the experiences of readers while travelling.

Like you would anywhere else in the world, we encourage you to be aware of your surroundings and keep a close watch on your valuables. Chew Publishing Co. Ltd cannot be held responsible for any claims, statements or offers made in any advertising. The contents of advertising and editorial may not necessarily reflect the policy of Chew Publishing Co. Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced, wholly or in part, without prior written permission from the Publisher.

Print Run 20,000

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Our award-winning EXPLORE Fiji will continue as the approved Media Partner (Travel/Tourism Magazine) to the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways golf tournament.

This August, four-time Major winner and 2019 Presidents Cup International Team captain Ernie Els (The Big Easy) together with former World Number 1 and one of Fiji’s greatest sportsmen Vijay Singh will headline the 2018 prestigious tournament to be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course at Natadola on Viti Levu’s coast. (See page 22.)

To inspire you, we also feature Serenity, the latest offering

by Savasi Island Resort in Savusavu; iconic Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel turning 50; InterHash, the biennial event of the international running group Hash House Harriers; and a 5-day swimcation.

Check out the Events pages for happenings in May, June and July and our Useful Information pages, Fiji Map and much more.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or one of our many happy returnees, we hope our magazine inspires you explore our Fijian paradise.

Fiji, like a lot of countries, will celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13th. For many Fiji families it is a day to get together to show appreciation towards our mothers and mother figures.

If you are visiting Fiji at the time, ask your hotel or resort about their Mother’s Day program, plus churches nearby where to experience a service conducted in either English or Fijian or a combination of both languages. A highlight of the Sunday session with the faithful is the formidable choir.

Vinaka Vaka Levu, Connie

www.explorefijionline.com instagram.com/EXPLOREFijimagazine facebook.com/EXPLOREFijionline pinterest.com/EXPLOREFiji

twitter.com/EXPLOREFiji EXPLORE Fiji

2018 Year of the Bird.

Endemic Fiji bird male orange-breasted Myzomela. Mark Fraser photo.

Volume 16, Issue 2 EXPLORE Fiji is an award-winning complimentary Fiji tourism magazine ~ available in print and online.

EXPLORE Fiji’s latest magazine issue and archives:

www.explorefijionline.com

Published four times a year by Chew Publishing Co. Ltd in Suva, Fiji Islands.

Publisher/Editor Connie Chew Contributors Mark Fraser Kevin Vang Jorge Kretzschmar Steven Saphore Baravi Thaman Getty Images USP Communications Farer Fiji Vantage Fiji Design The Greenhouse Studio Printer Quality Print Ltd, Suva EXPLORE Fiji Office: Suva, Fiji.

All correspondence and payments should be mailed to: Chew Publishing Co. Ltd GPO Box 901, Suva, Fiji.

Editorial, Print & Digital Advertising / Marketing, Distribution & General Enquiries Tel: 332 0978 explorefiji@connect.com.fj 2004 Winner of Fiji Development Bank ‘National Small Business - Tourism Category’ Award.

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Monument recognises flying boat veterans A

commemorative monument remembering the service of veterans from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) flying boat operations now sits on the grounds they once called home in the Fijian capital Suva.

It is ideally built on the Laucala Bay land located at the University of the South Pacific (USP), formerly home to the squadron from 1941 to 1967. RNZAF’s №5 Squadron conducted antisubmarine patrols, maritime reconnaissance and transport and air-sea rescue missions, flying Short Singapore, Consolidated Catalina and Short Sunderland aircraft.

Located near the university’s Faculty of Business and Economics, the monument design incorporates a wing float from a Sunderland flying boat as well as the Albatross that appears as part of the No. 5 Squadron insignia. The wing float was provided and prepared by former members of the New Zealand Defence Force and volunteers at the Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland. Local artist Shane Bower of Savusavu created the monument.

In March this year, the monument was unveiled by Fiji’s Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and New Zealand Defence Minister Ron Mark. Laucala Bay veterans, a contingent of RNZAF personnel, including current members of №5 Squadron, the RNZAF band and Maori culture group, travelled to Fiji for the event, which was part of the USP’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

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Both Bainimarama and Mark paid tribute to the veterans and emphasized the strong bond the Laucala Bay station forged between Fiji and New Zealand.

Said Mark: “We have a longstanding military relationship based on shared security interests that date from World War II. That friendship is underpinned by the enduring ties between our people, who have worked side by side in distant lands for the cause of international peace and security, and closer to home in our own communities, such as during Exercise Southern Katipo, or following the devastating Tropical Cyclone Winston.

“This memorial stands as a reminder of how deep those ties run in our communities and the need to continue to engage and work together, united by shared values and as neighbours.

“By doing so, we honour the contribution made by our veterans to freedoms we enjoy, and from which our descendants will continue to benefit.”

At its height Laucala Bay station was home to 600 deployed RNZAF personnel and it was also a large employer of Fijians in a variety of roles. The RNZAF left Laucala Bay in 1967, with the flying boats returning to Hobsonville, Auckland, where they were replaced by P3B Orion fixed-wing landbased aircraft. The air base land and infrastructure became home to USP, which opened in February 1968. *Compiled by EXPLORE Fiji with information

from Medium.com. USP Communications photo.

F I J I ’ S

C R U I S E

L I N E

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TROPICA’S fresh new look

T

ropica Island Resort continues to surprise and delight.

Nestled into a private sheltered bay on the gorgeous island of Malolo in the heart of the beautiful Mamanuca islands in western Fiji, the adult-only resort has a whole new look and feel.

Recent renovations have further enhanced what was already a stunning property offering a fabulous escape for a Fijian experience.

Tropica Island Resort now boasts the addition of 18 spacious personal pools throughout the property. Of the 16 beachfront bures which span the length of the resort and sit only metres from the water’s edge, 10 now have infinity edge personal pools. Spacious in design at 3.5m x 2.5m, the pools are a stunning new addition and are proving to be a huge hit with guests. A name change has seen these former beachfront bures renamed beachfront pool bures, and with the pre-existing private balconies and outdoor showers, these rooms are already very popular.

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The remaining six beachfront bures (without pools) now feature new soft furnishings and changes to some of the furniture. They still do have private outdoor showers and balconies with two-person romantic swing seats which are much loved by guests.

Further enhancements include the complete transformation of the former 14 resort rooms into seven sanctuary pool suites. Modern and contemporary in design, the suites offer a generous space inclusive of open plan bedroom and living area.

a stunning 3.5m x 2.5m infinity edge personal pool. The perfect position from which to enjoy spectacular tropical sunsets.

Tropica now has 24 bures/suites in total, offering a very personal experience to all guests. All 24 of them have private outdoor showers and 18 of the 24 have large personal pools.

The makeover extends to the restaurant area where the previous internal bar is replaced with a stylish spiral staircase that leads to a guest retreat that’s ideal for reading, relaxing and board games.

Each suite has a delightful private courtyard complete with a 3.5m x 2.2m step-down personal pool. Inside, a stylish interior bathroom leads to a stunning rear courtyard complete with private outdoor shower. At 70 square metres, these rooms offer a charming combination of elegance, luxury and comfort and are perfect for couples and honeymooners.

What was once the original chiefly bure has been transformed into a luxury honeymoon pool bure.

Sitting majestically in an elevated position with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby islands, the bure is stylishly appointed and offers a generous space inclusive of open plan bedroom and living area.

Attached to the indoor bathroom with raintree benchtop and double vanities is a lovely outdoor shower so guests can shower under the stars. Bifold doors open to an expansive deck and once again

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The cuisine at Tropica continues to be a highlight with new executive chef, Gerard Marr, making his mark with gourmet signature dishes such as Coconut Curried Mud Crab and Prawn Kokoda with Green Papaya Salad. Guests are also loving the a la carte lovo evenings, the personal meet & greet with the kitchen staff and the antipasto and tapas menu served at the Sunset Beach Bar. A new poolside bar has also been built for guests wishing to take a break from the sun lounges and enjoy a cold beverage and a chat with the bar staff.

As if that’s not enough, the facelift also touched on the Tropica Day Spa creating an open reception area so that guests waiting for treatments can enjoy the panoramic ocean views. A new outdoor bure offers guests the option of an outdoor massage or spa treatment accessed by stepping stones through a beautifully landscaped tropical space. *Source: Tropica Island Resort.

Tropica Island Resort Fiji Tel: (679) 6728880 Email: book@tropicaisland.com www.tropicaisland.com

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• Air, Sea & Land Activities • Art Gallery • Asian Cuisine • Bakery & Pattisserie • Bank • Bars • Beachwear • Beauty & Massage Therapy • Boat Charter • Boutiques

Bula & Welcome to

the Port at Denarau • Car Rental • Coffee Shop • Confectionery Shop • European Cuisine • Fashionwear • Fast Food & Takeaways • Fijian Cuisine • Fishing Charters • Footwear

• Handicrafts • Hard Rock Café • Ice Cream Parlour • Indian & Italian Cuisine • Jewellers • Kebabs • Money Exchange • Nail & Hair Salon • News Agency

Located on the water’s edge, the Port at Denarau offers the largest single collection of quality shopping and dining in Fiji.

Open daily, the Port boasts mouth watering cuisine and an unhurried shopping experience in a relaxed and unique environment.

It will take you five minutes by car from Nadi Town and fifteen minutes from Nadi Airport.

Come, unwind and enjoy our hospitality on a sun splashed deck or indulge in an enchanted evening to a backdrop of shimmering waters and live local entertainment.

Denarau’s renowned yachting harbour plays host to island hop cruises & charters, super yachts and the occasional ocean liner.

Visitors to the Port will enjoy a wildly casual environment and experience the Fijian warmth and cultural diversity.

The Port at Denarau is just a short walk or bus/taxi ride away from any Denarau Resort.

For business or pleasure, The Port is a “must visit” whilst in Nadi or Denarau.

Port Denarau Centre Management, Denarau Island, Fiji • P.O. Box 80, Port Denarau • Telephone +679 6750602 • www.portdenarau.com.fj • Post Office • Pizza • Real Estate • Speciality Cuisines • Seafood • Steakhouse • Supermarket • Travel Agency • Wine & Liquor • Yacht Chandlery

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Kana Vinaka ung Chef Colin Ch

C

hef Colin Chung says his cookbook is the recipe to eating well.

Kana vinaka means "eat well or good food" in Fijian and is the focus of renowned chef Colin Chung's cookbook.

The 102-recipe cookbook titled Kana Vinaka: Contemporary Island Cuisine features practical and tasty ways to use local sustainable produce rather than imported products. It’s all about getting Pacific Islanders – and Fijians in particular – to use their local produce “properly” – from within the home to resorts.

“My belief is that we should all eat well and that means, in Fiji, as in other Pacific Islands, using and enjoying as much local produce as possible,” said Colin, a frequent visitor to Fiji for the past four decades.

“Hopefully Kana Vinaka will encourage a growing awareness to use our island bounty in new and interesting ways throughout our communities, in our hospitality areas and in our daily lives,” he said.

Colin has a wealth of experience in all aspects of hospitality. His career has taken him around the globe. Moving to New Zealand from his homeland Hawaii in the 1980s, Colin settled in Raglan on New Zealand's West Coast. From there, he has run several successful cafes and bars - including the legendary Vinnies in Raglan - while travelling frequently to the Pacific Islands as a hospitality consultant.

Whatever the assignment, Colin takes it all in his stride, bringing his trademark Pan-Asian flavours and the gracious hospitality of his Hawaiian heritage to everything he does.

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A product of generations of Pacific heritage and travel, Colin’s destiny has been shaped by the unique blending of cultures in Hawaii, a passion for the food, produce and flavours of the Pacific and island hospitality.

Colin was inspired as a young boy by his two grandmothers. His maternal “Popo”, a Chinese owner and cook in a busy café in Honolulu showed him the intricacies and joys of shopping daily in the open markets. His paternal grandmother, ‘Maui Popo’, a Hawaiian weaver and farmer/gatherer showed him every summer how to grow, harvest and gather local seasonal produce from the forest and sea for the home and was also sold at the local market.

Kana Vinaka is a not-for-profit project

by Colin and one he took on in the hopes of providing lasting development for the tourism and hospitality industry in Fiji, as well as, changing the way locals eat in their own country: healthy, sustainable and lowering dependence on imports and promoting the growth and vibrancy of the economy.

In Fiji and the wider Pacific Island region, Kana Vinaka is available through the USP Bookstore. To buy the book online, visit: www.colinskitchen.co.nz/cookbook *Compiled by EXPLORE Fiji. Photos supplied by Colin Chung.

HERE ARE TWO RECIPES FROM THE KANA VINAKA COOKBOOK THAT YOU COULD TRY. ENJOY!

Ota, Ura & Bu Noodle Salad

Ota (mountain fern shoots), Ura (river prawns) and Bu (young coconut) are three tasty, local ingredients that come together to make this beautiful salad.

Makes 1 portion.

Ingredients

1 cup ota, cleaned and blanched 4-6 local ura, butterflied, cooked, cleaned and tailed ž cup coconut noodles 2 tbsp lime & coriander aioli Salt and pepper to taste 3-4 baby lettuce leaves Baby tomatoes or red capsicum as garnish.

Method

Toss the prepared ota, ura and noodles in a bowl with a little lime and coriander aioli. Add salt and pepper to taste, and toss lightly to combine the colours and flavours.

Mound on a plate or bowl using the lettuce as a liner. Try to highlight the best shape and colour of each ingredient.

Garnish with cut baby tomatoes or small-diced red capsicums, and fine streaks of lime and coriander aioli from a squeeze bottle.

Chef’s notes:

1. Skewer whole ura then peel their tails (leave the shell on the end tip for colour) to maintain a long profile. Do not overcook in salted wat er. Cool and remove skewers and heads and bodies.

Ura tails will hold their size , shape and colour.

2. To make the noodles , split the bu then, using a table knife, care fully prise the soft flesh from the shell without taking any of the brown-c oloured lining (if some does come awa y simply cut it off). Slice the soft fles h into the thickness of noodle you desi re.

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Soursop Chiffon Squares

Soursop is an unusual, large fruit that has many health benefits. It can especially be used to make tasty desserts and smoothies. If out of season, the soursop in this recipe can be substituted with limes and mangoes. If using limed, add sugar for sweetness.

Makes 48 squares.

Ingredients

Crust: 3 cups flour 3 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt 1 cup oil 4 tbsp cold milk Curd: 12 eggs, separated 2 ½ cups soursop puree 1 ½ to 2 cups white sugar 3 tbsp gelatin dissolved in 6 tbsp cold water 3 tsp lemon rind 6 tbsp lemon juice ½ cup caster sugar Topping: 300 ml cream 2 tbsp honey

Method

Mix together the crust ingredients and press into a baking paper-lined 28mm x 40mm tin. Prick well and bake for 12-15 minutes at 200o C. Leave to cool.

Separate the eggs. Beat the yolks until thick then blend with the soursop puree, salt and white sugar.

Heat the mixture in the pan until thickened. Stir in the dissolved gelatin then add the lemon rind and juice. Cool in an iced water bath until room temperature.

Beat the white eggs until soft peaks form while gradually adding caster sugar. Fold the beaten egg whites, a third at a time, into the cooled mixture.

Pour the mixture onto the cooled crust, spread it evenly and smooth the top.

Whip the cream and honey for the topping. Pour on top of the pie, then chill until firm, at least 2-3 hours. Garnish with lime zest or candied lime slices on cream rosettes if desired.

Cut into small squares.

Chef’s notes:

Be sure to use a ripe sour sop.

Cut into the soursop and scoop out the flesh. Use your fing ers to remove all the seeds and the membrane. Push and scra pe the cleaned flesh through a siev e or strainer to get the pure e you need for this recipe.

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Fiji Birds

Male orange-breasted Myzomela. Mark Fraser photo.

- marvels of the natural world

I

t is the Year of the Bird.

2018 marks the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the most powerful and important bird-protection law ever passed. In honour of this milestone, National Geographic, the National Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and BirdLife International have joined forces with more than 100 other organizations and millions of people around the world to celebrate 2018 as the “Year of the Bird.”

This effort aims to raise public awareness of birds because of their wonder and beauty - and because they symbolize nature’s interconnectedness and the importance of caring for our shared planet.

As the world celebrates the splendor of birds, EXPLORE Fiji magazine features some of Fiji’s birds which are by far the country’s most eye-catching form of terrestrial wildlife. They are inspirational, they sing, they are fairly easy to observe and identify, and there is a limited number of species.

Our magazine cover features a male orangebreasted Myzomela which is endemic to Fiji. It breeds on all the islands except Rotuma and is a familiar bird in gardens as well as rural forest and mangrove habitats, plus among coconut trees in disturbed areas.

Fiji’s first-ever State of Birds report was released in 2013 by NatureFiji-MareqetiViti with the

assistance of BirdLife International, the Department of the Environment and local ornithologists.

NatureFiji-MareqetiViti is the only domestic NGO working solely for the conservation and sustainable management of Fiji’s unique natural heritage.

The report said birds have been of huge cultural significance to Fijians in a variety of ways – they were key to successful inter-island navigation; the feathers of some were important as a trade item and prized for edging fine mats; and some were an important food source. Today, many mataqali (landowning clans) have a bird as their clan totem.

It notes that all of Fiji’s birds are special but some are particularly important. These are our endemic birds – those that are found only in the Fiji Islands.

Fiji has 27 endemic birds, comprising nearly half of our land birds. There is just one endemic seabird, the critically endangered Fiji Petrel.

Pacific Robin.

Kevin Vang photo.

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It further highlights how special Fiji’s avifauna is, there are few countries in the world with a higher proportion of endemic birds than Fiji. Indeed the island of Kadavu, with four endemic birds, has the highest number of endemic birds per land area in the world.

The report’s author, Dick Watling, said "Some species such as the Fiji Petrel and the Red-throated Lorikeet (both critically endangered) remain amongst the rarest birds in the world. We have a good idea of the reasons why they are so rare – largely due to invasive predators but there are no national resources to undertake conservation action".

“Migrant shorebirds and voyaging seabirds are a distinctive and culturally important component of the Fijian avifauna,” Watling explained.

“In September each year, the Bar-tailed Godwits arrive at Suva Point. As far as we know, they fly direct from Alaska to Suva, a non-stop journey of eight to nine days. Some fly direct from Alaska to New Zealand, an 11-day non-stop flight.

Male Orange Dove. Jorge Kretzschmar photo.

“The migrations that our dilio (Pacific Golden Plover), Bar-tailed Godwits and other shorebirds undertake twice a year are marvels of the natural world.

*Compiled by EXPLORE Fiji with information from www.NatureFiji.org and Fiji: State of Birds 2013.

Golden Dove

. Baravi Tham

.

eabird. Jorge Kretzschmar photo

an photo.

d.

Kula bir hore photo. p Steven Sa

Pink Billed Parrot

finch. Kevin Van

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g photo.

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fijiinternational.com

#Fijiintl

@pgaofaustralia @fijiintl

2–5 August 2018 Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course fijiinternational.com

SANCTIONED BY

MEDIA PARTNER (MAGAZINE)

Ernie Els. Getty Images photo.

BIG EASY F

DELIGHTED TO HEADLINE FIJI EVENT

our-time Major winner and 2019 Presidents Cup International Team captain Ernie Els will headline the 2018 Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways to be played at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from August 2nd to 5th.

Affectionately known as ‘The Big Easy’ due to his fluid golf swing, Els will be swinging easy on the stunning Fijian course and taking it easy away from the course.

Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course boasts breathtaking views of the Coravl Coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island.

A Pacific paradise, the tournament also boasts

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some of the most unique hospitality options in world golf with the par-3 8th hole providing the perfect vantage point to watch the golf, whilst socialising on the beach.

“I am delighted to be playing the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways. I have watched the TV coverage in the past and the beautiful golf course looks like an excellent challenge,” said Els from South Africa.

“But I am also looking forward to visiting Fiji. As professional golfers we are very lucky to travel the world and Fiji is a place that I would like to explore once my work on the course is finished.”

MEDIA PARTNER (MAGAZINE)

Former World Number 1 and one of Fiji’s greatest sportsmen Vijay Singh has again shown his commitment to his home tournament and signed on for his 5th straight appearance.

Singh will join Els, a good friend and fellow World Golf Hall of Famer, in the field for the 2018 edition.

The pair has shared many sterling contests on the golf course, none more prominent than The Masters in 2000 where Singh defeated ‘The Big Easy’ by three shots to claim the coveted Green Jacket.

Now in its 5th year, the Fiji International has attracted a long list of world-class players to our tropical nation with Els the most recent addition.

“We are very excited to welcome Ernie Els to our beautiful country for the Fiji International presented

by Fiji Airways,” said Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources.

“Having a player of Ernie’s calibre compete in the Fiji International demonstrates the tournaments’ standing on the international golf schedule.

“Ernie is highly respected in the golf world and having his tick of approval for the tournament will continue to enhance Fiji’s reputation as a worldclass golfing destination.”

Tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour; securing Ernie Els for the 2018 tournament further demonstrates the advantage of the three tours’ involvement.

“Ernie is an incredibly talented player with a long and storied history in golf, his participation in the tournament will ensure the world’s attention is on the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways throughout event week,” said Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia which owns the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

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MEDIA PARTNER (MAGAZINE)

“Each year we have attracted players from all over the world to Fiji but Ernie will be the first South African player to tee it up in the tournament. South Africa is a strong golf playing nation, having Ernie in the field will showcase to South Africans the potential of Fiji as a golfing destination.”

Enticed by the tropical destination, the prestigious men’s golfing tournament has attracted some of the world’s best golfers since its inaugural staging in 2014 including Fijian hero and threetime Major champion Vijay Singh, 2017 champion Jason Norris, 2016 champion Brandt Snedeker, 2015 champion Matt Kuchar, Steven Bowditch, Boo Weekley, Nick Price, Robert Allenby, Heath Slocum, Liang Wenchong, and Anirban Lahiri.

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This year the event continues to have a global presence confirming its position as an integral tournament in the South Pacific region.

More than just a golf tournament, the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways aims to leave a lasting legacy for golf in the Pacific region, with the PGA of Australia supporting initiatives to introduce and grow the game in Fiji.

*Source: Fiji International.

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SERENITY S

tep aboard SERENITY, the newest jewel of Savasi Island Resort in Savusavu.

Serenity is a stunning 140ft tri-level schooner moored permanently in the serene blue waters of Savasi Island’s marina, providing a unique form of accommodation complementing Savasi Island Resort’s exceptional range of villas.

Formerly the Tui Tai of Tui Tai Expeditions, the vessel now has a new lease on life.

Savasi Island is a scenic one-hour flight from Nadi. Landing at Savusavu airport on Vanua Levu, you will be greeted and transferred to Savasi Island, just a 10-minute drive along the picturesque Hibiscus Highway.

Surrounded by lush palms and a jungle-like landscape, the Serenity offers five luxury, airconditioned split-king staterooms spanning two levels.

Not only can guests enjoy all of Savasi Island’s high-end amenities and extensive activities, but also the Serenity’s cinema room, conference facilities and richly furnished lounge, bar and dining room. The upper level also boasts a large sun deck with a jacuzzi and outdoor bar.

All these on-board luxuries make it the ideal option for individuals, as well as an exciting opportunity for private charter of up to 10 people.

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*Source: Savasi Island Resort.

For more information contact: Savasi Island Resort. Tel: (679) 8850124.

Email: enquire@savasiisland.com

Beachcomber Burger & Beer

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Twice Daily 9:30am & 1:30pm

Book Now Ph: 6751161

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Ph

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InterHash comes to Fiji

I

f you see large crowds of men and women wearing red dresses and even heels running through Lautoka’s streets, know it is for a good cause.

International running group Hash House Harriers will converge on Fijian paradise for their biennial international meet from May 24th to 27th 2018. Fiji won the right to host the event in Nadi beating out bids from Malaysia and Indonesia.

For the first time ever Fiji will host InterHash - the granddaddy of periodic international Hash House Harriers events. Over 1,500 hashers from 60-plus different countries will gather on western Viti Levu for the event’s 21st anniversary.

Hash House Harriers is a global self-proclaimed "drinking club with a running problem," whose members meet, run and socialize. Hashers all go by nicknames, some of them even R-rated.

Money raised from the Red Dress Run, a signature event of the world's largest running club, will go toward the renovation of the Nadi Hospital. The red dress run will take on a historic route through the sugar city of Lautoka tracking along Marine Drive, the wharf area, a sugar cane mill, FSC compound, the hospital and finishing off at the Lautoka Club.

The event’s home base will be Prince Charles Park in Nadi. With eight different run sites to choose from, hashers in their bold attire will charge through scenic countryside including the Sabeto Mountains and Momi and some urban areas on short, medium and long trails.

The hash closes with a ceremony and the announcement of the winner of the Interhash 2020. *Compiled by EXPLORE Fiji. Farer Fiji photo.

AWARD WINNING RUMS FROM FIJI

@RumCoofFiji

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@RumCoofFiji

Available at leading resorts, bars and duty free.

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RAKIRAKI HOTEL MARKS 50 ICONIC YEARS

T

he Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel - one of Fiji’s longest operating hotels – continues to shine as one of the best along the Suncoast on the northernmost tip of Viti Levu.

After a colourful and successful five decades, the iconic hotel is celebrating its golden anniversary.

Located along the scenic King’s highway, Rakiraki is a quaint rural township that offers an insight into traditional Fiji and captivates visitors with its old charm and serenity.

Owned and operated by local family-run enterprise the Tanoa Hotel Group, Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel has grown over the years offering guest services and amenities to suit both the busy executive and the discerning leisure traveller.

Yanktesh Permal (YP) Reddy (CF, OBE) established the Tanoa Hotel Group in Fiji in 1965.

Tanoa Group has hotels in Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga. The group is part of the Reddy Group, a successful, entrepreneurial privately-held family business with a diverse global portfolio that includes investments in hotels, real estate, construction,

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private equity, financial services, engineering equipment and education.

Badly damaged by Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016, Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel went through major renovations before returning to full operations in late 2017. It now boast 45 newly refurbished rooms including standard, superior, executive and one suite; all furnished for a comfortable tropical vacation. With six interconnecting rooms, there's space for the whole family.

The hotel also takes bookings for functions graduation, weddings, engagements, birthdays, and meetings & conferences. It also caters for events with over 200 people in its outdoor marquee.

Rakiraki is known for its fresh seafood and farmfresh fruit and vegetables. The hotel’s authentic Indian dishes are served in a uniquely Fijian way.

Its Pacific Senikai Restaurant offers a selection of international brasserie cuisine for breakfast, lunch and evening meals, as well as snacks throughout the day. Meals can be enjoyed on the Forest Deck and poolside area, a lovely backdrop for a balmy Fijian evening.

The Salusalu Bar offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments.

To keep active there is tennis, swimming, lawn bowling and pool.

Venturing beyond the hotel, there is diving and snorkelling in the spectacular reefs around Rakiraki and Nananu-i-Ra, especially further out in the Bligh Waters. Snorkelling trips to the outer reefs depart from Ellington Wharf.

The Suncoast region is also home to Naiserelagi Catholic Mission where overlooking Viti Levu Bay sits a 1917-built church that is famous for its mural depicting a black Christ painted by Jean Charlot in 1962. Another worthwhile visit is to the Tomb of Udre Udre, Fiji's most notorious cannibal and tribal chief; where 872 stones surrounding his tomb represent each of his unlucky victims. *Compiled by EXPLORE Fiji. Tanoa Rakiraki Hotel photos.

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SEPTEMBER SWIMCATION

Tivua Island. Captain Cook Cruises Fiji photo.

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F

loat over the Fiji waters on Captain Cook Cruises for the ultimate swimcation!

Escape on the mini swim series Ocean Swim Fiji for a five-day luxury travel experience including premium social occasions, exclusive swim clinics, poolside relaxation, and swim events in crystal clear waters.

Ocean Swim Fiji runs from September 13th to 17th 2018. There are 1km and 3km swim options on offer. Only 200 spaces available.

The event home base of Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Denarau Island will allow for easy day trips to three swim locations: Tivua Island with its white sandy beaches and colourful coral gardens and to Malamala Beach Club in the Mamanuca group, plus Natadola Beach along Viti Levu’s coast.

The event is an ideal introduction for ocean swimming beginners, a great combination of sport and leisure for ocean swimming fanatics, and an ideal and stress-free vacation for their supportive friends and family.

New ocean swimmers often fear what may lurk in the mysteries of the deep. Cloudy waters hide what might be floating just below the surface. In Fiji, the crystal clear waters leave nothing to fear while swimming alongside colourful tropical fish and fellow swimmers.

Cure Kids Fiji Islands is the official charity of Ocean Swim Fiji and will receive a donation from the event. The donation will be used to implement water safety initiatives, to help reduce the worrying youth drowning toll in Fiji.

Ocean Swim Fiji will also hold a special clinic for young Fijian pool swimmers at Natadola Beach to teach them about beach safety and ocean swimming. About 80 swimmers will be invited to get tips from the event’s open water swimming specialists.

For more information and bookings, contact Captain Cook Cruises Fiji. Tel: (679) 6701823.

For international contact details, visit: www.captaincookcruisesfiji.com/contact-us/ Ocean Swim Fiji: www.oceanswimfiji.com *Source: Captain Cook Cruises Fiji & Ocean Swim Fiji.

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Z

ZigZag Café & Viva Pizzeria

igZag Café is popular among locals and visitors to Fiji.

The café which has been tantalizing many taste buds since the beginning of the new millennium has moved into a larger space with a new look fit out just next door to it previous location.

Situated within the Prouds Downtown Nadi complex on Main Street in Nadi, ZigZag Café is open seven days a week. Dining at the café entails a continental menu highlighted by its coffees (hot and cold), smoothies, sugar cane juice and ice creams. Also on offer is a wide selection of wines and spirits.

“For the past 18 years, customers have been experiencing luxurious shopping at Prouds Downtown Nadi and enjoying mouth-watering food and beverages with family and friends at ZigZag Café in a relaxed environment,” restaurant manager Swapna Singh said.

Pizza lovers can also get a bite of a variety of tasty pizzas at Viva Pizzeria which now share the same space with ZigZag Café at the downtown location.

According to Motibhai Group owners, “ZigZag Café and Viva Pizzeria have become well established brands over the years and that by bringing the two names together, they create more variety for our patrons”. *Source: Motibhai Group.

Discover the real Fiji with Avis A warm and friendly welcome awaits you...

LOCATIONS • Nadi International Airport (24 hours) • Port Denarau (Free delivery to all Denarau Resorts) • Nausori Airport (We meet pre-booked clients) • Labasa RESERVATIONS Phone: (679) 672 2233 (24 hours) Email: info@avis.com.fj Website: www.avis.com.fj

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NOW OPEN FROM TUES - SAT - 8.30AM - 9PM SUN - 9AM - 9PM MON - 8.30AM - 6PM

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EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

When planning your list of what-to-do and what-to-see in Fiji during the months of May, June and July, here are some events to consider. Fiji marks National Sports & Wellness Day with a public holiday on Friday, June 30th.

MAY

JUNE

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11TH 13TH

Annual football championships Vodafone Fiji FACT 2018 to be played at Vodafone Ratu Cakobau Club, Nausori.

23RD 27TH

Fiji Open Tennis Championships at the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, Denarau.

24TH 27TH

InterHash - the granddaddy of periodic international Hash House Harriers events. Over 1,500 hashers from 60-plus different countries will gather in western Viti Levu for the event’s 21st anniversary.

24TH 31ST

Sunny West Bowling Carnival at the Nadi Sports and Social Club, Nadi.

25TH

Routes & Blues entertainment with local artist Knox at The Rhum-Ba located at Denarau Yacht Club, Denarau. 6pm-10pm. Free entry.

1ST 2ND

National Schools Swimming Championships 2018 at the Damodar City Aquatic Centre, Suva.

29TH

Routes & Blues entertainment with local artist Knox at The RhumBa located at Denarau Yacht Club, Denarau. 6pm-10pm. Free entry.

30TH

Pulse Energy Highlanders vs. Gallagher Chiefs Investec Super Rugby clash. Suva-based home-side Highlanders who will take on the Gallagher Chiefs at the Fiji Sports Council’s ANZ Stadium in Laucala Bay, Suva. Starts 7.15pm. Buy tickets at Fiji Sports Council’s office in Suva or online: http://www.ticketdirect.co.nz until June 23rd.

Sabeto Races. Vantage Fiji photo.

JULY

30TH

Sabeto Races – dubbed Fiji’s premier horse racing event – at Aviva Farms, Sabeto. Music, food & drinks, a kava bar, kids village and fashion in the fields. Starts 10am.

14TH 21ST

The annual week-long Bula Festival at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

27TH

Routes & Blues entertainment with local artist Knox at The RhumBa located at Denarau Yacht Club, Denarau. 6pm-10pm. Free entry.

s

Routes & Blue

The Rhum-Ba located in the Denarau Yacht Club on Denarau has partnered with Fiji Airways, Victoria Wines and Knox Entertainment to host a monthly Routes & Blues show featuring local performer, Knox Kalounisiga and select musical talents from around the country.

The show will be held on the last Friday of every month from 6pm to 10pm. Events of this nature provide a great foundation to help local artists gain the exposure they need. This is a build up to bigger musical & culinary events at The Rhum-Ba. Entry is free and every purchase of $30 or more puts you in the draw to win prizes on the soulful night.

For more information and reservation, contact The Rhum-Ba on email: reservations@rhum-ba.com or by mobile phone: (679) 7707486. *Compiled by EXPLORE Fiji.

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USEFUL INFORMATION EMERGENCY POLICE DIAL 917 AMBULANCE DIAL 911

WEATHER Fiji can be enjoyed all year round because of its mild tropical climate. The dry season is from May to October.

This is when the temperatures are cooler and there is less rainfall and humidity. The wet season is from November to April. Daytime temperatures average around 25oC (77oF), and humidity is generally high.

ATTIRE Local dress in Fiji varies. Decent casual, light clothing is recommended. Often you will hear people refer to “Bula” attire, which is Fiji’s equivalent to Hawaii’s “Aloha” dress code. Visitors are asked to be careful not to offend local sensibilities. Bikini and ultra-brief swim wear is acceptable at hotels/resorts but not when shopping in towns/cities and visiting villages.

ETIQUETTE There are a few places in the world where visitors are as warmly welcomed as they are in Fiji. But there is a protocol to follow. In a Fijian village, a house is a home and visitors aren’t expected to poke their heads inside. If invited inside a bure (local cottage), it is considered polite to stoop, to take off your shoes, keep your voice down and sit cross-legged on the floor. Shorts, swim wear, caps or hats aren’t normally worn inside a village. If offered a bowl of kava, drink it, unless you have been advised not to for medical reasons. Kava drinking is an important ceremony and a past time. If you intent to visit a Hindu temple or Muslim mosque, ask a local adherent first. It is offensive to walk into a mosque with shoes on.

MONEY EXCHANGE There are specialist bureau de changes around the country but foreign currency and travellers cheques can usually be exchanged at any bank.

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Crime Stoppers Fiji Recompression Chamber Emergencies

dial 919 dial 999 3506 999 3500

TIPPING While tipping is not encouraged here, it is your choice to decide whether to make a gratuity.

CURRENCY The Fiji dollar is the basic unit of currency.

Notes available in $5, $7, $10, $20, $50 and $100.

Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2.

CREDIT CARDS Major credit cards widely accepted at hotels, shops, restaurants, cruises, travel agencies, rental companies and tour operators. VISA, MasterCard, American Express, China UnionPay, Diners Club and JCB International.

BANKING Banks generally open 9:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday and 9:30am to 4pm Friday. Closed weekends and public holidays. Banks include Westpac Banking Corporation, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ), BSP, Bank of Baroda, BRED Bank and HFC Bank. All have offices in Suva and branches & agencies around the country.

VAT & OTHER TAXES

A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 9% is added on the cost of goods and services in Fiji.

There is also a Service Turnover Tax (STT) of 6% and an Environmental and Climate Adaption Levy (ECAL) tax of 10%.

POSTAL SERVICES Operated by Post Fiji Ltd., post offices are located throughout Fiji. Philatelic Bureau Sales Centres are located at 1 Edward Street in Suva and the Prouds Building in Nadi.

ATM LOCATIONS

ATM LOCATIONS

Enquiries - 132032

Enquiries – 132888

Westpac Banking Corporation Suva • Suva Branch - 1 Thomson St • Marks St Branch • Nabua Branch • Laucala Bay Branch • USP Campus • Kundan Singh Tamavua • Sportsworld Waimanu Rd • Tappoo City • Distill - Flagstaff • MH Rodwell Road • MH Superfresh Tamavua • MH Vivrass Plaza LBE • Dolphins Plaza • Damodar City Complex • American Outlet LBE • Ratu Sukuna House • Foster Plaza - Walu Bay • Wing Sang Samabula • Shop & Save - Lami • Shop & Save - Nabua • Shop & Save - Nasinu • New World - Valelevu • New World - Narere • Hansons - Makoi • Atlas - Valelevu • CMF - Harvest Centre

Nausori • Nausori Branch • Nakasi Branch - Tebara Complex • Hemron Plaza Sigatoka • Sigatoka Branch • Foodhall - Sigatoka • Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa • Shangri-La Fijian Resort Nadi • Nadi Branch • Namaka Branch • Port Denarau Branch • Pala’s - Nadi • FDB - Nadi • Tanoa Int. Hotel - Votualevu • MH Namaka • Yee’s Store - Port Denarau Lautoka • Lautoka Branch - Vitogo Pd • Personal Banking Centre Naviti St • Sugar City Mall - Naviti St BA/ TAVUA / RAKIRAKI • Westpac Branch Labasa • Labasa Branch • Jaduram Building Savusavu • Savusavu Branch Levuka • Levuka Branch

BSP

Suva • Pacific House • Central St • BSP Life Centre • Suva Central • Greig St. Plaza • Dolphins Plaza • MIOT Pacific Hospitals • Atlas Trading • Tappoo City • Parade Arcade • Grand Pacific Hotel • RB Patel Market Point • Sun Insurance Bldg, Flagstaff • Garden City, Raiwai • Grantham Plaza • Cost-U-Less • BSP, Samabula • RB Patel Centrepoint • MH Valelevu • TOTAL, Lami • Kundan, Tamavua • Village 6 Nausori • BSP Branch Pacific Harbour • BSP, Arts Village Navua • Post Fiji

Sigatoka • BSP, Sigatoka • 5 & 2 Bistro • Nadro Supermarket Nadi • Challenge Plaza, Namaka • Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa • BSP, Namaka • Consumer’s, Namaka • BSP, Nadi • Shop & Save, Nadi • Smugglers Cove Beach Resort • McDonalds • Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, Denarau • Port Denarau Marina • Nadi Int. Airport • Bamboo Travellers, Wailoaloa Lautoka • BSP Branch, Lautoka City • Sugar City Mall • RB Patel, Westpoint • Vuda Point Marina Ba / Tavua / Rakiraki • BSP Branch Labasa / Savusavu • BSP Branch Taveuni • BSP Branch

TOURIST VAT REFUND SCHEME The Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority operate counters at the Nadi Int. Airport and the Suva wharf where tourists can claim refunds. To qualify, a visitor must spend FJ$500 (VAT inclusive) in any of the registered VAT refund outlets and must take the goods out of Fiji within two months from the date of purchase. Present goods for inspection along with the refund form, original tax invoice, passport and int. boarding pass to a customs officer at the Tourist VAT Refund Inspection Counter.

MOBILE (CELL) SERVICES Several mobile phone operators offer cellular phone services in Fiji. Mobile phone and sim card rentals services are also available. Recharge cards can be purchased from airports, post offices, shops, supermarkets and service stations.

PHONE SERVICES Local and international calls made from hotel and resorts generally cost more as rates and surcharges apply. Telecom Fiji Ltd (TFL) customer care centers are located in major regional centers on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Cardoperated phones are available in some locations and prepaid phone cards are sold at post offices and select shops and service stations.

STOCK MARKET South Pacific Stock Exchange 33 Ellery Street, Suva • Tel: 330 4130.

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INTERNET SERVICES Internet access is available at most hotels and resorts across Fiji. Wi-Fi is also available at select locations. If you bring your laptop or ‘tablet’ you may consider dial-up access or wireless connection. Cybercafés are available in major centres such as Suva, Nadi and Savusavu.

AIRPORTS Two international gateways - Nadi International Airport in the Western Division and Nausori International Airport, outside Suva.

DEPARTURE TAX FJ$200.00 departure tax. Children under 12 are exempt.

The tax would already be included in your airline ticket.

Note: Visitors who stay in Fiji for less than 72 hours are exempt from paying departure tax.

MEDICAL There are many private practitioners in the country.

Check the local telephone directory for listings. Major hospital locations: Suva Colonial War Memorial Hospital Waimanu Road • Tel: 331 3444 MIOT Pacific Hospitals 120 Amy Street, Toorak Tel: 330 3404 North Labasa Hospital • Tel: 881 1444 West Lautoka Hospital • Tel: 666 0399

TRANSPORT Bus and taxi services throughout Fiji are considered quite reasonable. Rental cars are available on the two main islands of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu and some outer islands by arrangement.

MUSEUM Fiji Museum at Thurston Gardens, Suva, opens Monday to Thursday: 9:30am to 4:30pm, Friday: 9:30am to 4pm and Saturday: 9:30am to 4:30pm. Closed Sunday.

Admission: International adult $10, children $5.

Tel: 331 5944.

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ELECTRICITY 220-240 volts, 50 Hz, 3 pin flat plug is the standard. You will need a voltage converter if the application is 110 volts.

Most leading resorts and hotels offer universal outlets for 240 volt or 110 volt hairdryers, shavers, etc.

LICENSE TO DRIVE You will need a valid home country driving licence for the same class of vehicle. Driving is on the left side of the road and seatbelts are compulsory. Maximum speed limit in built-up areas is 50 km/h (30 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph) on the highways, unless otherwise posted.

MOVIE THEATRES Damodar & Village 6 Cinemas in Suva & Village 4 Cinemas in Lautoka. Life Cinema in Nadi & Nakasi, Suva.

POLICE

Suva Stations Central Police Station Joske Street.

Tel: 331 1222

Nabua Police Station Ratu Mara Road.

Tel: 338 4000

Samabula Police Station Ratu Mara Road.

Tel: 338 1222

Other Stations Deuba Police Post Korolevu Police Post Labasa Police Station Lautoka Police Station Levuka Police Station Nadi Police Station Namaka Police Station Navua Police Station Savusavu Police Station Sigatoka Police Station Taveuni Police Station

Tel: 345 0156 Tel: 653 0122 Tel: 881 1222 Tel: 666 0222 Tel: 344 0222 Tel: 670 0222 Tel: 672 2222 Tel: 346 0222 Tel: 885 0222 Tel: 650 0222 Tel: 888 0222

PORTS Fiji Ports Corporation Limited headquarters is in Suva. It has port facilities in Suva, Lautoka, Malau, Levuka, Wairiki and Rotuma. Port Denarau Marina is Fiji’s tourism hub located on Denarau.

Speak Our Ethnic Languages English is commonly spoken in Fiji.

As you explore our beautiful and ethnically diverse country you will also hear conversations in Fijian and local Hindi and Cantonese, especially at the markets and smaller shops.

You, too, can speak our languages.

English Fijian good morning ni sa yadra (ni sah yan dra) hello bula (mbula) goodbye ni sa moce (ni sa mothey) yes io (ee-o) no seqa (senga) thank you vinaka (vee naka) village koro lady marama mister turaga (tu rang ah) little vaka lailai (vaka lie lie) plenty vaka levu (vaka ley vu) quickly vaka totolo (vaka toe toe lo) house vale/bure (valey/mburey) eat kana come lako mai (la ko my) go lako tani (la ko tanee) bring kauta mai (ka ou tah my) toilet vale lailai (vale lie lie) one dua (ndua) two rua drink gunu (goo noo)

Hindi Kaise hai namaste achaa, hum jaata haa nehi dhan baad ngao aurat aadmi (man) tora se dher se jaldi ghar kana kao ao jao lao chota ghar ek dwee peeo

Cantonese jo sun ney ho joy kin hai ng hai dor cheer hang chin tai tai sin sung siu siu hoo dor fei fei oouk shiek lei whui tai lei chee sow yat yhee yum

Overseas Missions & Honorary Consulates In Fiji Australian High Commission 37 Princes Rd, Suva Tel: 338 2211 British High Commission 47 Gladstone Rd, Suva Tel: 322 9100 Embassy of the People’s Republic of China 183 Queen Elizabeth Dr, Suva Tel: 330 0215 Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands 41 Borron Rd, Suva Tel: 338 7899 Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia 37 Loftus St, Suva Tel: 330 4566 Embassy of the United States of America 158 Princes Rd, Suva Tel: 331 4466 Delegation of the European Commission to Fiji 6th Fl, TappooCity, Suva Tel: 331 3633 French Embassy 7th Fl, BSP Life Centre, Suva Tel: 331 2233 High Commission of India 7th Fl, LICI Bldg, Suva Tel: 330 1125

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia 6th Fl, Ra Marama Bldg, Suva Tel: 331 6697 Embassy of Japan 2nd Fl, BSP Life Centre, Suva Tel: 330 4633 Kiribati High Commission 36 McGregor Rd, Suva Tel: 330 2512 Embassy of the Republic of Korea 8th Fl Vanua House, Suva Tel: 330 0977 Malaysian High Commission 5th Fl, Pacific House, Suva Tel: 331 2166 Nauru High Commission 7th Fl, Ratu Sukuna House, Suva Tel: 331 3566 New Zealand High Commission 10th Fl, Reserve Bank Bldg, Suva Tel: 331 1422 Papua New Guinea High Commission 3rd Fl, Credit Corp Bldg, Suva Tel: 330 4244 Solomon Isand High Commission Level 3, Plaza 1, Downtown Blvd, Suva Tel: 310 0355

South African High Commission 16 Kimberley St, Suva Tel: 331 1087 Tuvalu High Commission 16 Gorrie St, Suva Tel: 330 1355 United Nations Development Programme 8th Fl, Kadavu House, Suva Tel: 331 2500

CONSULATES

Belgium Mr Richard Naidu Munro Leys & Co. Tel: 331 4188 Canada Mrs Janna Bai Vyas Tel: 672 1936 Chile Mr Rahat Ali Asgar Asgar Optometrists, Suva Tel: 330 0433 Denmark Mrs Jenny Seeto PwC, Suva Tel: 331 5199 Finland/Sweden Mr Neil Underhill Cell: 999 8803 Germany Mr David Aidney Williams & Gosling Ltd, Suva Tel: 331 2633

Greece Ratu Tu’akitau Cokanauto Tel: 331 5608 Israel Mr Viliame Cegumalua Tel: 341 0022 Italy Mrs Taeko Ruggiero Tel: 666 4011 Netherlands Mr. Roderic Evers Five Princes Hotel Tel: 338 1575 Pakistan Mr Mohammed Razak Akbar Tel: 338 5233 Philippines Dr Virgilio De Asa De Asa’s Medical Clinic, Suva Tel: 331 4450 Spain Mr Stuart Huggert Tel: 330 3855 Switzerland Mr Rolf Gfeller Tel: 999 5637

TRADE MISSION Taiwan 6th Fl, Pacific House, Suva Tel: 331 5922

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42

in Fiji, but the national farewell song ‘Isa Lei’ is sung in Fijian.

Fijian Verse

English Version

Isa, Isa, vulagi lasa dina Nomu lako au na rarawa kina Cava beka ko a mai cakava, Nomu lako au na sega ni lasa.

Isa, Isa you are my only treasure; Must you leave me, so lonely and forsaken?

As the roses will miss the sun at dawning, Every moment my heart for you is yearning.

Isa lei, na noqu rarawa Ni ko sana vodo e na mataka Bau nanuma, na nodatou lasa, Mai Suva nanuma tiko ga.

Isa Lei, the purple shadow falling, Sad the morrow will dawn upon my sorrow; Oh, forget not, when you’re far away, Precious moments beside dear Suva.

Vanua rogo na nomuni vanua Kena ca ni levu tu na ua, Lomaqu voli me’u bau butuka Tovolea ke balavu na bula.

Isa, Isa, my heart was filled with pleasure, From the moment I heard your tender greeting; ‘Mid the sunshine, we spent the hours together, Now so swiftly those happy hours are fleeting.

Isa lei, na noqu rarawa Ni ko sana vodo e na mataka Bau nanuma, na nodatou lasa, Mai Suva nanuma tiko ga.

Isa Lei, the purple shadow falling, Sad the morrow will dawn upon my sorrow; Oh, forget not, when you’re far away, Precious moments beside dear Suva.

Domoni dina na nomu yanuyanu Kena kau wale na salusalu Mocelolo, bua, na kukuwatu Lagakali, maba na rosi damu.

O’er the ocean your island home is calling, Happy country where roses bloom in splendour; Oh, if I could but journey there beside you, Then forever my heart would sing in rapture.

Isa lei, na noqu rarawa Ni ko sana vodo e na mataka Bau nanuma, na nodatou lasa, Mai Suva nanuma tiko ga.

Isa Lei, the purple shadow falling, Sad the morrow will dawn upon my sorrow; Oh, forget not, when you’re far away, Precious moments beside dear Suva.

Weizhao David Wu photo

Isa Lei

English is the official language

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