Property.com.fj Magazine Issue 2

AUBERGE BEACH VILLAS

NANUKU’S PRIVATE RESIDENCES ARCHITECTURE Challenges of Local Designs

VALUATION Fiji Adopts International Standards

VITIVOU ESTATES Hexagon Group’s Latest Grandeur ISSUE 2 | APRIL 2017

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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KHELVIN REALTORS Family business transitions into highly-sought agency

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RENTAL MARKET New legislation underway for

20 ARCHITECTURAL

CHALLENGES

34 VECTOR REAL ESTATE Providing for a strong seller’s market

Overuse of blockwork mar design finesse

22 DAYALS SAWMILLERS Home of Fiji’s hardwood supremacy

36 FIJI GAS TURNS 60!

Pioneering LPG supplier turns 60

landlords & tenants

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PROPERTY.COM.FJ New app for Fiji’s leading real estate portal

10 PARADISE REALTORS Customizing realty services for the best results

11 YOUR DESTINATION OUR

24 AGENCY EXPANDS TO

LAUTOKA

26 TAUBMANS A dominant coatings provider

27 SIX REASONS YOUR HOME IS

NOT SELLING

The new go-to guys for quality travel

Tips to avoid a stagnant listing

PALMWOOD Iconic palmwood becomes world commodity

14 VITIVOU ESTATES Hexagon Group of Hotels launches residential gem

17 INDUSTRY BRIEFS Major tourism & foreshore developments

18 NZOTC Disposable quality NZ products

Iconic agency expands to Lautoka

Australian realty house moves to Lautoka

PRIORITY

12 SAVE THE FOREST, USE

40 PROPERTY EXPERTS

28 VALUATION Insight into local valuation with Chartered Valuation Surveyor, Matt Myers.

30 VINOD PATEL Home & Living outlets elevate household items

32 KREL HOMES Quality of living in Lautoka

44 ADVANTAGE REAL ESTATE A culture of integrity

46 BAYSHORE REAL ESTATE Importance of a Structured Industry

48 AUBERGE BEACH VILLAS Nanuku launch private residences

50 ELITE REALTORS Reliable market advice & services

52 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR

REALTORS Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct for Realtors

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KHELVIN REALTORS KHELVIN Realtors Limited is a 100 per cent Fiji-owned limited liability company that began its operations in in 2011, in the country’s second-largest city of Lautoka.

From humble beginnings, this realty house has risen to become highly sought-after agency. The agency now boasts close to 30 agents and salespersons, based across Fiji in Suva, Nadi, Lautoka and Labasa.

Owned by former parliamentarian Vyas Deo Sharma, the agency’s Board of Directors led a transition from a family-based business into a corporate organization in 2015.

As real estate is the single largest investment that many people make in a lifetime, a focal aspect of Khelvin Realtors’ business model is the continual upskilling of its agents, who lie at the frontier of these highly important property transactions.

All agents and salespersons are equipped with practical and theoretical training through workshops, and the company offers guidance on open homes, email database marketing, telemarketing, and personal development, amongst other topics. All training aims to encompass modern marketplace changes and trends, to ensure that agents remain at the foreground of the property industry.

“As a highly-sought agency, we are committed to providing essential training that will give our customers outstanding services, encourage referrals, and retain clients,” Sharma noted.

Aside from negotiating, sales, and closing skills, modern agents are now required to have a widened scope of business competence, which extends to

include social media, online marketing, and photography.

Today, Khelvin Realtors boasts five new branches in Suva, Nadi and Labasa, which ensures that the agency’s services are widely available to property hunters and vendors.

Accoridng to Sharma, plans are already in the pipeline to open new offices in Nakasi and Ba. These developments advance the company’s ongoing vision to increase its presence to all Fijians and visiting investors who want to purchase, sell, or rent out properties, or are in need of market advice.

As a further indication of its growth, the company is gearing up to forge into property development in the near future, which will mark Khelvin’s incorporation into all spheres of real estate.

“We invest heavily in our sales team to provide them with the necessary training, so that they can provide the best possible service to our customers.”

In this regard, Khelvin anticipates working alongside other realty professionals to create an association that will enhance their representation, particularly during industry reform processes.

Khelvin Realtors endeavours to work closely with the Real Estate Licensing Board in bringing integrity and transparency to the Fijian real estate industry. Accordingly, Sharma notes that the company welcomes recent government efforts to reform this vital industry.

“We are dealing with people’s properties; these are delicate and sentimental issues, so we need to be upfront in our dealings. We provide in-house training to our sales agents to ensure that they provide honest and reliable services to our customers.”

Sharma reiterated his vision of providing honest, professional and reliable services to all Fijian people, including investors.

At Khelvin Realtors, the interests of people and their property remain at the foreground of all dealings.

“All the stakeholders in the industry must work together for the betterment of the industry, which is at a critical juncture. It is important that the right decisions are made to steer the industry into the right direction,” he added.

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RENTAL MARKET RENT is often viewed as a burdensome, needless and ongoing expenditure.

and Tenants Act, as part of an effort to provide appropriate levels of protection for the interests and rights of both tenants and landlords.

However, there is little choice in a country that is currently bursting at the seams due to increased dwelling demands. This is compounded by the fact that the urban populations are estimated to increase to 60 per cent by 2030.

CEO Joel Abraham noted that the Commission has an extensive understanding of the most important issues facing landlords and tenants, after seven years of processing their complaints and queries.

In a developing nation that is now the most urban of the Melanesian countries, the pressure on the rental market to deliver homes has ballooned, amid frequent migration from rural and maritime areas, and the additional populace of international students and the expatriate community to cater for.

Lami, Suva, Nasinu and Nausori have approximately 30,000 properties which predominantly constitute residential dwellings, as noted at the most recent Fiji Institute of Valuation and Estate Management (FIVEM). As the capital and its main business and commercial centre continues to steadily grow, the pressure put on the transportation system has also been significant.

Mounting rental prices and sprawling squatter settlements are palpable evidence of this market burden, and housing stock at the epicentre of this urban boom, the Greater Suva Area (GSA), has remained slow.

In order to protect against over-pricing, a Rent Freeze Order was put in place ten years ago, and this order has been extended annually, along with the project introduction of related legislative pieces, which presently remains under development.

The Fiji Commerce Commission has recently completed nationwide consultations on a proposed Landlords

“Illegal increase in rent is the consistent issue being bought up at the public consultations of the proposed Landlord and Tenants Act, with concerns also raised on landlords evicting tenants so they could increase rent,” he explained.

“Some of the other issues being brought to the FCC include unfair terms and conditions in a tenancy agreement, rental bond, the refund of bond and disclosure of information by landlords and tenants when starting the tenancy.

The consultation exercise was another opportunity to find out more issues from landlords and tenants that need to be part of the new law.”

With mortgages to pay off and the rising cost of living to consider, landlords and tenants unsurprisingly have conflicting views on whether rent should be raised or controlled. The Commission, for its part, has also suggested that an online Rental Bond Service be established, in order to independently take charge of bonds paid by tenants, following general concerns on theft charges for bonds and landlords claiming bonds for repairs to homes that were damaged by previous tenants.

During the most recent extension of the Rent Freeze Order, Abraham reiterated that the restriction forbade increases on any residential tenancy and ground rent to which the Commerce Commission Act 2010 applied.

“Hence, the rent that was applicable on a property as at 2 March 2007 becomes the maximum rent and should be charged until the end of the year 2017.

Any increase in rent from the period 2 March 2007 and 31 December 2017 will be deemed illegal, and penalties including on-spot fines up to $2000 can be imposed by the Commission under the Commerce Commission Act 2010.”

Location is a major contributing factor to determining rental charges, and CBD flats, beachside abodes, central houses and properties with road frontage are considerably pricier to rent than dwellings on CBD outskirts.

In the Western division, Lautoka’s multitude of apartments and detached homes offer an affordable alternative to their more expensive counterparts in pricy Nadi, where a 2-bedroom flat typically sits at $1000 per month and three to four-bedroom dwellings at $1500.

Cheaper abodes in central areas like Martintar and Namaka are difficult to find, and the affordability of Lautoka’s rental homes – where a 3-bedroom home usually costs around $700 monthly – results in many workers opting to reside in the Sugar City and make the daily commute into Nadi.

Suva’s executive apartments and highrise abodes, especially furnished flats with swimming pools, command an average of $3000 per month, similar to rates charged for upmarket residences found on Nadi’s Denarau Island and Naisoso Island.

For the past decade, the Housing Authority of Fiji has been the primary supplier of housing for the Greater Suva Area, with developments at Caubati, Tacirua, Wainibuku and Nepani.

Furthermore, over a thousand new residential lots are to be released at

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the Authority’s subdivisions around the country.

There has been a noticeable increase in the availability of upmarket accommodation catering to higherincome earners, particularly expatriates residing in the capital. However, the rental freeze has also impacted on the profitability of such developments, particularly after the implementation of a nine per cent VAT levy for residential properties with rental incomes exceeding $100,000. These changes have prompted calls for a distinction in the rental market, and some recognition of a ‘middle ground’.

Rental income is commonplace for former residents who migrate overseas.

Such individuals typically allocate a caretaker or agent to collect their dues, and income tax and VAT are paid by realtors where due.

“For real estate agents that collect rent, our inspectors will be conducting checks and verification to see that the Rental Income Reporting System is adhered to,” warned the Fiji Revenue & Customs Authority in a recent publication.

“There are so many former Fiji residents who are now residing elsewhere, but still deriving income from their properties

rented out here.”

As always, however, these rules tend to be broken, and both the Commerce Commission and Consumer Council of Fiji are regularly inundated with complaints of unfair evictions by landlords who subsequently hike their rental prices for the next occupants.

Rental charges have remained a major point of contention, with landlords frequently questioning the restrictions against increasing their rental charges and tenants demanding lower rent, especially for newly leased properties and owners who blatantly defy the Order.

According to the Consumer Council of Fiji, complaints related to leasing and tenancy agreements ranked as the second most common on their list, with a total of 199 complaints lodged in 2016.

“Issues brought to the Council under this category range from non-refund of bond money, landlords not issuing rental receipts to tenants despite several requests, landlords not giving a month’s written notice to vacate, illegal increase in rent despite the residential rent freeze and poor housing conditions,” noted Officer-in-Charge, Bindula Devi.

The Council has recorded a total of 3,742 complaints relating to landlord and tenancy over the past five years, including many complaints against landlords who increased rental prices in spite of the Rent Freeze Order.

“Although some landlords were not aware of the increases in rent being illegal, some unscrupulous landlords were completely ignorant of the law…

Although rental freeze has been a shortterm solution to control and ensure fair treatment of tenants, the Council is positive that this initiative will assist in curbing the sky-rocketing complaints received every year by the Council on landlord and tenancy issues.”

While rental market lore continues to revolve around horror stories of difficult landlords, wayward tenants and obscene letting prices, there is hope that the proposed Landlord and Tenants Act will be enacted soon and effectively provide for an equal platform between these oftwarring factions.

It is thus relevant to echo the recent words of the Consumer Council: “It is high time Fiji had a specific legislation that deals with all landlord and tenancy issues”.

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PROPERTY.COM.FJ MARKING its third anniversary this month, Property.com.fj has already cemented its status as Fiji’s leading real estate website.

More than 90 per cent of Fiji real estate agents use Property.com.fj to market their properties to Fiji largest audience of real estate buyers.

Property.com.fj will soon be the exclusive local platform for Juwai.com, the world’s largest property portal used by Chinese buyers seeking international property.

Juwai.com currently has an exclusive audience of 2 million high net-worth Chinese consumers. Listings on Property. com.fj, will be specifically marketed to this affluent group of property seekers.

Property.com.fj’s innovation is ongoing, and the website will also soon launch its own app, designed to make it easier for consumers and agents to find or search for properties through a downloadable device.

In 2016, Property.com.fj launched Fiji’s first dedicated real estate magazine in December 2016, offering an exciting print edition of its portal with indepth news and updates on new developments, market trends, property insight and survey results.

The website’s expansion to a print magazine offers an accessible alternative for property hunters and enthusiasts that prefer traditional print mediums over digital platforms.

Property.com.fj is easily navigable, and with a few simple clicks or swipe of the finger, viewers can search for property based on location, price-range and property type.

Property.com.fj does not charge commission, and do not participate in any transactions. Instead, our services aim to extract value for agents by promoting their listings through online marketing, and thus maximizing their exposure.

Email alerts, sales statistics, Google Maps integration and leads are directed to realtors, to assist with finding the best deals for their clients.

New submissions for mortgages and home loans are also directed to banks, making Property.com.fj the go-to place for houses, commercial buildings, land and islands.

In addition to having over 30k targeted social media followers, Property.com. fj attracts over 50k website visitors per month, generates over 3 million page views per month and has over 15k subscribers on its email database, with weekly electronic direct mail

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PARADISE REALTORS “IF we need to fly, we’ll fly”.

Paradise Realtors understands the personal needs of clients who require reliability and instant accessibility to their agents. As master marketers, its team of highly trained agents have sold properties within days of their listings, reflecting their customized approach to each package.

“We don’t believe that one size fits all, but believe in focusing on a client’s individual needs,” noted Principal, Sam Mani.

The veteran realtor heads a team of skilled realtors covering the whole of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, and is optimistic about the continuous rise of this thriving industry.

And in a booming property market, it’s crucial to possess a team of well-trained realtors committed to uncomplicated,

smooth transactions. Backed by parent company, CPA Realtors in Sydney, Australia, Paradise has honed highly competent professionals specialising in all facets of realty; buying, selling, leasing and management.

“The market is really booming and it’s crazy, especially in Nadi. There is so much money floating around in Fiji and investors are clamouring for a stake.”

Paradise has a knack for listing prime properties such as Bayview Cove Resort, and Solovi Heights.

large interest from investors, so it’s a very strong market at the moment, and there’s also strong interest from Chinese investors, who of course come in with a lot of money.”

“All vendors vary and demand different things, and as their agents, we are committed to ensuring they get the best real estate deal.”

Based on a culture of stout market knowledge and consumer trends, Paradise Realtors offer clients a customized take on what they know will offer the best results.

“Prices have gone through the roof thanks to great demand that make the prices hike.

There is so much money floating around in Fiji, reflecting the Kunal Kumar Sales Consultant

Sam Mani Director

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YOUR DESTINATION OUR PRIORITY PARADISE DESTINATONS are the new go-to guys for comfort and quality travel.

Launched in February, manager director Shakuntla Mani is a returning formerresident who has taken a bold step into tourism by launching a reliable, high-end rental car and tour provider that employs locals and facilitates the needs of tourist activities.

“Though I spent several decades abroad before coming back to Fiji, that time away didn’t quell my motivation to do something for my country, so I established Paradise Destination and I’m an avid believer in giving back to my community,” she shared.

The Nadi-based company provides a comprehensive range of high-end vehicles to suit all budges and size requirements, with an all-inclusive range of the new and latest model car.

Whether travelling solo or as a family or group of friends, there are a range of suitable packages and vehicle modes, from small compact cars to larger sedans, wagons, 4WDs and 8-seaters.

Rental durations are limitless, with longterm leasing available and charges only applied per day, cutting out any hidden costs for touring around town, hitting the open road or trekking inland.

Paradise Destinations has already forged a reputation for exceptional services, 24/7 back up services and pickups at Nadi International Airport.

Tours cover landmarks and other attractions such as the Garden of the Sleeping Giant in Sabeto, Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Natadola Beach and Sri Siva Subramaniya, the largest Hindu temple in the Southern hemisphere, giving sight-sees an authentic cultural experience of Fiji and its people.

Shakuntla Mani Managing Director

“Our people take the time to understand each customer’s journey and help familiarise them with driving in Fiji, the driving times, road rules, and the mustsee attractions they’ll find along the way.

And there are no hidden surprises, with a firm guarantee that the rate seen is the rate paid.”

Book your ride for an elevated travel experience at Suite 9, Level 1 Ganesha Complex, Nadi Town or via (M) (679) 9991262 (E) sales@paradiserentalfiji.com (W) www.paradiserentalfiji.com.

RENTAL & TOURS

PARADISE DESTINATION M T E W

+(679) 999 1262 670 0036 sales@paradiserentalfiji.com www.paradiserentalfiji.com

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SAVE THE FOREST, USE PALMWOOD PACIFIC Green’s so-called ‘indigenous style’ furniture looks, feels, and breathes like the islands it is named after.

Their timeless pieces denote the minimalist approach of Pacific people, with a distinct focus on the coconut palm – or, the tree of life, as it is known in the islands.

The carefree spirit of Pacific people, combined with the fundamentals of island living –sun, white sandy beaches, and turquoise seas - are embodied in the spirit and form of each and every Pacific Green piece.

Ergonomics and eco-consciousness are intrinsically interwoven into each design, and Pacific Green draws upon thousands of years of indigenous knowledge and ancient skills to craft furniture that is aesthetically appealing, yet fundamentally practical.

All pieces are intricately finished by hand, using traditional techniques and handcrafting skills and including motifs that were originally used to decorate spears and arrows. As a result, the styles and structures developed by indigenous people over thousands of years provide the foundation upon which Pacific Green adds modern technology in order to build premium ergonomic furniture.

Pacific Green’s underlying mission is to provide relaxing ecological products that are as comfortable on the body as they are on the mind. To create products that respect indigenous cultures, and in doing so, remind us that we all have an obligation to not allow ancient skills and techniques become lost art.

In addition to producing some of the world’s finest furniture and reviving

indigenous knowledge and skills, Pacific Green also takes conservation and ecology very seriously. This dedication to environmental causes began in the late 1980’s, when the company tirelessly searched for a viable and ecologically sound substitute for tropical hardwoods.

The innovative furniture-making company found the solution to this dilemma in the South Pacific, where abandoned copra plantations held hundreds of thousands of idle palm trees across hectares of untamed land.

Initial testing showed that the stems of such plants were exceptionally strong, and as durable and hard as conventional hardwoods, while also flexible enough to withstand tropical cyclones. Here lay the perfect ecological substitute, and Pacific Green decided that there was no longer any excuse for indiscrimate deforestation or the destruction of the world’s few remaining forests.

After visiting many of the 14 Pacific Island states, Fiji was chosen as the

company’s home due to its solid infrastructure-communications, shipping lanes, transportation, political stability and progressive export policies. This decision resulted in Pacific Green establishing the world’s first ‘palmwood’ factory at Sigatoka in the early 1990’s.

Palmwood, the name given to Pacific Green’s finished hardwood product, has since become a worldwide commodity.

Since founding the factory, Pacific Green’s research team has continued to enhance the durability, versatility, and consistency of palmwood. Processing breakthroughs have produced a product that is suitable in both wet and dry climates, and is impervious to white ants and other wood-boring insects.

SAVE THE FOREST, USE PALMWOOD.

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VITIVOU ESTATES H E X A G O N D E LV E I N T O M A J O R CROSS-SECTION PROJECT THE Hexagon Group has always had a knack for being ahead of the game. Across Fiji, their hotels have grabbed some of the finest locations: Nadi’s, Martintar & Wailoaloa, Nadroga’s Yadua Bay, and Suva City’s CBD. It comes as little surprise then, that the hospitality giant has staked one of the last remaining freehold sites along the bustling Suva-Nausori corridor. The historic missionary centre of Davuilevu is now home to Hexagon’s latest installation of grandeur, Vitivou Estates.

This lifestyle precinct encompasses 27.29 acres, and its development has sparked momentum in Nausori. The town is home to the Central division’s sole airport as well as being a meeting point for the indigenous society, as it straddles the provinces of Rewa, Tailevu and Naitasiri.

Situated along the Kings Rd, construction of Vitivou began in late 2016 and progress has since been rapid.

Substantial civil works have taken place, including installation of sewer and water

lines, and the site is already filled and compacted to raise the platform height.

This is the first major cross-section development for the Hexagon Group since it was founded in 1982 by former corporate bank management consultant and Parliamentarian, Hafiz Khan. The group’s operations are overseen by tourism figure, Dixon Seeto, who acts as Hexagon’s managing director.

After amassing housing, commercial and multi-dwelling developments, Hexagon broke into the tourism sector with a stellar range of reputable hotel properties, the latest of which is the breathtaking Yadua Bay Resort & Villas located outside Sigatoka. Vitivou Estates is set to enhance and further diversify this already-packed portfolio.

The first stage of its mixed commercial and residential lots is projected for completion by April 2017. The first of five commercial developments within the project spans an area of 3,276m2, and is the site of an expansive commercial complex designed by renowned architectural firm, Design Hut. Construction of this building, which will house a number of retail spaces as well as a convention area, is being undertaken by reputable Cope Construction.

“The complex has been designed by keeping in mind the space requirements of commercial tenants and will consist of a modern 2-level structure, with the ground floor offering a spacious supermarket letting, eight retail shop

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offering close proximity to convenient facilities, land packages that remove lengthy construction periods, and spacious living arrangements. The estates are also in a highly sought after location, only a 5-minute walk away from Nausori Town and situated directly across the Rewa River.

spaces and lots of parking areas,” confirmed Bimal Prasad, Manager of Property Development for the Hexagon Group.

“The top floor will offer a large hall space with kitchen- therefore ideal for conferences, weddings and other functions, and an additional six retail shop spaces.”

And Hexagon has been more than generous on residential front, with 144 lots available for purchase. Nineteen of these lots offer 800m2 of land area, while the remaining 125 lots range in size between 500 and 550m2.

“The remaining lots are up for sale, from a starting price of $155,000 (+VAT) for lots in Stage 1,” added Prasad, noting that only a few of the 800m2 and 500 – 550m2 lots remained up for sale.

To provide greater incentive for buyers, the developers are also retailing lots as

land and house package deals.

“This has been done to cater for home buyers who prefer to avoid going through the hassle of designing, building, and supervising etc., and would rather prefer purchasing a package deal that would provide them with a readybuilt home to live in.”

These packages offer prospective residents two types of proposed concept designs; single storey 4-bedroom residences or a more upmarket 4-bedroom residence spread over two levels.

“A number of other concept designs are being looked into, to suit varying budgets, while the sale price of these package deals depend on what design a buyer chooses,” stated Prasad.

Vitivou’s mix of commercial and residential developments encapsulates the demands of modern urban living,

The Nausori end of the Suva-Nausori corridor is thronged with a colourful mix of zigzagging neighbourhoods, worship centres, commercial properties, and educational institutions. With little room for expansion, Vitivou is a major mixed-use development that reflects the growing sophistication and vibrant lifestyle of the area. The development also perfectly complements the growing visitor market prompted by nearby Nausori Airport’s expanded air routes.

Vitivou provides a particularly beneficial convenience for business travellers and the MICE market in Suva, which houses the headquarters of many regional organizations.

As a showpiece of elegant living in one of the Central division’s most dense areas, Vitivou is evidence of the everevolving lifestyle needs of the area’s population. In this way, the development proves that upmarket existence on Fiji’s main island is no longer necessarily confined to Suva, Nadi and other tourism hubs.

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INDUSTRY BRIEFS Joint Venture for Rugby House THE Fiji Rugby Union announced its hunt for a commercial joint venture (JV) partnership at its Freehold property along Suva’s Gordon St early this year.

CEO John O’Connor said they were reviewing the suitability of its office and exploring the possibility of generating additional revenue from existing assets to further fund domestic rugby’s development and growth. The CBD property is spread over 933.30sqm, and a JV and financial investor is being sought to jointly develop this site and maximise returns. Considerable partnership arrangements include build-operate-transfer (BOT), build, operate and own (BOO), build, operate, own and transport (BOOT), build, transfer and operate (BTO), build and transfer (BT), reconstruction, operate and transfer (ROT), and operate and transfer (OT) alongside other successful partnership models. FRU previously had plans to demolish Rugby House and construct a multi-storey building but had to withdraw these aspirations due to the property’s heritage listing, which requires any construction to preserve its architecture. The deadline for submissions for proposed JVs ends December 30.

New Native Lands Office Opens THE i Taukei Lands Trust Board (TLTB) opened a new office in Savusavu early this year, marking its first base for the people of Cakaudrove Province in Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island. The new base was officially opened by Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama and is the first office for the province since the TLTB’s inception 76-years ago, with those seeking its services beforehand having to make the long journey to Labasa, Vanua Leva’s economic center. The expansion to Cakaudrove was also spurred by minimal leasing, as only 18 percent of the

Carpenters Foreshore Development THE capital city foreshore is due to undergo a dramatic new look as the Carpenters Group plans a major, 10acre real estate development along the CBD waterfront. These will include two 2-4 star hotels and the construction of commercial and retail centers, with this first phase totaling some $120 million.

The development encompasses 100 retail shops facing the sea front and car parks compromising entertainment, eateries, fine dining, food courts, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, clubs, supermarkets, international spa and gym, cinemas, fashion, mobile shops,

200,000 hectares of native land in the province is being leased, with the Fijian Government hoping to ramp up more leasing prospects through its new office for local landowners to better utilize their property. TLTB is expanding its Land Management Services, beginning in Korovou to cover the Tailevu-North area and Rakiraki and Ra and this year, have also opened a new office in Sigatoka to cater for the people of Nadroga and Navosa provinces.

convention center, theme/water park, marina facility, landscaped playground and park, specialty shops and a carpark to fit 750 cars. There is a Times Square-style setting planned with a waterfront parade. The country’s largest private sector enterprise has called for expressions of interest (EOI) for the purchase or lease of shop lots, purchase of apartments and/or of townhouses and joint venture opportunities for hotel, office, townhouse and apartment developments. Additionally, Carpenters also plans to construct a new12-storey MH Tower, for premium office space, at the site of its mega mall, MHCC’s car park in Suva’s CBD.

Fiji Marriot Resort THE Fiji National Provident Fund marked a key milestone with the completion of the Fiji Marriot Resort Momi Bay outside Nadi, ahead of its opening in late March.

The project is a critical part of the Fund’s investment rehabilitation and reform program to recover members’ funds, with construction of the 250-room property undertaken by Fletcher Building

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Fiji. Its program had to be readjusted after Tropical Cyclone Winston in early 2016.

Subject to a final review of the cost consultant, FNFP has estimated savings of around $10 million on the project, which is its second major hotel development after the Inter Continental Fiji Resort & Spa at Natadola. The property will be managed by Marriot International and due to generate about 400 new jobs.

The FNPF’s property portfolio includes 16 commercial and retail complexes, an undeveloped vacant block and two properties undergoing re-development. It noted that its property valued surged to $206.0 million in value in 2015 to close at $238.3 million in 2016, including the value of the Marriot project, at $57.6 million.

In Nadi, the FNPF has also demolished the old Nadi Hotel and is re-developing the site into a three-storey, commercial and retail complex that will also house the town’s FNPF office on the corner of the CBD’s main street and Koroivolu Avenue.

NEW ZEALAND OVERSEAS TRADING CORPORATION NZOTC (sp) LTD imports a quality broad range of products that ensure shoppers have everything they need under a single roof.

Disposable Catering products, garden tools, power tools, Hand Tools and Electrical items are offered in a wide assortment that are perfect for all households and commercial users to stock up on.

With two locations in Lautoka and Suva, our friendly staff are there to guide customers through their product selection and advise them on suitable purchases from our variety of quality goods.

Disposable catering and hygienic products from brands like Partyware, Chanroll, Castaway and Capri are perfect for any event, with the choice of cutlery to BBQ sets and décor great for simple family gatherings and picnics to larger functions and special occasions.

Hand tools from Gripwell and Sidchrome Hand tools, Hitachi and Proplus power tools, Flexovit and Kingspor abrasives, Fear Mackson heavy-duty garden tools, Workshire cane and weeding knives are the go-to choose for all agricultural, gardening and hardware activities.

Threefiles, Bolt & Nut and Workshire engineering flies, Clipsal, PDL and Schneider electrical products will

provide seamless convenience in any office or home entertainment, amongst a wide range of more items.

Quality products, a wide variety of the best prices are stocked by NZOTC at Lot 30, Dabea Land in Valelevu, Suva and Lot 2, Saga St, Lautoka.

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ARCHITECTURAL CHALLENGES ONE needn’t look far to see that arched roofs, vaulted ceilings, pavilions and many other facets of native architecture are lavishly applied to many of Fiji’s upmarket resorts, private islands, and chic homes. These properties encapsulate the distinctive aesthetic and ambience of precolonial craftsmanship, offering modern showpieces of traditional dwellings.

The impacts of 96 years of British imperialism also remain palpable in the surviving civic buildings that are scattered throughout Suva and Levuka - Fiji’s first capital and UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site – as well as in other early civil service settlements, such as the Colonial Sugar Refinery compounds (now Fiji Sugar Corporation).

But while many relics of these formative years can be seen in Fiji’s built environment, the aesthetic quality of such has gradually decreased. As time has passed, these features have been increasingly replaced by the use of block work, slowly turning residencies and CBDs into a sea of basic concrete infrastructure.

As highlighted by award-winning architect Conway Beg, challenges lay in the availability (or recurring unavailability) of quality materials that conformed to Australian and New Zealand building standards.

“This shortage in construction material delays the completion, limits the design process and poses the risk of poor designs,” Beg, who scooped key accolades at the revived Fiji Architects Association Awards in late 2016, noted.

Much of the coveted native hardwood originally used in the country’s vernacular architecture is now exported. Further, while local use of such material is mostly evident in hotels and resorts that seek a ‘glamourized’ version of traditional dwellings, the tourism sector has, rather ironically, influenced the development of local architecture and sparked the increasing trend toward the use of heavy blockwork.

The tourism industry’s revival of traditional architecture can be traced back to the 1950s, when the Korolevu Beach Resort debuted the iconic thatched-roofed self-contained units that are now universally known as bures.

In the early 1970s, the Regent Hotel (later changed to Sheraton Royal, and now known as Westin Denarau Island Fiji Resort & Spa) opened as the first property on what has become the tourism mecca of Denarau Island.

Hawaiian firm Belt Collins, which designed the original property, also co-published a report entitled Tourism Development Programme for Fiji in 1973.

Financed by the UNDP and administered by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development alongside the Fijian Government, the document detailed master plans for developing Natadola as an integrated tourist resort and a long-term development of tourism in Fiji. The report also offered recommendations on areas that should be developed in the first 5 years, following fourteen months of intensive surveys, analysis and meetings around Fiji, except Rotuma.

Tourism stalwart Bob Kennedy Sr., noted that the original design of the Regent

wasn’t well received by some tourists from Australia and New Zealand, who instead had differing conceptions of what constituted comfortable and luxurious accommodation in the tropics.

Eventually, hotel infrastructure caved to these preferences and turned concrete, with high ceilings and air-conditioning units markedly changing the nature of once-traditional architecture.

Beg has also noted the heavy influence that the tourism industry and influx of foreign visitors has had on Fijian architectural design.

“There will always be demand, provided that infrastructure support is available.

In some ways, the hospitality industry has had the most dramatic influence on local architecture. I believe the existing concrete industry has mostly influenced the coherent state of the local architecture. The overuse of blockwork and metal clad roofing has had a more radical impact on the current blurry – and at times depressing - state of local architecture.”

Beg’s own portfolio is varied and colourful, spanning award-wining homes and upmarket resorts. His work clearly shows a deep appreciation of the opulence of traditional architecture, woodwork and décor, and Beg laments the paltry application of such artistry to other houses and buildings.

“We need to introduce more appropriate sustainable materials that are readily available. These materials should meet our harsh climatic conditions, and conform to Australian and New Zealand standards. Hopefully, this may inspire architects with a more robust design palette, to conceive innovative designs.

It will certainly raise the design standards and influence the local vernacular.”

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In particular, Beg has highlighted that timber remains a core building material that could be better utilized in Fijian architectural design, but sadly, most good timber is now exported.

Recurring shortages of quality materials have no doubt been exacerbated by the mass homelessness and construction demand caused by recent natural disasters, such as the devastating Tropical Cyclone Winston in early 2016.

This calamity also clearly emphasized the urgent necessity of developing more durable infrastructure throughout Fiji.

The disintegration of some 40,000 homes and public structures caused by TCW has challenged the endurance and quality of local architecture, and resulted in widespread calls for more innovative and stringently designed buildings.

“Clearly, our local architectural capability has never before been challenged as it is now after the damages caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston,” architectural practitioners were recently reminded

by Vijay Nath, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure & Transport, at an industry awards night.

“It is a wakeup call for us to be more innovative, more stringent and more rigorous in our approach towards designing and building. It has also raised expectations of ordinary Fijians that you- our local architects- will develop the capability to design the building we want and need in Fiji.”

Nath also stressed the importance of training better, more efficient, more modern and more self-critical architects, and of challenging them to explore more innovative designs and the use of materials more suited to current conditions and issues.

“Fiji will face many challenges as we go forward: the challenge of climate change, the challenge of urbanization and the need for better urban design, the challenge of keeping in sync with changing technology, and the challenge of increasing population and what they will require in terms of our architects.”

Similarly, Beg noted many other challenges are currently plaguing the industry, including an increase in unqualified draughtsman posing as architects and taking on unsuspecting clients. Additionally, the Fiji Architects Act has recently been reviewed by the Architects Registration Board, but remains awaiting Government implementation. An update and review of the National Building Code is also direly necessary.

“Hopefully, this can be implemented.

Planning authorities also need to enforce the use of registered architects, engineers, Quantity Surveyors, planners and Environment Impact Assessment consultants on all building and planning submissions.”

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Local architects are thus tasked with producing designs and plans that properly address the challenges of urban planning and natural disasters. This is particularly important in a developing country that is on the cusp of further municipal boundary extensions, while overseeing a plethora of large-scale real estate developments.

“Architects need to commit to design excellence with an innovative, pragmatic approach to problem-solving, which is essential to the current coherent state of architecture. We will survive, and the good architects will apply their talent and skill set to produce innovative design with current limitations.”

Again touching on the continued influence that tourism has on architectural developments in Fiji, Beg expresses hope that such will encourage new ideas and innovation.

The ever-competitive tourism industry has the potential to spark architectural expressions that are fresh and nonrepetitive, rendering Fiji a design hub and an even more popular travel destination.

An award-winning home on Naisoso Island designed by Beg. The opulence of traditional architecture is often replaced by the heavy block work applied to most residential buildings.

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DAYALS SAWMILLERS

DAYALS Sawmillers is the home of Fiji’s hardwood supremacy.

Renowned for supplying beautifullyfinished, genuine mahogany (Swiestenia Macrophylla), it capitalizes on highly trained and skilled personnel to supply the demanding domestic and overseas markets.

High-quality, durable mahogany from renewable plantations and native hardwood species are exported for decking and flooring in countries including the United States of America, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Malaysia, Spain, Puerto Rico, Israel and Japan.

“Our timber is carefully processed with a high recovery and yield of grades. We have the right equipment to produce high-quality, end products for your needs.”

As part of the prominent, familyowned MR Dayal Group of Companies, Dayals Sawmillers is one of Fiji’s largest, local and privately-owned hardwood sawmills and exporters and enjoys a solid reputation for producing quality hardware timber that cuts well and is durable, resistant and visually appealing.

the world for decking and flooring products and earning Green-approved certification and Environmentally Preferable Product status.

“Our in-house quality control personnel are trained to take care of our environmental responsibilities with utmost care.”

“Our 200m3 conventional kilns are used for drying sawn timber down to 8 per cent, to 12 per cent of moisture content.”

Versatile for residential use, their mahogany has maintained a polished and visual appeal that age well.

Its facilities include high-performing automated wood-processing and wood-moulding machines, Italian-made fully automated kiln drying technology and environmentally safe arsenic-free treatment chemicals.

This dedication to superiority has earned Dayals Sawmillers a cluttered mantelpiece, as winners of the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013 and 2014 Prime Ministers Forestry Exporter of the Year Awards, amongst other accolades.

In Fiji, Dayals Sawmillers successfully pioneered Micronized Copper Azole, the clean, odorless and arsenic-free preservative to treat wood, and approved in many countries around

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AGENCY EXPANDS TO LAUTOKA FEW agencies can match the spectrum, brand, and values of LJ Hooker. The iconic Australian realty house expanded here in 2015 and barely two years later, has moved its Head office in the heart of Fiji’s second city, Lautoka.

Manned by sales manager, Aveet Goundar, this base at Tui St, along scenic Marine Drive, has become an ideal base for the plethora of developers and investors in the Sugar City’s bustling property market, where LJ Hooker and its skilled agents have gained another foothold into a flourishing residential and industrial hub and strengthened their presence to provide consummate realty services for buyers and sellers.

Aveet comes with a plethora of market knowledge and can easily facilitate your needs for residential, commercial or industrial properties.

Under the guidance and management of seasoned Melbourne realtor and Principal, C.J Shergill, LJ Hooker Fiji has grown and groomed an increasing number of highly competent professionals whose ethics are centralized on the LJ Hooker values of passion, perseverance, and integrity.

The realty house is one of the largest residential, commercial sales and property management organizations in Australasia, with over 700 offices in eight countries.

Its reach into Fiji has widened the platform for property seekers and sellers and fostered a highly conducive hub for aspiring realtors looking for a place in an iconic realty house.

Contact Aveet Goundar today for a comprehensive range of property management, buying, selling, renting and appraisals.

M: (679) 9724696 E: ag.fiji@ljhooker.com

Fiji

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2 Tui St, Marine Drive, Lautoka License Number: 0165

+ 679 672 1666 sales.fiji@ljhooker.com

AS members of the 730 offices in eight countries that make up the iconic realty house, Veer Deo, Shama Haseen and Varsha Kant are a pivotal part of your real estate needs.

Veer Deo Are you on a lookout for a lakeside home, a beachfront property, a brick house up in the mountains, or just land for investment? Need to migrate or move and can’t sell your house!

‘WHY GO THROUGH SO MUCH WHEN IT CAN BE DONE MERELY THROUGH A PHONE CALL”

M: (679) 999 79 98 E: veer.fiji@ljhooker.com

When it comes to buying, and selling property or finding respectable tenants, the stress can be unbearable. From getting the right customer to buying a worthwhile property, the task can be never ending.

But as your real estate agent, that stress will be replaced with satisfying contentment. Close to six years of industry experience has amassed Veer with great experience in client satisfaction and fulfilment.

Shama Haseen Real estate is a people business and doing it well is all about establishing trusting relationships. From initial contact, Shama is the consummate professional, working hard to establish her clients’ needs and then delivering on them efficiently and effectively. Since joining real estate in 2012, she has earned a reputation of an honest and competent realtor.

Highly decisive and organized, this agent is known for her ability to find quick and practical solutions and thoroughly prepares and gathers all necessary information before offering advice. Innovative marketing strategies and a strong online presence ensures you’re on the front foot from the get-go and one step closer to realising your real estate dreams.

So, whether it’s an investment, family asset or a special house, if you’re looking to buy or sell real estate or want a market update, get in touch with Shama today.

M: (679) 972 46 61 E: shama.fiji@ljhooker.com

Varsha Kant Passion, attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction are the hallmarks of successful agents like Varsha.

With reliable insight of a wide spectrum of neighbourhoods and market trends, her industry knowledge and versatility offers a great mix of listings that span beachfront Freehold in Navua to shop-fronts at Nadi’s Airport Central Building.

M: (679) 972 59 19 E: vk.fiji@ljhooker.com

Skilled and sociable, this highly competent professional will ease your property issues by connecting great buyers and sellers in a smooth transition and transaction.

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TAUBMANS COLOUR is a defining characteristic of any property, and for over half a century, Taubmans Paints (Fiji) has been a dominant player in Fiji’s architectural coatings market.

First established in 1958 as Superior Paints, the company was then renamed Fiji Paints Limited, and finally Taubmans following its restructure in 1978.

In 2013, the Taubmans brand was further advanced as a result of its acquisition by Asian Paints (South Pacific) Limited. The company now falls under the umbrella of global paints giant Berger, making it a sister company to prominent Apco Coatings.

Aside from producing high-quality products for home use, Taubmans is also a distributor of world-renowned marine and protective coatings. Across this range of rebrands, the company retains the outstanding appeal of its hallmark range.

By catering to the demands and versatile tastes of developers and designers, Taubmans has remained a key player in the constantly evolving world of properties and aesthetical trends, and a reputable producer of premium quality decorative coatings.

“From the procurement of raw material to the finished product, the highest standards are maintained at each stage of the paint-manufacturing process,” the company’s webpage boasts.

“We strongly believe that quality is the hallmark that has contributed to our successful operations and which cannot be compromised to counter price wars in the market.”

SERVICES

Ensuring the suitability of all customers’ paint choices is a highly-skilled and meticulously-trained Technical Service team, whose members support technology agreements and provide robust paint solutions. This support is complemented by Taubmans’ Customer Service team, who provide comprehensive sales and post-sales services.

“Our representatives ensure an excellent delivery network is maintained to service customers on time, every time. We believe that service compliments product sales, for without service, the painted surface is incomplete.”

Customers are afforded the convenience of inspections and surveys to their painting site by Taubmans service representatives, who also offer paint recommendations. Where required, service representatives can also monitor any critical factors affecting the paint job, such as climatic conditions, surface preparation, and systems of application.

Technical information about products is also provided, as well as full maintenance of all requisite

documentation. Upon request, coating maintenance schedules can also be compiled for enhanced ease of future use.

“It is our aim to ensure product quality and consistency are always maintained at all levels of our manufacturing operations and since we are NATA-accredited, we follow stringent guidelines set by the National Association of Testing Authorities in Australia.”

This ensures that all Taubmans products meet Australian quality standards, which are regularly audited and endorsed.

Taubmans’ decorative products are available in ultra-premium, premium and trade ranges for the convenience of varying clients with disparate needs.

As the primary visual focal point of any property, paint is the critical aesthetic factor for all home and office interiors and exteriors, and can be highly influential in triggering mood, thought and ambience. Taubmans coatings utilise credible colour psychology in order to provoke soothing, productive responses for inhabitants and viewers.

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SIX REASONS YOUR HOME IS NOT SELLING YOU know it’s time to change gear when your “for sale” starts gathering dust. Industry experts note that there are several common reasons for a slow sales process, and it begins with an unrealistic price.

1. Unrealistic Price Even during a strong selling period, a price beyond comparable sales may not draw the interest to snap up that building. If you think your property is worth more than what the market indicates, it will probably remain unsold until your asking price drops. And remember, while you may have an emotional attachment to your property, you need to be objective about its value.

many personalized items, so potential buyers can easily imagine themselves living there.

2. Increasing the Stated Price It’s best to stick with the amount you initially listed, and avoid hiking your price. While vendors want to get higher offers by putting the price up when the market is hot, this can kill the momentum, as prospective buyers could assume there’s something wrong with the property.

4. Lack of Motivation Homes are filled with memories and have a sentimental hold for its owners. But as a vendor, you should be committed to selling the process will be a drag and you won’t end up with a sale. See if the money from selling the place outweighs the desire of retaining ownership. Make it worth the while.

3. Poor Presentation A poorly presented house is a total buzz kill. Peeling paint, overgrown garden, missing tiles and dirty bathrooms and kitchens make it hard for people to envision themselves living there. Spruce your home up with a good scrub, new coat of paint or a spring clean to make it attractive for potential buyers. And if the place is still occupied during inspections, ensure it is clutter-free and devoid of too

5. Lazy Photography First impressions only happen once, and with most house hunters looking online first, images of your property need to immediately grab their attention. Viewers get put off with bad photography and lazy presentation, so get rid of those towels hanging in the porch, that old couch littering the yard

or kitchenware cluttering the counter and table tops, before you click away.

Ensure there’s good lighting and ample images of all the houses’ main features.

It’s also a crowded market, so consider hiring a professional photographer (if you must) to get an edge over other competing houses. Remember that viewers include overseas investors, so great presentation means having great photos.

6. No Web Presence.

Most property hunters have their first search on the Internet, so don’t expect to find a buyer if your house isn’t listed on a portal or social media page.

Marketing trends have changed and the weekend Classifieds is no longer the only generator of mass interest. If you’re serious about selling your home, get your agent to list it on the country’s largest real estate website, Property.com.fj.

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VALUATION VALUATION can be tricky to grasp; homes can be listed for a certain price, market-valued at another, bank-valued at an alternative figure and sold for yet again a different sum.

In this segment, we speak with Chartered Valuation Surveyor, Matt Myers, MAI, MRICS, FIV, RV, who has amassed over 30 years of international valuation experience.

Specialising in the valuation and market studies of hotel &resorts, office buildings and shopping centres, Myers is the Senior Managing Director of South Pacific Property Advisors in Suva.

Here, he sheds light on the nuances of property valuation and Fiji’s recent adoption of International Valuation Standards.

Q: How are property prices determined?

Firstly, valuers do not determine values.

Values are determined within the market place, and valuers are market readers, and thus just reporting what the market is doing. On many occasions, I have valued properties for much more than I thought they were worth. Thus the market itself was valuing the properties more than I would have expected.

In transparent markets with sufficient access to sales data, all market participants, such as agents, salespersons, sellers, buyers, and valuers, will have good clear readings of pricing so as to price accordingly. If I want to buy a bag of lollies, it is very easy to see prices at different stores, and most people buying have a good indication of price. However, here in Fiji, getting good market data on houses, is quite difficult.

However in more developed markets such as USA, New Zealad, and Australia, a quick computer search provides all details on land area, zoning, and details on the improvements such as size, date built, floor plans, etc.

Q: Why does the value of a valuation come up less than the selling price?

There are many types of valuations that can be done on the same property, such as insurance, rating, compulsory acquisition, financial reporting, rental assessment, and court purpose (e.g. divorce, dispute, etc.), each which may have different values.

Also, the same property may have many rights (e.g. leasehold, air rights, view rights), again each with its own value.

Thus, valuers following international valuation standards, first need to determine the purpose, intended use,

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and intended users for any valuation.

That will then guide the valuer on the standards that must be followed to a credible valuation.

would have an idea on the market value.

Thus, vendor is frustrated as it is taking too long to sell, and often drops the agent and goes to another agent.

Most banks ask for a valuation for secured lending purpose as they seek to use the valuation as a basis of collateral for a loan. International Valuation Standards (IVS) has a specific section for secured lending type valuations, and it is the most demanding in regards to data gathering, analysis, and reporting.

Or, the vendor gets offer from unknowledgeable buyer, then when the buyer goes to the bank for financing, the valuation reflects the market value.

Then, if the buyer did not put in the contract that that sale was contingent on getting financing, they may lose their deposit. And the sale still doesn’t go through.

But by definition and under IVS, a valuation for secured lending purposes should be market value, as defined under IVS. However, as a valuer we need to consider what is the likely price the property would sell for if the bank has to resell if they recover the property? An example would be a property that has a higher value as it has above- market lease in terms of rent. This could lead to higher value due to having higher income. However, the bank still wants to know what it would sell for if that tenant moved out and the property was ‘vacant possession’. The value with the above market rent would likely be higher than if valued as vacant possession. How much the bank then lends, is up to that bank who uses their internal criteria on the risk associated with lending on that property and that borrower.

Selling price is what the vendor (selling owner) is asking. Price and cost are not value. A real estate agent’s job is to get the highest price for their vendor and thus they will push for such. Also, many vendors want a certain price, unless they are motivated to sell. Thus, many agents set the selling price where the vendor wants. However, very few real estate agents are trained in valuation, and here in Fiji, currently real estate agents and salesperson don’t have to have any real estate education. Thus, several issues can develop if the selling agent has not done their market due diligence research.

If the vendor is trying to sell, they many not find any buyers at that price, as knowledgeable and prudent buyers

Although some local real estate agents advertise free market appraisals, under Fiji law ONLY registered valuers can do valuations (or appraisals) of real estate. Appraisal is just another term for valuation. Thus my advice for property buyers who don’t fully understand the local market, BEFORE making a binding offer to purchase, get an IVS compliant valuation by professionally qualified valuer.

Q: Have International Valuation Standards Been Adopted and Put in Place for Fiji?

The Institute of Valuation and Estate Management of Fiji in 2015 brought in an international IVS instructor and did a one day seminar on the standards. In 2016, the Institute officially adopted IVS as the standards for the Institute.

Thus, all members that have a practicing certificate, should only be doing valuations that meet the International Valuation Standards.

Unfortunately, the Valuers Registration Board is forced to follow an antiquated law which has yet to be reviewed and modernised to reflect international best practice. Thus, currently there are no clear standards in Fiji that valuers must comply with. However, that doesn’t stop banks – nor even the Reserve Bank of Fiji- imposing strict valuation guidelines on loans intended for secured lending purposes. Many years back in the USA, it was the Bank Regulatory Body that imposed valuation standards.

Although the valuation industry is trying to raise the bar, unfortunately, the users- particularly financial institutionsmostly have staff who are not trained to understand valuations and identify those that are deficient. Overseas, most banks have an in-house risk department that has review valuers on staff to look over reports for compliance and deficiencies.

None of the local banks have such a local person on staff that I am aware of.

Q: Do International Valuation Standards affect Fiji properties?

IVS does not affect property values in any way. However, as the overall industry adopts such, and improves the quality of valuations, and availability of market data, then market transparency will improve, leading to less risk in the market. Thus then banks will have more trust in the valuations and likely increase loan to value ratios. Which then ultimately helps the overall economy.

DISCLAMER: The views expressed in this interview are Myers’ own professional opinions, and may not be the same as those of his employer and other professional and statutory bodies that he currently serves on.

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VINOD PATEL HOME & LIVING

SYNONYMOUS with hardware success, Vinod Patel has been a trusted household brand since 1962, when its flagship store opened in Ba Town before expanding across the country.

In 2015, the hardware giant went a step further by launching its new Home & Living division, elevating the retail experience for elegant furniture, décor, and appliances.

“Our mission is to deliver to the people of Fiji and the Pacific with quality, international brands at affordable prices.”

Through eight national H&L outlets, a wide assortment of affordable, international brands and products have been brought to local homes and offices, setting the pace for a heightened appreciation for fine design and the aesthetics of interior spaces.

“We are focused on delivering modern retail stores in the region and drive

Customer Service Satisfaction to another level as a priority and at H & L, we further provide consumers around Fiji the opportunity to purchase products on their Hire Purchase.”

Home and office furniture, ICT products, home entertainment, white goods, and domestic & kitchen appliances from around the world offer an eclectic variety for shoppers of diverse tastes.

There are a broad range of ICT products that include laptops, mobile phones, projectors, Internet modem and other IT peripherals, with world renowned brands like We sell world-renowned brands like Samsung, Apple, HP, Dell, Acer, Logitech, HTC, Huawei and more providing unmatched quality and which can also be procured through Hire Purchase.

Themed bedroom, lounging and kitchen sets offer classic, timeless looks, while cabinets, drawers, shelves, and dining pieces show off the finesse of subtle designs.

A range of premium office furniture also ensures the comfort, practicality, and visual attraction of commercial spaces.

“We also have traditional Fijian made and contemporary furniture and office furniture solutions at low cash prices as well as on hire purchase terms at a competitive low interest rate.”

Backed by a dedicated team of advisors and customer representatives, H & L now has outlets in Suva, Nausori, Centerpoint, Nadi, Lautoka, Rakiraki, Sigatoka and Labasa.

The Vinod Patel XL Centerpoint a is the largest retail store in the country and home to renowned brands such as TCL, JVC, Phillips, Panasonic, Huawei, Apple, Whirlpool and Sharp.

With furniture and appliances to match every style and budget, Home & Living is an indulgent, enjoyable experience and the first-choice for Fijian households.

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KREL HOMES QUALITY OF LIFE IN LAUTOKA IT’S widely recognised that quality of life is essential to any real estate investment. This is especially true in Lautoka, Fiji’s economic hub and home to the most open spaces in any municipality.

This property, located in the city’s residential heart of Field 40, offers buyers an attractive incentive of both a home and an additional source of rental income, through two flats.

The entire property encompasses 700sqm on a land housing lease.

Generously sized, there is ample space for further extensions to both apartments. A leafy and manicured compound and gardens add a touch of natural harmony and breezy ambience for home owners.

The first flat includes three bedrooms, and the second offers two bedrooms as well as a master. Interiors are lined with native hardwood, cabinets, built-ins, internal laundry areas and verandas.

Convenient features include gas, secure parking ports, grilled windows and a rainwater tank.

Nestled atop a hill, this quiet property offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding neighbourhoods, as well as close proximity to convenience stores and a short drive to the central business district and nearby schools.

License Number: No.0082

This property is an ideal investment in the Sugar City, and comes with an asking price of $285,000. An expired engineer’s certificate is undergoing renewal, and a valuation will be provided for genuine buyers only.

Listed with KREL Homes, interested parties are to contact realtors Mac Raisowalu (679) 984 4015 or Roneil Sami 979 1155 or by email, krelrealtor@gmail.com

Mac Raisowalu

Roneil Sami

M +679 984 4015 E krelrealtors@gmail.com

M + 679 979 1155 E krelrealtors@gmail.com

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VECTOR REAL ESTATE AS masters of the tourist town’s lucrative property sales, Vector Real Estate knows all too well about the next big boom.

Low inventory levels have fostered a strong sellers’ market and with municipal boundary expansions planned around the country, areas like Nadi can expect a significant surge, noted Director, Amrish Maharaj, who launched Vector Real Estate in June 2016.

“We have so many enquiries coming in daily for rental and sale properties, with a high demand for residential propertiesbe it land or house,” he highlighted.

“Nadi is due to be declared a city soon, and with all the developments happening, people are trying to buy here as there is a high potential that Nadi will have the most expensive properties in the future.”

The hike in prices has also inspired more developers to get their projects

progressing, with several commercial ventures underway and a growing variety of residential developments in the pipeline, though a relative housing shortage remains.

For Vector Real Estate, real estate is an important, economic, and personal facilitation it is proud to serve.

The company was registered in 2008 and was in sole contract with another realty house before branching out independently in June, 2016, as a 100 per cent, locally owned firm whose income is invested back into the local economy.

Maharaj is the sole registered agent, with 5 sub-agents operating under his license as they work towards becoming salespersons.

“Real estate is no easy business, but it’s great to see regulation by the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board, which only allows licensed agents and salespersons to practise,” Maharaj noted.

Major properties on their current listing include an upcoming retail complex in the heart of Martintar- one of Nadi’s most enviable cosmopolitan districts, as well as a major commercial and industrial subdivisions that has already sold out most ifs lots and a key commercial property with frontage along the Queens Rd in Namaka.

“It’s currently a seller’s market, which is being capitalized on. In the last few months, we have closed many sales and high-end commercial and residential rentals.”

For renting, selling or buying, Vector Real Estate are market masters of property needs.

VECTOR INVESTMENTS REAL ESTATE Licensed Agent No: 0168 41 Lodhia St, Nadi Town (M) 9064491 (E) amrish.vector@gmail.com

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FIJI GAS TURNS 60!

IN the late 50’s, the people of Fiji had very limited electricity.

Wood was the main source of power for heating and cooking.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) was unheard of, that is until the chief inspecting engineers at Colonial Sugar Refinery Company (CSR) in Lautoka brought back from America, a blowtorch that was attached to a small round cylinder containing LPG. This sparked the birth of LPG in Fiji.

Ready Gas (Fiji) Limited (now Fiji Gas Ltd) was founded in 1956 by four engineers from Colonial Sugar Refinery Company (CSR). In 1964, Ready Gas (Fiji) Ltd changed its name to the Fiji Gas Company Limited which in turn became Fiji Gas Limited in 2004.

2016 marked 60 years for Fiji Gas. From humble beginnings Fiji Gas has grown into a major Fijian Company. Many people and companies rely on Fiji Gas to cook their food, to heat their water and to power their vehicles. Fiji Gas is also the cleanest fuel available in Fiji.

It has lower emissions than diesel and unleaded petrol.

to service and installation, maintenance services, auto gas refilling stations and retailing LPG kitchen appliances and DC solar kits for homes. The company is the sole agent for large commercial brands such as Moffat, Rinnai and domestic ranges from Bompani and Grandhall BBQ’s.

GAS SERVICE......EXPERTS YOU CAN TRUST Black pots? Slow cooking? Yellow flame? If the answer is yes to any of the above, then you’re using and paying for too much gas. Trust Fiji Gas to install and service your gas appliances and to provide the help you need to save money and keep the blue flame burning.

Use Trained Gas Technicians • Fiji Gas technicians are trained to Australian standards AS/ NZS1596.2014 and AG5601 • They are well versed with the installations of all types of gas equipment’s from the smallest cooker to the largest industrial equipment • Fiji Gas technicians are trained to oversee complex gas projects If the Flames Not Blue, it will Not do!

Hans Reiher, CEO Fiji Gas, said “Fiji Gas is a great and safe place to work and I personally am very proud of the company and the people who work here.”. At the company’s 60th celebrations in March of 2016, he acknowledged the part played by the company’s long term employees, some of whom have been with Fiji Gas for over thirty years. Their years of service was a testament to the trust and pride that exists in the company.”

Fiji Gas first began supplying gas to Fiji in 1956. It has grown into the largest LPG Company in the Pacific Islands. It has diversified its channels from solely LPG

• Get your appliances checked regularly to keep the gas flame burning blue – it keeps you safe and saves gas • Avoid breakdowns with a Fiji Gas service contract The benefits of Regular Servicing • Maximum Performance - Regular servicing means all your gas appliances will be working at peak performance. That means you will use less gas to generate more heat, saving fuel.

• Extended Appliance life Everyone knows a regularly serviced car will last longer than one that is poorly maintained. It is the same for your gas appliances. Your stoves, ovens, heaters will all last longer if they are well maintained and serviced regularly by Fiji Gas’s qualified technicians.

• Improved Safety - Safety is the number one priority at Fiji Gas. The company is equally concerned about safety at their client premises as they are at their our own premises.

When you take out a Fiji Gas service contract you can be sure all your gas appliances and equipment will be maintained to meet Australian Safety Standards.

• More Spare Parts - Fiji Gas is the specialist when it comes to gas appliances. They keep more gas equipment parts in stock than any other supplier in Fiji. Fiji Gas repairs your equipment straight away and you won’t have to wait for parts or pay expensive freight costs.

Our Service & Installation Teams • Get good advice that you can trust. Contact the Fiji Gas service and installations team for any LPG installations you may need.

• Fiji Gas has highly trained Service engineers in 4 locations in Fiji: Lami, Nadi, Sigatoka and Labasa. It does not matter where you are based, Fiji Gas engineers will respond quickly and efficiently.

For good advice or to have your gas appliance checked, contact our gas experts. Call your local Fiji Gas branch Suva: Phone: 330 4188/ 3362964 Sigatoka: Phone: 650 0578 Savusavu: Phone: 885 0437 Lautoka: 666 3355 Labasa: 881 2973 Nadi: 672 8116

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Suva: Walu Bay Phone: 330 4188 | Sigatoka: Queens Road Phone: 650 0578 | Savusavu: Naqere Phone: 885 0437 | Lautoka: Waterfront Road Phone: 666 3355 | Nadi: Martintar Phone: 672 8116 | Labasa: Nasekula Rd Phone: 881 2973 | Short code: 3454 | fijigas.com.fj | Facebook: GasForFiji | Twitter: @FijiGas

Experience you can rely on We’ve been helping Fijians protect the things they value for more than 140 years

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PROPERTY EXPERTS BACKED by a high-performing team of realtors and support staff, Property Experts is Nadi’s most recognizable realty house.

The agency opened doors in 2001 and continues to acquire a long list of loyal clientele from its base, along the tourist town’s bustling Martintar strip.

And 16 years into the game, they recently celebrated the opening of a second office in Lautoka, capital of the Western division and the hub of rapidly developing residential projects.

This expansion marks an exciting chapter for an agency that is already solidly established in the Sugar City, with the strategic maneuver due to expand its sales force and grab a further foothold of the city’s lucrative property market.

“We have a long history of listings in Lautoka but clients have, for a long time, been requesting that we open a base there, and we felt the time was right to do so,” said Principal agent and Managing Director, Johnny Singh.

This second office is staffed by agents, Sikeli Waqatakirewa and Don Toma and administrator, Sonam Sonia Prasad, who bring a wealth of knowledge on the area’s property market and the hottest areas in town.

With a total of eight agents under its belt, Property Experts covers a broad range of land, houses, apartments, farms, holiday homes, hotels, investment sites and commercial and industrial properties all over Viti Levu. This is an important provision for Fiji’s main islanda key regional cross road for investment and international connectivity, and Property Experts are serious about giving clients the most reliable, honest advice for their needs.

“There are many buyers, but due to high competition, there are agents who tend to speculate property prices, to obtain listing,” Singh highlighted.

“We have recently seen an extremely unrealistic appraisal done by a foreign company on a property in Nadi, so sales personnel and branch managers should be very careful when setting up property prices.”

And as more properties are put on the thriving market, Property Experts is serious about continuing a long tradition of due diligence, sound market advice and smooth transitions as a facilitator of these transactions.

All agents and salespersons are registered with the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board and are backed by stellar credentials.

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THE BEST OF EVERYTHING NOTHING LESS THAN THE BEST IN

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Phone: 3375 041 / 042 Fax: 3375 043 Email: sales@maxmarketingfiji.com

www.maxmarketingfiji.com

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PriDiv INVESTMENT LIMITED COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Prospective Tenants are invited to register their interest to lease space in the new building at the corner of Rayasi Road and Nanise Road. This is located on a prime location, housing many developments: Westfield Nadi. With an excellent view, and a centralized location- this development boasts for its vibrancy, accessibility and locality.

The development is for two floors. The total area for leasing on the Ground Floor is xxxxx and xxxxx on the First Floor. Whilst the spaces have been designed for a variety of possible tenancies; we can accommodate specific tenant requirements as required.

The property will be available for lease from April 2017.

The building has dedicated car parking space in addition to street car parking spaces. The public access around the building is generous.

To register your interest, please contact:

GANGA GOUNDER PriDiv Investment Ltd M: (+679) 999 4517 E:

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M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 7 / p r o p e r t y. c o m . f j

ADVANTAGE REAL ESTATE IN a flourishing industry such as real estate, it is crucial to remain centred on the fundamental expectations of clients: reliability, great results, and trustworthiness.

These tenets lie at the heart of business for Anil Prasad, manager of Advantage Exterioz Real Estate in Samabula, Suva.

A seasoned realtor prior to managing his own estate firm, Prasad knows client desires all too well, and is well versed in exactly how to deliver on these requirements.

“There are hundreds of agents in [a] small market such as ours – however, the reality of finding the perfect real estate agent who has the knowledge of the property market, financial institutions, and moreover, the ability to help the vendor and purchaser to achieve their dreams, is scarce,” he noted.

The working culture at Advantage Exterioz is based on customer satisfaction, and the company takes pride in conducting business with integrity and offering the best and most appropriate advice.

“With extensive knowledge of the real estate market, we offer expert advice, whether you are buying, selling, renting or you want to know where best to put your money in terms of investing in this beautiful country.”

Prasad is optimistic about the industry and its future development, despite negative reports that have tarnished the image of genuinely sincere agents.

“Real estate is a flourishing industry in Fiji, however, some negative experiences by the vendors and purchasers alike have prevented the market from

reaching its full potential. Bogus agents and unfaithful dealers have somewhat painted a bad image of the whole industry.”

Advantage Exterioz continually strives to set itself apart from the crowd in terms of service, and the company has carved a respected name in the industry. An additional advantage in this mission is the development of its sister company, which specializes in construction and joinery.

“We are a complete package for real estate needs, and like our slogan says, we are real people and the real deal.”

Advantage Exterioz Real Estate is located at 71 Mala Street, Samabula and can be reached on (t) 3383899, (m) 8351370/ 9006301 or (e) advantagerealestate@hotmail.com.

Find them on Facebook/AdvantageExteriozRealEstate FOR ALL YOUR BUYING, SELLING, RENTING and PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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BAYSHORE REAL ESTATE BAYSHORE Real Estate may have only opened one year ago, but already the agency has amassed a credible portfolio of in-house development and many enviable listings.

The agency is founded by former California brokers Arif and Zain Khan, who are part of a new generation of realtors that understand the significant industry changes brought about by digital marketing tactics.

“Technology has emerged as the most effective tool(s) for agents in recent times,” noted Arif, who has personally closed over US$200 million in residential and commercial real estate transactions in the course of his 15-year career.

“Therefore, agents must embrace technology to make their service more efficient. A smart phone is a necessity to maintain a competitive edge and to keep up with the customer’s expectation of service.”

For many realtors, success is contingent on their listings making the home page of major property websites or being the lead feature in weekend newspaper supplements; two feats presently achieved by a very small pool of providers in Fiji. With the success of a property’s exposure now often judged by social media popularity and photography quality, property owners typically expect to see their products featured on trafficcongested webpages and popular social media platforms.

The limited ad space held by print mediums is also poorly matched by the boundless photos, infinite information and tailored search functions available online, and often at a fraction of the cost.

Khan noted that, in terms of real estate sales, technological applications now go beyond their use as a mere marketing tool. Instead, online platforms should be habitually used for most property sales processes, including photo-sharing and digital maps, as a point of convenience for agents, buyers and sellers alike.

“Technology is more affordable [and] more useful for real-estate agents today.

The modern-day consumers have a higher expectation of service with the advent of smart phones. Therefore, a realtor must use a smart phone to be able to respond to a customer’s needs more efficiently.

“Other tools to make life easier are Dropbox, Google Drive, Google Earth, a lead management software such as Top Producer, and a transaction management system, especially for volume producers.”

These tools and technologies, he noted, are fundamentals of a structured real estate industry. This is especially true for Fiji, where a Real Estate Act was only enacted in 2006 and local agencies are mushrooming.

The changing tide of property advertising has widened the scope for modern realtors, forcing them to keep tabs on market trends and facilitate accordingly.

While traditional agents relied on paper and file-based storage and physical viewings, their contemporaries store files on Dropbox and Google Drive and urge their clients to preview listings on websites first.

As Khan notes, agents must utilize a ‘drip campaign’ system to frequently send electronic updates to customers.

“Eighty per cent of home buyers in the United States have previewed properties

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before calling an agent to assist in their negotiations and contracts. There are softwares such as Redfin and Zillow that give values of houses sold in certain vicinities, which help customers make informed, intelligent decisions on starting-offer prices. Therefore, exciting times lay ahead for Fiji’s real estate industry as we embrace technology more.”

Other facets that are important in establishing a more robust and structured real estate industry include requisite qualifications for aspiring agents, in order to maintain standards and best practices, Khan added.

“Introducing pre-requisite courses on principles of real estate and real estate practices would ensure a foundation for salespersons. There should also be a licensing test for salespersons, and

a minimum of eight hours of ongoing ethics and professional development per year.”

Khan also suggested the implementation of a strict Code of Ethics. The drafting of such a document is already a component of a legislative review currently being carried out by the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB), alongside the introduction of prescribed examinations for salespersons.

Most importantly, the necessity for a structured industry extends to agents themselves, and Khan notes that a common voice of representation, as well as guaranteed expediency for clients despite the competitive nature of agencies, are vital developments.

development and collaboration between the agents. The industry at present is very fragmented, whereby there is no level of cooperation between agents of a different company that allows an expedited sale for the benefit of seller.

At the end of the day, an agent is acting in a fiduciary capacity and that is to represent the best interest of the client.”

As Khan highlighted, real estate and its growing base of agents play a key role in the Fijian economy. Residential property provides family housing and is for many the single largest lifetime investment, while commercial properties, including apartments, industrial and retail properties, create jobs and provide sources of income. For these reasons, working towards a more structured industry is vital.

“The formation of an association of real estate agents is important for ongoing

REAL ESTATE AGENT NO: 0166

www.bayshorefiji.com Phone: (679) 666 5312

1 BALAWA, LAUTOKA

Spread over Lautoka’s high grounds, Balawa has long been sought for its sprawling sea views and central location, giving homes owners in the area a significant panorama of soothing sky and sea. And house hunters will be pleased to note that the first house in this highly-coveted zone is now the market, with offers invited for the purchase of 1 Balawa Rd

23 ACRES SAWENI LAUTOKA

23 ACRES of State Freehold flat land with potential for tourism or subdivision. The foreshore is close-by .15 minutes from Nadi International Airport and 10 minutes from Lautoka city All major services such as F.E.A power, W.A.F water, telecomeare available. $695,000 Call Arif 997-3312

$549,000 Call Arif 997-3312

BALAWA, LAUTOKA

Beautifully set-up home with strong characteristics, securely built against cyclones and humongous front yard that will attract anybody’s attention.

From a spacious kitchen with built in to a spacious room or the pantry this home is meant to be yours

LOTS ENAMANU, NADI

This upcoming gated community provides an exclusive oasis in the centre of Martintar, with proximity to Nadi’s CBD, Denarau Island, international airport and cosmopolitan districts.

$349,000

There are 23 generous residential lots measuring up to 1058sqm, with 3 commercials slices tucked between Kennedy Avenue and breezy Wailoaloa Beach.

Call Arif 860-3218

$469,000 Call Mildred 863-5427

Arif I Khan Managing Broker | MBA M(Fiji): 679 997 3312 E: arif@bayshorefiji.com

Mildred Wade Sales Consultant (Fiji): 679 863 5427 E: mildredwadefiji@gmail.com

Pita Whippy Sales Consultant M(Fiji): 679 9182737 E: pita.whippy@bayshorefiji.com

Nathaniel Khan Sales Consultant M(Fiji): 679 8020063 E: nathan@bayshorefiji.com

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M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 7 / p r o p e r t y. c o m . f j

NANUKU LAUNCHES PRIVATE RESIDENCES AUBERGE Beach Villas officially launched in 2016, adding luxury residencies to the Pacific Harbour beachfront.

With prices beginning at USD$495,000, an exquisite range of seven, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom villas will be located steps away from the Nanuku Auberge Resort clubhouse.

Nanuku’s blend of authentic Fijian hues and contemporary dÊcor resonate through the villas, designed by the globally acclaimed Grounds Kent Architects. Because of the success of Phase One, Phase Two has already been released and construction begins in 2017.

Managerial services by the resort are available for owners who are interested in potential return on investment.

Information, private tours and discovery visits arranged at RealEstate@NanukuFiji.com by calling International + 679 345 2110, AUS 1800 289 345, or USA 1-844-Own-Fiji.

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M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 7 / p r o p e r t y. c o m . f j

ELITE REALTORS AS is the hallmark of any successful deal, value for money is a focal point of Elite Realtors.

The realty house, which opened doors in 2013 in Suva as a limited liability firm, was launched under the directorship of real estate agent Anil Prasad. Elite is dedicated to providing its clients with the most reliable market advice and guidance towards successful property transactions.

“The vision of Elite is to provide the best services to my clients, and as my slogan says, [to] provide better value for your money.”

Suva is the centre of the country’s most dynamic industry activities, and while

there are differing challenges presented by their varying clients, Prasad and his team remain focused on fostering reliable and pragmatic approaches that create positive results for both buyers and sellers.

“The trend at the moment is that it’s the seller’s market, and therefore we advise buyers that they will get a turn and it’s a positive indication that the market cannot go any further than what it is now. Basically, the market statistics will for sure fall, and the buyers will be able to take advantage soon.”

The agency’s listings include a diverse assortment of residential, commercial, industrial and resort properties, as well as vacant land and general leasing.

“There is also great demand in the Western division, and to cater to that, we are expanding with two agents to oversee clients in Nadi, Lautoka, Rakiraki, Ba and Tavua.”

This expansion marks Elite’s further commitment to customer care in other parts of the country, and the agency’s desire to serve the needs of buyers and sellers across Fiji effectively.

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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR REALTORS B O A R D T O B E G I N C O N S U LTAT I O N S

THE enforcement of higher standards of professionalism for realtors is now on the not-so-distant horizon, and consultations are expected to soon be underway on a proposed Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for real estate agents, branch managers and salespersons.

These consultations are a component of the broad and rigorous reviews currently being undertaken by industry regulatory body, the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board.

Acting CEO and Registrar Virisila Tuimanu, noted that the Board hopes to ensure that the implementation of new

processes and measures for local realty practitioners will bring an added degree of integrity to the industry.

“The proposed consultations will also cover other topical areas for discussion, which include the regulation of commission and having standardised clauses in agency agreements between agents and their clients.,” Tuimanu confirmed.

The Board is currently compiling the draft text, which will cover standards of professional competence, the duties of real estate agents, prescribed real estate agency agreements and relevant provisions on the continuation and upskilling of professional development.

“The proposed Code is expected to complement the Real Estate Agents Act 2006 and will also ensure that real estate agents do not breach the trust placed on them by a client, prospective client or customer.”

A wide consultation with agents, property owners and other stakeholders will be undertaken before the Code is formulated and implemented as regulations to the Act. The Real Estate Agents Licensing Board has also committed to national workshops, beginning in 2016, to provide wider interactive platforms with agents and address issues that continue to plague the industry.

POSITION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) is a government statutory agency established under the Real Estate Agents Act 2006 and plays an important role in regulating the practice of real estate agents, branch managers and salespersons in Fiji.

REALB seeks a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who is dynamic, goal-oriented and a visionary leader who can shape the organization so that it contributes effectively to Fiji’s real estate industry. The CEO will work in partnership with the Board and other stakeholders in promoting consumer protection rights in Fiji. He/she will also be responsible for leading the development and execution of the Board’s long term strategies and the achievement of its Key Performance Indicators.

The Applicant must preferably possess a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Management or relevant qualification, and at least 10 years’ experience in a related field. The applicant must be an enthusiastic, innovative team builder with proven business and administrative skills with through knowledge and understanding of the real estate industry.

An attractive remuneration package will be given, commensurate with qualifications and experience that the applicant possesses. This is a full time position which is based in Suva, Fiji.

To apply, please provide an up-to-date resume together with a covering letter no later than Monday, 6 March 2017. Other details on the position are available upon request to realbfiji@gmail.com.

Applications are to be marked as “CEO, REALB” and forwarded to the address below Mailed to:

OR

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism Tourism P O Box 2118, Government Buildings Suva Or, emailed to marica.seninawanawa@govnet.gov.fj

Hand delivered to: The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Industry, Trade and Level 3 Civic Towers Victoria Parade Suva

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INGREDIENTS: Contains milk as indicated in bold type. Water, milk powder, sugar, vegetable fat, milk fat, emulsifiers (471, 477), vegetable gums (460, 466, 407, 412), cocoa, flavours, colours (155, 133), preservative (211).

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MADE ON A LINE THAT ALSO PRODUCES PRODUCTS CONTAINING ALMONDS, GLUTEN AND SOY. Manufactured by Goodman Fielder International (Fiji) Ltd. Shalimar Street, Suva, Fiji.

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MADE ON A LINE THAT ALSO PRODUCES PRODUCTS CONTAINING ALMONDS, GLUTEN AND SOY. Manufactured by Goodman Fielder International (Fiji) Ltd. Shalimar Street, Suva, Fiji.

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INGREDIENTS: Contains milk as indicated in bold type. Water, milk powder, sugar, vegetable fat, milk fat, emulsifiers (471,477), vegetable gums (460, 466, 407, 412),cocoa, salted caramel bits, flavours, colours(155,133), preservative (211) MADE ON A LINE THAT ALSO PRODUCES PRODUCTS CONTAINING ALMONDS, GLUTEN AND SOY. Manufactured by Goodman Fielder International (Fiji) Ltd. Shalimar Street, Suva, Fiji.

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MADE ON A LINE THAT ALSO PRODUCES PRODUCTS CONTAINING ALMONDS, GLUTEN AND SOY. Manufactured by Goodman Fielder International (Fiji) Ltd. Shalimar Street, Suva, Fiji.

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INGREDIENTS: Contains milk as indicated in bold type. Water, milk powder, sugar, passionfruit ripple (5%) [sugar, passionfruit (26%), water, vegetable gum (410), flavour, colour (102), preservative (211)], vegetable fat, milk fat, emulsifiers (471,477), vegetable gums (460,466,407,412),cocoa ,colour (155,133), flavours, preservative(211).

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