It is the dawn of a new era with the launching of the country's new banknotes and coins today.
The banknotes and coins featuring unique flora and fauna have been unveiled and will go into circulation from January 2nd next year.
After 78 years of having the effigies of the British royal family members on our banknotes and coins, the new flora and fauna designs have been welcomed by the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
While unveiling the new designs at Novotel Lami, Ratu Epeli said the changes are timely as everyone needs to appreciate our environment and everything that contributes to Fiji's natural beauty.
The RBF appointed Currency Design Committee made up of Robin Yarrow, Qale Buadromo, Ratu Isoa Gavidi, Manoa Rasigatale, Iqbal Janiff, Radike Qereqeretabua and Dick Watling started working on the new designs in 2010.
RBF Governor, Barry Whiteside said while planning for the new designs, the issue of durability was also considered.
When asked, Whiteside said he is not in a position to comment on how much the whole process has cost the RBF and Fiji.
However Deputy Governor, Inia Naiyaga followed up with some comments.
Looking at the notes - the new $5 note will be a polymer or plastic note.
It will be green and will feature the parrot, Kulawai which has not been sighted for years.
The $10 note will feature the fresh water fish called the Beli.
The $20 note will feature the bird, Kacau Ni Gau while the $50 note will feature the tagimoucia.
The new $100 note will have the Nanai or Cicada.
It is an insect that appears once every 8 years.
The landmarks featured at the back of the notes will be retained.
On to the new coins - the 5 cents will feature the rabbit fish or Nuqa Roro.
The 10 cents will have Fiji's Flying Fox, the 20 cents will have Kadavu's shining parrot while the 50 cents features the Varivoce or reef fish.
The $1 will have a Vokai or banded iguana while the new $2 coin will feature a Ganivatu or Peregrine Falcon.
The new $2 coin will have the tanoa on the back of the coin.
The designs at the back for other coins have been retained.
Meanwhile, the new flora and fauna designs on our banknotes have been applauded by the Acting British High Commissioner to Fiji.
Martin Fidler said Fiji has every right to have what designs they want on their notes and coins and it's also time to move forward.
Fidler said it's also a proud moment for the UK even though Queen Elizabeth II's portrait has been removed.
