Mataqali Navunibua finally receives $150,000 gravel royalty after years-long dispute with TLTB

Years of waiting and unanswered questions have finally come to an end for the members of the Navunibua clan of Nayavu Village in Wainibuka, after the iTaukei Land Trust Board confirmed the successful resolution of a long-standing land compensation dispute involving gravel royalties from the early 2000s.

The Mataqali Navunibua had been seeking compensation for over a decade after discovering that the royalty payment meant for them had been mistakenly allocated to a different Mataqali due to a record error.

After a comprehensive review process and legal discussions, TLTB has now paid the outstanding $150,000 to the Turaga ni Mataqali and the Trustees of Mataqali Navunibua, bringing long-awaited closure to the matter.

The dispute originated from gravel extracted by the Public Works Department during the construction of the Kings Highway between 2008 and 2009.

This also formally concludes a High Court case filed by the Mataqali in 2019, which was resolved through a Deed of Settlement in December 2024.

TLTB has acknowledged the patience and cooperation of the clan throughout the years and says it remains committed to ensuring fair, transparent and respectful administration of iTaukei land.

The Board says this resolution reflects its ongoing efforts to right past wrongs and work with landowners to ensure their rights and interests are protected.