A French rugby player with links to Fiji, Tavite Veredamu preferred to have his son's first haircut in his home village of Nakavu in Namosi and also to celebrate his first birthday with his relatives.
Veredamu told fijivillage News that this choice was made to honour and conserve the iTaukei culture and tradition.
He says this tradition is rarely observed in modern times within the iTaukei community, but he and his wife are pleased to have decided to celebrate their son's first birthday and first haircut in his village.
He also highlighted the importance of conserving and continually practising iTaukei traditions and culture, as they are integral to their identity.
Veredamu also highlighted that if traditions and culture are not practiced, it will gradually disappear.
He urged the iTaukei community to value their culture, as it sustains the strength and unity within their society.
