The Mataqali Nadala of the Yavusa Nubu in Nadarivatu celebrated a historic and emotional milestone, marking the return of their land after more than 120 years under government ownership and 42 years of continuous efforts to have it returned.
Speaking on behalf of the landowning unit, Luke Vauvau of Mataqali Nadala, Yavusa Nubu, described the occasion as a long-awaited blessing for his people.
He says they are truly blessed to witness this day, as it is something their great-grandfathers could only hope for.
Vauvau says for 42 years, they have been seeking the return of their land from successive governments, and today that hope has finally been realised.
He adds that the Mataqali has development plans in place, including pine and mahogany plantations, and is ready to work closely with the Government to ensure sustainable development for future generations.
While officiating at the event, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the return marks a significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to uphold constitutional provisions and strengthen partnerships with iTaukei landowners through the restoration of land rights.
He highlighted the importance of land to the identity, heritage, and well-being of the iTaukei people, noting that the return reflects the strong relationship between the Government and traditional landowners.
He says this is a historic moment that reaffirms the deep connection between the iTaukei people and their land, and the Government’s responsibility to return land once its intended public purpose has been fulfilled.
Native Grant No. 2, comprising approximately 15,000 acres (6,070 hectares), was originally acquired on 15 June 1905 for public purposes, including the establishment of a sanatorium, forest conservation and research, and agricultural initiatives such as cocoa and coffee cultivation.
Rabuka emphasised that the return of the land is carried out in accordance with Section 28(2) of the Constitution, which provides for the return of land to original owners once the purpose of acquisition has been met.
He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of key government institutions, including the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, the iTaukei Affairs Board, and the Solicitor-General’s Office, in ensuring that all legal and administrative processes were completed to facilitate the return.
The Prime Minister also outlined important considerations moving forward, including the continued surveying of land boundaries by the iTaukei Lands Commission and the exclusion of land currently occupied by the Public Works Department from the returned area.
He encouraged the landowners to utilise the land wisely and sustainably, highlighting opportunities for development in partnership with relevant government agencies in sectors such as agriculture, business, and tourism.
Rabuka says the Government returned ownership of this land to them after more than 120 years, and it is now their responsibility to safeguard and utilise it for the benefit of present and future generations.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Vanua, the Yavusa Nubu, and Mataqali Nadala for their trust and cooperation in allowing the land to be used for national development over the past century.
He adds that the return of Native Grant No. 2 is expected to bring renewed opportunities for economic development, prosperity, and strengthened community resilience for the landowning unit.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, acknowledged the decades-long efforts by the landowners, noting that they had been pursuing the return of the land for 42 years.
Vosarogo says the land was originally acquired for public use as a sanatorium, a place for treating the sick, and was later utilised for forestry and agricultural purposes, including coffee and cocoa plantations supported by early Girmitiyas.
He says when public land is no longer required for the purpose it was first acquired for, it is only right that it be returned to its owners.
He emphasised that the land is no longer required for its original purpose and, under the law, the Government is mandated to return it to its rightful owners.
He further noted that in 2022, the land was formally reserved, paving the way for its eventual return.
