It was an emotional day for the families of the Mataqali Savunivonu of Matakunea settlement, in the district Navatu Cakaudrove and its members as they received their land titles from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka yesterday. (26.2.26)
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed his gratitude to the Mataqali Savunivonu and its members for the incredible effort and earnest hard work undertaken to fulfil the obligations of their repayment agreement, which was discharged in an efficient and timely manner.
He said they represent a beacon of hope for other landowning units aspiring to clear their dues in anticipation of acquiring full possession of their freehold land titles still administered by the Director of Lands and yet to be transferred.
"The Buyback Scheme was initiated by the Government to assist Indigenous landowners in repurchasing their ancestral land for their socio-economic wellbeing. Certificate of Title (CT) 4929 was purchased on 16 August 1991 by the Government through the Buyback Scheme for the Mataqali Nasovanivonu of Yavusa Navatu in the District of Nasavusavu, Cakaudrove."
The Prime Minister reminded those present not to forget the individuals who initiated the process that led to the retrieval of the fifty-six acres of land previously alienated during the colonial era.
“The vision, wisdom, and foresight of those men and women in seeking Government assistance for the purchase of Freehold Title CT 4929 stand as a testament to their perseverance and determination to shape their own destiny. The handover ceremony marks the culmination of their dreams and the realisation of decades of labour.”
He said that from today, the Mataqali begins a new chapter, enriching itself by increasing the size of its Mataqali allotment (I’Kanakana) to support the sustainable livelihood of its growing members. The twenty-eight years of financial commitment and sacrifice should now inspire a forward-looking vision for the next twenty-eight years. He encouraged reflection on past achievements while planning strategically for the future use of the land.
Looking ahead, he stressed that development must be guided by current realities, modern challenges, and lessons from the past. While difficulties may arise, he expressed confidence in the collective good that this land transfer represents.
The Prime Minister urged that the voices of the younger generation of Mataqali Savunivonu be heard and their talents recognised to ensure the optimal use of the fifty-six acres of viable land. He said elders have an obligation to promote inclusivity and unity, values that can be proudly passed on to the next generation. With the handover of the title comes accountability, and he expressed hope that ownership would strengthen unity among members.
“Mataqali Savunivonu is one of eleven landowning units that have successfully repaid their government debt—two years ahead of schedule. Land is a scarce commodity, and with it comes immense opportunity. He encouraged maximizing land development for sustainable livelihoods and productive economic activity, noting that this achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished through coordination, cooperation, and unity.”
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources for facilitating the completion of the land transfer process. He welcomed discussions between the landowners and the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests regarding the establishment of a state-of-the-art ice plant, training, and a research centre for aquaculture, spat, and mariculture farmers across the country.
He further stated that the government has allocated $56,000 in the 2026/2027 National Budget to the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests for preparatory works and land acquisition at Matakunea. This initiative has the potential to transform economic activity, strengthen food security, and create meaningful livelihoods for communities around Natewa Bay.
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged the challenges posed by the rising cost of living and emphasized the government's expectation of increased agricultural production from resource owners to enhance food security. As a strong advocate of iTaukei entrepreneurship, he expressed confidence that the Mataqali would unlock its full potential, take calculated risks, and forge strategic business partnerships to grow into a successful, profitable, and impactful landowning unit.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by the rising cost of living and emphasized the government's expectation of increased agricultural production from resource owners to enhance food security. As a strong advocate of iTaukei entrepreneurship, he expressed confidence that the Mataqali would unlock its full potential, take calculated risks, and forge strategic business partnerships to grow into a successful, profitable, and impactful landowning unit.
Village headman (Turaga ni Koro) Jone Cakova Naitini of Matakunea settlement, in the district of Navatu, Cakaudrove, said the community had waited nearly 30 years for this historic day.
He described the handover as a moment of relief, pride, and fulfillment for the Mataqali Savunivonu.
“For almost three decades, we have carried this responsibility together as one family. This land was once privately owned, and reclaiming it was not easy. We contributed approximately $140,000 towards its repayment. We sold copra, root crops and other farm produce, and every family played their part so that one day we could regain ownership of what rightfully belongs to us,” he said.
He acknowledged the elders who initiated the process years ago, saying their determination and sacrifice laid the foundation for today’s achievement.
“Some of those who started this journey are no longer with us, but their vision lives on. Today we honour their sacrifice. This title is not just a piece of paper it represents our identity, our security, and the future of our children.”
Mr. Naitini said the Mataqali is now focused on ensuring the land is developed wisely and sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.
“We do not take this lightly. With ownership comes responsibility. We want to use this 56 acres productively, whether through agriculture, fisheries partnerships, or other development opportunities, so that it creates income, employment, and stability for our people. Our goal is unity and progress and ensuring that our children and grandchildren will never again have to struggle to reclaim what is theirs.”
He added that the handover has strengthened unity among members of the Mataqali and renewed their commitment to work together in advancing their socio-economic wellbeing.