Courtesy Visit Strengthens Ties Between Fiji And New Zealand

Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources Welcomes Representatives from Ngāpuhi Iwi

Courtesy Visit Strengthens Ties Between Fiji and New Zealand

Suva, Fiji – 20th May 2023

The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources welcomed a delegation of representatives from Ngāpuhi Iwi, the largest Māori Iwi (tribe) in New Zealand, for a courtesy visit on 19th May 2023. The visit aimed to foster closer ties between Fiji and New Zealand and explore potential areas of collaboration.

The delegation, led by Ngāpuhi Iwi Chairman Wharehoka Wano, met with the Fijian Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Hon. Jone Usamate, and other senior officials from the Ministry. The two sides discussed a range of topics, including land management, natural resource governance, and sustainable development.

Minister Usamate welcomed the delegation and expressed his appreciation for their visit.

"Fiji and New Zealand have a long and shared history, and we are committed to strengthening our relationship," said Minister Usamate. "This visit is an opportunity for us to learn from each other and explore ways to collaborate in areas of mutual interest."

Chairman Wano thanked Minister Usamate for the warm welcome and expressed his delegation's desire to build a strong partnership with Fiji.

"Ngāpuhi Iwi has a long history of stewardship and sustainable resource management, and we believe that we can share our knowledge and experience with Fiji," said Chairman Wano.

The visit concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources and Ngāpuhi Iwi. The MOU will provide a framework for cooperation in the areas of land management, natural resource governance, and cultural exchange.

The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources is responsible for the effective and efficient administration, development, and management of all State Land initiatives, including the facilitation of the country's land use planning and development processes. The Department of Lands is responsible for the effective and efficient administration, development, and management of all state land in Fiji.

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