PM Rabuka’s remarks during the Fiji Day Celebration, Auckland October, 2024

Fellow Fijians,
Esteemed guests,
Friends of Fiji,

Bula vinaka!

I am delighted and honored to be celebrating Fiji Day together with you here in Auckland. I extend my gratitude to Greg Traill and the organizing Committee for the invitation and for their commitment to promoting our beloved Fiji in New Zealand.

As we gather today to celebrate the 54 th Anniversary of our nation’s independence, we also recognize the strength of our community here in Aotearoa. I acknowledge your efforts to uphold our traditions, promote our languages, and support our local businesses which play an essential role in showcasing the best of Fiji to the world. The cultural festivals, community events, and shared stories—serve as a beacon of pride for all of us, both near and far.

It is with immense gratitude and pride that I stand before you today, acknowledging the extraordinary contributions of Fijians living in New Zealand. As your Prime Minister, I take
this opportunity to thank you most sincerely for your support and commitment to our beloved homeland.

Today, we celebrate not just your achievements in New Zealand, but also the deep-rooted connections you maintain with Fiji. Despite the miles that separate us, your hearts remain
closely tied to our islands, and your actions speak volumes about the spirit of community and kinship that define us as Fijians.

You are ambassadors of Fijian culture, values, and resilience and you continue to showcase the very essence of what it means to be Fijian.

The theme of this year’s Fiji Day – To Heal and Hope – enables us to celebrate what is good, decent and makes as strong.

Reflecting on your personal journey we are mindful that many carry the scars of the recent past. We will abide with you in your journey while embracing what is dignified and bind us together.

On our journey as a nation, and committing to building social cohesion, the Coalition Government is leading with the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

We want to ensure that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated. We want to build a united Fiji where we live, work together in peace and prosper. We will have some difficult conversations but that is what we will need to do to move forward as a nation.

In line with our vision for a prosperous Fiji, the Coalition Government launched a new National Development Plan (NDP) for 2025-2029, on 17 September, alongside our Vision 2050.

The new NDP is built on three key pillars: economic resilience, people empowerment, and good governance. This is a “Plan of the people, for the people,” designed to resonate with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and grounded in the principles of diversity and inclusivity.

Sitting alongside the NDP is Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper which was launched on 23 September articulating Fiji’s foreign policy direction and priorities. The White Paper will guide how Fiji engages with our partners and with countries like New Zealand in the next decade.

Pillar 1 of our foreign policy talks about Sovereignty, a theme that is at the core of Fiji Day. It begins with a clear sense of who we are and what we believe. How we present ourselves to the world, the characteristics that define our society and the values that bind it together are at the heart of how we engage with the world. These all flow from our sense of self and the values that shape Fijian society.

Fiji is a country of many communities and faiths. Our multiethnic society learns from each other’s customs and beliefs. Religion plays a prominent role in our community, and we respect freedom of religion.

We strive to be an inclusive community where everyone, feels valued and appreciated.

As a nation we must lift all communities. Diversity is not a substitute for unity. Unity comes from a shared vision for the country and a shared commitment to core values. Our values draw on ancient traditions and customs. They are given modern form in our shared commitment to the values of a
liberal democracy.

It is therefore in our national interest that ethnic communities are alive and well for this is the basis of our multi-ethnicity. Diversity is a blessing, our blessing.

Our history both defines us and enriches us. But we must also acknowledge that it has not always been perfect. We can move forward as a more united and just society only by facing up to
the injustices and mistakes of the past.

It is precisely because there have been periods in our history where our values have been weakened or ignored that today we hold to them even more deeply.

You, our diaspora, are a bridge between nations. You not only enrich the fabric of New Zealand with your talents and traditions but also play a crucial role in the development of our homeland through remittances, skills and ideas. The contributions you make to our economy and society cannot be
overstated.

Each dollar you send back home supports families, creates opportunities, and builds futures.

As your Prime Minister, I want to assure you that the Fijian Government is dedicated to building strong connections with our diaspora. We are actively working to create policies that support you and facilitate your engagement with Fiji. Your voices matter, and we want to hear them. We are committed to enhancing communication, providing support, and creating avenues for collaboration between Fiji and our global family.

Together, we can address the pressing challenges we face—be it climate change, economic recovery, or social development. We value your insights and experiences gained in New Zealand, and we invite you to share them. Your participation in our nation’s development is not only welcomed; it is essential.

As we enjoy the festivities today—filled with music, dance, and delicious food—let us remember that we are all part of a larger family. A family that transcends borders, united by the love for our homeland.

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. Thank you for your generosity, your resilience, and your love for Fiji. Together, we will continue to uplift our nation and build a future that reflects the hopes and dreams of all Fijians.

Vinaka vakalevu, and happy Fiji Day!