Hon. Qereqeretabua officiates at the SPC Fiji Day celebrations
18/10/2024
Resolution presented at special committee on decolonization, or C-24
21/10/2024Published On: 19/10/2024
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka this morning addressed thousands of current and former Fiji citizens at Mangere Centre Park in Auckland, celebrating our nationโs 54th year of independence.
The Fijian diaspora celebrated our rich culture and traditional heritage, with a full traditional ceremony accorded to the Prime Minister, followed by traditional and contemporary meke performances as part of the celebration.
In his official address, PM Rabuka extended his gratitude to the organising committee for the invitation and for the commitment to promoting Fiji in New Zealand.
โAs we gather today to celebrate the 54th anniversary of our nationโs independence, we also recognise the strength of our community here in Aotearoa,โ the Prime Minister highlighted.
โI acknowledge your efforts in upholding our traditions, promoting our languages, and supporting our local businesses which play an essential role in showcasing the best of Fiji to the world.
โIt 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.โ
Despite the miles that separate us, the Prime Minister reminded those in attendance that they are ambassadors of Fiji.
โYou are ambassadors of our culture, values, and resilience and you continue to showcase the very essence of what it means to be Fijian,โ he asserted.
โYou, 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 your homeland through remittances, skills and ideas.
โThe contributions you make to our economy and society cannot be overstated. Each dollar you send back home supports families, creates opportunities, and contributes to our national economy.โ
He also took the opportunity to highlight the Coalition Governmentโs key initiatives , three of which are the National Development Plan, the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the newly-launched Foreign Policy White Paper, which will guide how Fiji engages with our partners and with countries like New Zealand in the next decade.
โAs your Prime Minister, I want to assure you that your Government is dedicated to building strong connections with our diaspora. Your voices matter, and we want to hear them,โ he added.
โAs we enjoy the festivities todayโfilled with music, dance, and delicious foodโlet us remember that we are all part of a larger family. A family that transcends borders, united by the love for our homeland.
โTogether, we will continue to uplift our nation and build a future that reflects the hopes and dreams of all our peopleโ he concluded.
More than 5000 people attended the annual event which featured not just traditional meke performances, but also food stalls, amusement rides and information booths, to name just a few.
