01/09/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT
VANUA O NALOLO CALLS FOR RETURN OF 12,000-ACRE QOLIQOLI FOLLOWING WITHDRAWAL OF CONSENT FOR CORAL LAGOON DEVELOPMENT
1 September 2026
The Vanua o Nalolo Council of Chiefs wishes to formally advise the Government, relevant authorities, the people of Fiji and the international investment community of our final position regarding the Coral Lagoon Development.
Following the Bose Vanua held at Lomawai Village, the Vanua o Nalolo, through the Tui Nalolo, Turaga ni Yavusa and its traditional leadership, resolved that the Vanua no longer wishes to continue its development arrangements with Coral Lagoon Development Pte Ltd.
The Vanua has formally withdrawn its consent and waiver relating to the proposed foreshore development, covering approximately 12,000 acres of our qoliqoli.
Our signed resolution and withdrawal have already been submitted to the Minister for Lands and other relevant Government authorities.
12,000 ACRES IS A SIGNIFICANT RESOURCE
Twelve thousand acres is not a small area.
This is an enormous part of the traditional resources of the Vanua o Nalolo, and it carries economic, environmental and cultural importance for our people and our future generations.
The Vanua entered into the original arrangements in good faith because we recognised the potential benefits that responsible development could bring to our people.
We did our part.
However, according to the Vanua’s understanding of the agreement, certain financial obligations were required to be fulfilled within 90 days. Despite further time and opportunities being provided, those obligations remained outstanding well beyond that period.
The Vanua therefore reached a point where we could no longer continue waiting.
We have withdrawn our consent, and our position is that the approximately 12,000 acres of qoliqoli should be released from the existing development arrangements, subject to the appropriate Government and legal processes, so that the Vanua can move forward.
THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT MONEY
I want this point to be very clear:
This decision is not simply about money. It is about honouring an agreement.
When the Vanua signs an agreement, we are expected to honour our obligations.
We expect exactly the same from an investor.
If we accept agreements that are continually delayed or not honoured today, we create a dangerous precedent for our children and future generations.
As leaders, we have a responsibility to protect them.
THE VANUA IS READY TO MOVE FORWARD
There is significant interest from other potential investors who wish to discuss development opportunities with the Vanua.
Our position is therefore clear: we respectfully request the Government to urgently determine the status of the existing Coral Lagoon arrangements following our withdrawal of consent and allow the Vanua to move forward.
We want genuine development.
We want investment.
We want employment and business opportunities.
But most importantly, we want development built on respect, transparency and agreements that are honoured by both parties.
MESSAGE FROM THE VITI INDIGENOUS TOURISM ALLIANCE
As President of the Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA), I also want this case to send a positive but firm message to investors considering partnerships with Indigenous resource owners throughout Fiji:
Come and invest in Fiji. Work with our resource owners. Develop our resources together. But when you enter into an agreement with the Vanua, honour that agreement.
Resource owners must not simply be observers while their land, qoliqoli and natural resources are developed.
They must be respected as partners.
Vanua o Nalolo has made its decision.
Our traditional leadership has spoken.
Our withdrawal of consent has been submitted.
We now respectfully call upon the Government of Fiji, the Minister for Lands and all relevant authorities to urgently conclude the necessary process regarding the existing Coral Lagoon development arrangements so that the Vanua can regain full opportunity to determine the future development of its approximately 12,000-acre qoliqoli.
This is about protecting our resources today so that our children and generations yet to come can benefit tomorrow.
Agreements must be honoured. Resource owners must be respected. Future generations must be protected.
Vinaka vakalevu.
Sitiveni Leseitoga Nawaqa
Chairman – Vanua o Nalolo Council of Chiefs
President – Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA)
For and on behalf of the Vanua o Nalolo
