𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐊𝐔𝐋𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐎

19/12/2025

Na ledra cadravia na yabaki 80 na Vibuloulevu na Roko Tui Dreketi. Miri Cola balavu, muru colacola vina. A drosinitaki va drau na lemuru gauna lagilagi ni viseimatataki.

Happy Birthday Na Marama Bale, Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa

05/12/2025

Lakeba | Queen Sālote of Tonga

The Queen of Tonga traveled from Sydney, Australia, as part of a large contingent of 435 Methodists aboard the T.S.S. Katoomba. After initial concerns about weather, the voyage proceeded successfully. The group first landed at Lautoka on Viti Levu, where the Queen was honored with a ceremonial welcome.

The most important commemorations were held on the island of Lakeba on October 12, 1935, the exact centenary date. The Queen's landing was conducted with profound respect for Fijian custom.

· Solemn Landing: Queen Sālote came ashore wearing a special mourning-mat (mata'ofu) in memory of her relative, the late Tui Nayau.

· Sacred Pathway: She walked slowly upon a mat that was 400 yards long, made specially in her honor. According to protocol, no one else could step on the mat until after she had.

· Ceremonial Lament: During her procession, she stopped at one point for a sad lament (wainimate) to be chanted for the deceased High chief.

· Reception: She was then received with dignity by the leading Fijian chiefs and missionaries.

The Opening of the Centenary Memorial Church

A central event was the opening of the new Centenary Memorial Church, which embodied Ratu Sukuna's vision and symbolized the profound changes Christianity brought to Fiji.

· Historic Act by Radi Nayau: In a powerful break with pre-Christian tradition, the church was opened by Radi Nayau, the widow of the late Tui Nayau. Under the old order, she would have been strangled to accompany her husband in death. Her act of opening the church stood as a "mighty testimony to the work of the Mission."

· Dedications and Speeches: Inside, a pulpit was dedicated to Reverend W. A. Heighway, and a communion table to Margaret Cargill, wife of missionary David Cargill. Ratu Sukuna welcomed guests, stating, "When you find beauty in a people you find also culture; and where you find culture you are sure to find religion." The young Tui Nayau (son of the late chief) gave the main address, likening himself to Solomon completing his father David's work.

🙏 Commemorative Services and Departure

The spiritual significance of the centenary was the focus of several services.

· Centenary Dawn Service: At dawn on October 12, people gathered where missionaries Cross and Cargill first landed. The service included hymns in Fijian and English, silent prayer, and speeches by Fijian ministers like Inoke Mbuandromo and Mataiasi Vave, who reflected on the peace and salvation Christianity brought.

By JW Burton, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE METHODIST MISSIONARY
Society oF AUSTRALASIA

06/08/2025

Isa na Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, na Marama Bale o Ro Lady Lala Mara

Today, we honour and remember the life and legacy of the late Ro Lala, Lady Mara — born Litia Cakobau Lalabalavu Katoafutoga Tuisawau — a respected and humble leader whose impact on Fijian society and tradition remains deeply significant.

She inherited the revered title of Roko Tui Dreketi, the traditional paramount chief of the Burebasaga Confederacy, from her father George Tuisawau. This confederacy spans the provinces of Rewa, Nadroga-Navosa, Namosi, Serua, Kadavu, and parts of Ba and Ra. Her mother, Adi Asenaca Vosailagi, hailed from the chiefly Ka Levu clan of Nadroga, a chief in her own right.

The village of Lomanikoro in Rewa remains the capital of the confederacy and a symbol of her traditional leadership.

In 1991, Ro Lala founded the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) to continue the legacy of the Alliance Party, initially established by her husband, the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara. Though Sitiveni Rabuka ultimately assumed leadership, Ro Lala continued to be a respected voice of moderation in the Great Council of Chiefs, serving her people with dignity until her passing.

18/07/2025

Bati ni Vanua

With quiet strength and unwavering presence, the Bati from Yavusa Drekeivuci of Yadrana village carried out their sacred duty, guarding the Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau throughout the installation ceremonies. Their movements, grounded in tradition and discipline, reflected the deep vakaturaga spirit that defines the Rara Tabu of Tubou— where chiefly protocol is not just practiced, but lived.

17/07/2025

Yaqona Vakaturaga: Soqo Lagilagi for the Installation of the Sau ni Vanua o Lau & Tui Lau

In a ceremony imbued with ancestral gravitas and the sanctity of chiefly tradition, the Yaqona Vakaturaga was reverently prepared and was presented to the Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, signifying his formal installation as Sau ni Vanua o Lau and the conferral of the revered Tui Lau title. This sacred rite, anchored in the protocols of the Vanua, affirmed his ascension to one of Fiji’s most esteemed chiefly offices.

Miri Cola Balavu na Viagwane Bale na Tui Nayau, a drosini taki va drau na lemuru gauna ni viseimatataki. A donu muni ga na kea lewā va viagwane.

17/07/2025

In a moment steeped in tradition and reverence, the Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau emerged from the sacred anointing rites led by the Archbishop and Qase Levu, proceeding with dignity toward the Rara Tabu for his formal installation. There, before the masi ni Vanua o Lau, High Chiefs of Fiji, and distinguished foreign dignitaries, he was solemnly installed as the Sau ni Vanua o Lau, bearing the revered title of Tui Lau.

17/07/2025

Following the church service and anointing by the Archbishop and the Qase Levu, the Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau made his departure from the Church, proceeding toward the Chiefly residence Vatuwaqalevu. Gathered with reverence upon the Rara Tabu were the Masi ni Vanua o Lau, High Chiefs of Fiji, King of Tonga, Kuini Māori and foreign dignitaries—assembled to honour this momentous occasion. Where Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara will be traditionally installed as the Sau ni Vanua o Lau and the revered title of Tui Lau.

16/07/2025

The Marama na Vuanirewa, Adi Kakua Mara, graciously received the traditional gifts presented by the Rewa delegation at the chiefly residence of Vatuwaqalevu. The delegation led by Na Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi.

15/07/2025

Rewa Paramount Chief, Na Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi led the delegation from Rewa to present the “i Vakamamaca” to the Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara at the sacred grounds of Nakaukilagi on 9/07/25. The ceremony followed his return from Nayau Island the evening prior, where he was traditionally installed as the 8th Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau.

15/07/2025

The Tokatoka vakaturaga Nayavutoka, Yavusa vakaturaga na Vuanirewa and the Masi ni vanua o Lau patiently waited for the Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau at the Rara tabu on Tubou, Lakeba, Lau (8/7/25). Year 12 and 13 students of Ratu Finau Secondary School performed the traditional ceremonies of the Nai Qaloqalovi, Nai Vakamamaca, Nai Sevusevu, Na Yaqona Vakaturaga, Nai Wase ni Yaqona Vakaturaga and Vakatatabu Vakaturaga for the Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara.

10/07/2025

Era dolava saka na Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi na Bose ni Yasana ko Lau. Na Lewa vakaturaga mai Vatuwaqalevu, na Turaga Bale na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau, Tui Lau.

📷 : Fiji One News

10/07/2025

The Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Māori Queen, King and Queen of Tonga, and High Chiefs of Fiji attended the vei vagunuvi vei ira na Sau ni Vanua o Lau & Tui Lau at the chiefly village of Tubou, Lakeba, Lau. Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara who was installed on Tuesday as Tui Nayau on the village of Narocivo, Nayau Island in Lau.
📹: Kingitanga