Community Culture

Waitabu Community

Meaning “forbidden water”, Waitabu is a small Catholic community of 30 families led by chief or Tui Nasau. Within the main clan of Waitabu there are three mataqalis, or families.

Children

Families work hard to send their children to school and spend a majority of their income on tuition. The main source of income in the region is the farming of Taro (a local root crop) and the production of Yaqona (the local kava drink).

From Eta, Waitabu Park Manager:

“We have a wonderful cultural experience where you can meet the friendly Fijian people of Waitabu village. Come and enjoy a traditional Bilibili raft ride out to the reef, snorkel in the un-spoilt marine park and then come back to a delicious freshly prepared tea. You can even chose to participate in the traditional Kava ceremony with home grown Waitabu Kava and learn a traditional Fijian Meke (dance)”

Fijian Meke, Photo: Naushad Yakub

Traditional Nuqa harvest at Waitabu signifies a peaceful and harmonised Vanua!

There is a saying in Waitabu that if everything is alright in the community, the nuqa will appear. When they do, there is a ritual called “ta nuqa” (literally, fetching nuqa) performed at the beach to catch these tiny animals.

Thesis: Vanua as Environment: Conservation, Farming, and Development in Waitabu, Fiji

Vanua as Environment: Conservation, Farming, and Development in Waitabu, Fiji by Hao-Li Lin, BA, Anthropology, National Taiwan University, 2004 Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Defended and approved on March 16th, 2015

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Welcome to Waitabu Marine Park

Arrive in the tree-adorned island of Taveuni to discover a tropical paradise you’ve only dreamed about. Slip on your fins and mask and slide into the warm waters of Fiji. Let all the stress of everyday life fall away as you make your way along the magical reef of Waitabu.

The communities of Waitubu and Bouma came to protect their native fishing grounds in 1998. Their foresight and diligence has allowed visitors, like yourself, the opportunity to share in the beauty of the Waitabu Marine Park. These crystal-clear waters are home to the most amazing marine species you may ever see. Don’t be too surprised when you pass a sea turtle or find yourself following a gentle ray. You know you’re in paradise when you’ve landed in the Waitabu Marine Park.

Wake up and see the beautiful sunrise over the marine park as the start of every new day begins in Waitabu

Elia

In 1998 the Waitabu Village of Taveuni declared its fishing grounds or "qoliqoli" to be "tabu" -- a no-take fishing zone. NZAID initially supported the designation with funds for biological surveys and administration. The Wainileli and the Bouma qoliqoli, were continually and heavily overfished, resulting in small fish stocks and damaged coral. Through the continuous drive of community members and non-governmental agencies, the region is now celebrating a healthy and abundant reef for the past 20 … Read More >>

Community Culture

Waitabu Community

From Eta, Waitabu Park Manager:

Welcome to Waitabu Marine Park

Wake up and see the beautiful sunrise over the marine park as the start of every new day begins in Waitabu

Elia

About Us

Waitabu Marine Park

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