Cultural Village Being Built In Nadi

Businessman Peter Pan has set up a Fijian Cultural Village in Navo, Nadi.
This is in a bid to promote iTaukei culture and tradition for future generation and for the benefit of tourists.
According to Mr Pan the idea was born in 2009 when he was working for a an inbound tour company in Nadi.
“I was asked a lot by the guests; they want to have a glimpse of the Fijian culture and a village setting within a time frame of three hours.
“I would direct them to Arts Village at Pacific Harbour or in Suva because there was nothing of that sort in Nadi.
“That is why I made up my mind to initiate something like this and the community will enjoy it as well.
“It is important that Nadi should have something of this sort.
“Fijian cultural is pretty interesting. Even some Fijians have lost their culture, so it is also to educate them and also for the visitors.”
 
The project
Mr Pan said they acquired a piece of land in January 2013 to set up the Fijian Cultural Village.
The paperwork was formalised before the earth moving work started one and half months ago, he said.
The land area is 29 acres and overlooks the Nadi River.
The set-up boasts a huge bure kalou, seven small bures which will house weaving, pottery, and carving station.
In the middles lies a theatre kind of seating for guest to witness the entertainment such as meke.
There is also provision to have a hanging garden as plants have been replanted. There is also a restaurant built on the premises which will cater a buffet lunch for guests once opened on Fiji Day.
A maze has also been made up of herbaceous plants mainly for children. It is one metre high and not forgetting a local fruit garden boasting the varieties found locally.
 
Investment
The property is owned by the Cultural Village Fiji PTE Ltd, trading as Fiji Cultural Village with an investment around $1 million.
Mr Pan is originally from China and came to Fiji before 2000.
“In Fiji a lot of people are friendly. Something happens and in short time everything’s gets normal. That is something about Fijians. I am happy with the Fijian Government keeping a stable economy which is very good,” Mr Pan said.
Mr Pan also runs the Blue Ocean Top Travelling Services Ltd.
 
Staffing
The Cultural Village currently it employs 22 Fijians which includes carpenters, landscape, farmers, and artists. This will increase when the village opens.
 
(Source: FijiSun ONLINE 30 September 2017)