Former World Cup winning All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry and business partner Siliva Payn met with Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand Ratu Inoke Kubuabola to discuss their interest in a Public-Private Partnership affordable housing project.

In a Facebook post, the Fiji Government says it has earmarked sites in Davuilevu, Nepani, Wainibuku and Raiwaqa, and also in Tavakubu, Lautoka and Tavua to develop the first pilot project which is expected to supply around 3,000 housing units that will be climate resilient, green and Category 5 cyclone compliant.

Sir Graham and fellow former All Blacks coaching legend Wayne Smith have been business partners with Mr Payn who runs Anga’ofa Timber (NZ) Ltd. They have invested in similar affordable housing projects in Tonga.

Mr Kubuabola outlined some of the opportunities available for investors in ambitious affordable housing projects.

The Fiji Government plans to select a private developer for the project, and is looking to commence construction by mid-2024.

Sir Graham recounted his long association with Fiji beginning with his days as a school teacher at Auckland Grammar School and their five-match tour of Fiji in the 70s.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad was in Auckland recently at the invitation of the New Zealand-Fiji Business Council to promote the affordable housing project to over 100 potential investors and contractors.