Halaiwalu Investment Cooperative Ltd has been recognised as a successful example of how cooperatives are helping create economic opportunities and sustainable growth for communities in Fiji.

The cooperative, which serves as the commercial arm of the family unit of the Roko Tui Namata, Ratu Paula Halaiwalu of Namata Village in Tailevu, has expanded its operations with assistance from the iTaukei Land Trust Board’s (TLTB) Taukei Development Fund Facility (TDFF).

In July 2024, the cooperative secured an $80,000 TDFF loan to support residential and agricultural development. Half of the funding was used as a contribution towards purchasing a $120,000 excavator through the Ministry of Agriculture’s assistance programme, while the remaining $40,000 provided working capital.

The loan was fully repaid ahead of schedule on 3 November 2025, making the cooperative eligible for a second TDFF loan worth $97,000. The new funding will support the development of a 32-acre commercial farming venture, including the purchase of a tractor and a twin-cab vehicle. The cooperative is also contributing an additional $15,000 from its lease income.

TLTB Chief Executive Officer Solomone Nata said the achievement demonstrates the Board’s commitment to helping iTaukei landowners build sustainable businesses that generate long-term wealth.

Ratu Paula Halaiwalu acknowledged TLTB’s continued support, saying the funding has enabled the cooperative to grow its business, create new opportunities for members and contribute to the economic development of its landowning unit.

The success of Halaiwalu Investment Cooperative Ltd reflects the growing role of cooperatives in driving income generation, asset development and sustainable economic progress, supported by government initiatives, policy reforms and strategic partnerships.