Floating BookShop Heads for Fiji

Floating bookshop heads for Fiji - Fiji Times Online:
"THE world's oldest ocean faring passenger ship and the world's largest floating book shop, MV Doulos will grace Fiji's shores next month.

The 94-year-old cruise vessel is expected to dock at the Queen's Wharf in Lautoka on May 2 before moving to Suva during its one month visit.

During its visit to both ports, the vessel which is owned by German-based charitable organisation, Good Books for All, would be open to members of the public to view and purchase books it carries all over the globe.

The vessel which was built in 1914, two years after the Titanic, has over its existence changed from being a cargo vessel to a cruise vessel, an immigrant ship and now a floating book shop.

Project coordinator, Stephane Kapitaniuk said since Good Books for All purchased the vessel 30 years ago, it has visited more than 600 ports and has been visited by more than 20 million people.

Mr Kapitaniuk said apart from selling one of the widest varieties of books, the 350 crew members usually carried out community-based projects and relief work in the countries.

Mr Kapitaniuk said while their visit in Fiji would not feature community and relief work, there were other programs and activities such as sports being organised.

He said the crew was made up of volunteers who were determined to travel around the globe with the main goal of "Bringing Knowledge, Help and Hope" to countries they visit.

He said they hoped that during their visit to both ports, many people would visit the ship, meet the crew and buy some of the books they have on offer at very affordable prices.

Mr Kapitaniuk said during their stay at the ports, the ship would open up international cafes where members of the public could visit the ship and meet the crew members who comprise of 52 nationalities.

Mr Kapitaniuk said upon arrival at the Queens Wharf, the MV Doulos would host a welcome ceremony that is expected to be attended by a number of guests such as Lautoka Mayor Rohit Kumar.

MV Doulos was expected to spend 12 days in Lautoka before heading off to Suva where it would spend the remainder of its journey being open to the public from May 23 to June 3.

"

Fiji Water Calculates Its Carbon Footprint

Fiji Water Calculates Its Carbon Footprint:

In another step to offset negative environmental press aimed at bottled water industry, Fiji Water is disclosing the carbon footprint of its products.

Fiji is the first privately-owned U.S. company to join the Carbon Disclosure Project Supply chain Leadership Collaboration, and it is challenging other companies in the industry to calculate their own carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Fiji determined that for the base year ending June 30, 2007 it's total carbon footprint from production and distribution was 5,396 metric tons of CO2 equivalent.

To measure its carbon footprint, Fiji says it calculated its carbon emissions across every stage in the product lifecycle: producing raw materials for packaging, transporting raw materials and equipment to the plant, manufacturing and filling bottles, shipping the product from Fiji to markets worldwide, distributing the product, refrigerating the product in stores, restaurants, and other outlets, and disposing/recycling of the packaging waste.

Fiji has launched a website containing emissions data for each of the company's projects.

Last November, the company said it intends to go carbon negative by offsetting its carbon footprint by 120%.

Ambrose Cup Golf Tournament, Pacific Harbour

The first Pearl Corporate Golf Day was held at the Pearl Championship Golf and Country Club in early March, 2008.It was Ambrose Competition, The turn out was good, The day perfect, The course in great shape. Fun and laughs to be had.Ambrose: A system of team play whereby each player takes a tee shot, after which the most favourable ball position is chosen. All the team's players then take a shot from this new position, and so on. (Also known as a Texas Scramble)Each team had four players with one of the rules being that each player had to have at least two of their drives used. The teams' handicap was all four team members individual handicaps added and divided by 8.

Prizes won were for longest drive, nearest to the pin, best dressed, and first, second and third place.Vinaka Vaka Levu to Gavin Beck for organising a great day out on this beautiful golf course and to the major sponsor, Fiji Water.

Air Pacific's $1.6bn deal

It's going to be getting a LOT easier to get to and from Fiji very soon. We are looking forward to these fabulous new aircraft running!

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Air Pacific's $1.6bn deal

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Air Pacific will purchase five Boeing 787-9 aircraft from a Boeing company in Seattle to boost its fleet

Air Pacific will spend $1.6billion on five Boeing 787-9 from a Boeing aircraft company in Seattle in the United States of America, says chief executive officer John Campbell.

In looking at increasing its fleet, Mr Campbell said the airline would be receiving two aircraft in 2011 and another three in 2012.

Mr Campbell said the order for the aircraft was placed in 2004 but the delivery would be in four years.

"It will mean that all of our wide-bodied aircraft fleet are common so we will utilise one type of spares, a common group of pilots and cabin crew which will provide considerable operational efficiency," Mr Campbell said.

He said the aircraft would be extremely capable and could economically cover flights from as short as two hours to as long as 17 hours.

"This is ideal for our entire current and potential network covering points as close as New Zealand and as far away as South America, China and India non-stop," Mr Campbell said.

He said the aircraft was capable of carrying 20 tonnes of cargo and 320 passengers fully loaded and could cover all international points on their existing network and additional points which were under review.

"The B787-9 is extremely fuel efficient, burning less fuel than the 250 seat B767 and saving around 20 per cent in fuel burn per passenger versus the B747," he said.

He said the airline would almost double its capacity over the next five year with the B787s.

"While the wide bodied aircraft seat capacity will increase by around 36 per cent, operational efficiency of the aircraft will virtually double our seat capacity ensuring ample seat availability for tourism and Fiji residents travel needs," Mr Campbell said.

With delivery of the B787 aircraft, he said they would operate five B787, three B737 and share two ATR42-500 aircraft with Pacific Sun.

"It is probable we will also take another B737 between 2009 and 2011 to accommodate forecast tourism growth to Fiji," he said.

He said the aircraft would be leased on a short term basis.

"At the moment we operate three B737 aircraft, one B767-300 and two B747-400 aircraft and share use of two ATR42-500 aircraft with Pacific Sun."

Aussie takes top honours - Fiji Times Online

Aussie takes top honours - Fiji Times Online:

"Aussie takes top honours Saturday, October 20, 2007

Mick Butler and Susan Etherington of Australia took out the Hobie 16 Open World Championships at the Suva Point in Laucala Bay yesterday.
Fijis pair of Grahame Southwick and Keveni Natadra went into the final day at 18th place and finished at 23rd at the end of the 18-day event.
Fijis other sailors Shayne and Torika Brodie finished in 44th place.
Christophe Renaud and Alban Rossollin of New Caledonia finished second followed by Cam Owen and Susan Ferris. Butler said they had enjoyed the event and hoped to return to Fiji for the South Pacific competition. 'Its really been a hectic competition out there and I'm happy we've come out on top,' Butler said. More than 1500 competitors from 28 countries competed at the event. Read more of the 18th Hobie 16 World Championships in you Sunday Focus tomorrow.
The rules, the winners and the outcome of another sporting event thats done Fiji proud as host to a world championships which has boosted our economy via the tourist dollar.."

Fiji pair keeps chances alive - Fiji Times Online

Fiji pair keeps chances alive - Fiji Times Online:

"Fiji pair keeps chances alive Friday, October 19, 2007

BUSINESSMAN Grahame Southwick and schoolboy Keveni Natadra remain Fijis top bet for a good finish at the 18th Hobie 16 World Championships at Suva Point in Laucala Bay. Heading into the last round of competitions today, the pair on sail number 18, managed to finish 10th in the first of two races yesterday. A 30th place finishing in the second race gave them an overall standing at 18th with a net point of 88. Southwick said they were happy with their performance despite the heavy winds. 'We managed to hold on to our position. Im happy we have remained in the top 20 and the challenge for us is to maintain our placing,' Southwick said. 'Kaveni is doing well and sometimes hes doing better than me.' Fijis other sailing team of husband and wife Shayne and Torika Brodie finished the day placed at 35th spot. They finished 38th and 37th in the two races yesterday. Southwick said the heavy winds had made the racing course difficult and there were a lot of low scores from some competitors"

Southwick, Nadadra in good position - Fiji Times Online

Southwick, Nadadra in good position - Fiji Times Online:

Southwick, Nadadra in good position
INDRA SINGH

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Participants at the18th Hobie 16 World Championships at Laucala Bay in Suva SKIPPER Grahame Southwick and crew Kaveni Nadadra are in strong position to make the final in the open category at the 18th Hobie 16 World Championships at Laucala Bay. The duo were easily the best placed Fiji teams after the completion of the five races yesterday and were in ninth place.
Other teams consisting of Marshall Nusbaum and Masha Proskouryakova along with Bruce Clay and crew Lee-Anne Lee and John Philp and Truman Bradley and Shayne Brodie and wife Torika Brodie had a mixed day.
Clay and Lee are placed 35th while Nusbaum and Proskouryakova are 55th.
Philip and Bradley are 58th and the Brodies are a place further back.
In race two of the semi-finals, Southwick and Nadradra finished 20th. But the duo bounced back and claimed second place in race three.
Clay and crew Lee were 34th in race two before improving their positions to 14th in race three.
Philp and Bradley managed a 33rd place while Shayne and Torika crossed the line before the start signal 57 points Nusbaum and Proskouryakova got a 28th place in race "

Hobie 16 World Championship

18th Hobie World Championships,
Suva Fiji Islands October 8th - 19th, 2007.

The Venue: Laucala Bay, Suva Suva, the capital of Fiji, is located on a peninsula so we're almost completely surrounded by water. The north-western bay provides a well sheltered deep water harbour but Laucala (pronounced Lauthala) Bay to the south-east while protected by a barrier reef is open to the trade winds that blow almost year round.

Slow start to Hobie 16 - Fiji Times Online

Slow start to Hobie 16 - Fiji Times Online:

THE second day of the World Hobie 16 Championship got off on a slow start as competitors waited patiently for winds to pick up in Suva Harbour. That led the race proper to start after lunch yesterday. Team Fiji captain Graham Southwick and his crew, Susan Stockdale, had a good race, moving from 14th position in the Grand Masters category to a comfortable eighth spot after two races. With good winds, Southwick is expected to book a place in the elimination round."

Fiji Times Online

Sevu Sevu - Blessing the Waterfront Properties

A sevusevu is an offering of the kava root, and is involved in all Fijian ceremonies. A bundle of kava root is offered as a gift, a gesture of respect and good will towards the community.

As a gesture of respect towards the people of Fiji and their beliefs, we organised for a sevusevu to be performed on all of our waterfront properties in Pacific Harbour.

The chiefs and priest of the villages on whose land the properties are located blessed us with their presence and performed a ceremony on the beachfront and waterfronts lots and the waterfront villas.

We in turn presented the chief, priest and chosen villagers with a tabua and kava root.

The priest offered his blessing as did the chief as the kava was shared amongst those present.
Our properties are now blessed by the ancient gods.
Vinaka Vaka Levu.

Win a FREE Fiji Holiday and Adventure Day!

The Uprising Beach Resort is offering you the chance for a free 

Fiji holiday at their sensational new resort on the pristine beach of Pacific Harbour, with a FREE trip with Rivers Fiji and High Adventure Canopy Walks, Fiji's first and only zip line canopy walk! The competition starts on the 1st of September and ends on the 31st of October. All you have to do is book in with the Uprising Beach Resort, and you could win a free holiday and adventure!

What are you waiting for? Enter now!

Freehold Property in Uduya Point, Suva

This gorgeous freehold property in Uduya Point just out of Lami in the capital Suva, Fiji is sitting on 2,526 m2, just under 3/4 of an acre.

Situated on the water with an 84 Lm sea wall inclusive of boat ramp.The road frontage 72 Lm and electric gates are at the entrance of the property.

The garage has electric double roller doors. This property is fully fenced with landscaped gardens.

Level ONE

Situated on the ground floor are the Dining and Family rooms and a large step down lounge area with a terrace. The separate bar on this level has mahogany floors and its own seating area. This house is perfect for entertaining family and friends. There is a large double bedroom and bathroom on this level both with views of the ocean.

The kitchen is all stainless steel with appliances, a double fridge with ice-maker, hood, wall oven and gas stove, stainless cupboard and bench tops. Just off the kitchen there is a separate toilet and a large storage area.

Two internal gardens are featured on this level with two internal stair cases leading up to Level Two. One stair case leads from the back of kitchen up to the study at the back of the master bedroom and the second stair case leads to the three bedrooms and lounge on the other side of the bridge.

Level TWO

The open lounge room on this level over looks the down stairs lounge and leads into all upstairs bedrooms, with one stair case leading downstairs to Level One. Three large double bedrooms share the bathroom with shower and spa bath.

Across the bridge that looks over the gardens and downstairs lounge there is a large master bedroom (33 sq meters) with a walk in wardrobe and ensuite (18 sq meters) with double spa bath and shower. A study is also situated off this master bedroom with the stair case leading downstairs.

The house is fully alarmed and air-conditioned.

Italian tiles and laminated tinted glass windows are throughout the house with harbour, city and bay of islands views.

Every room in this amazing house has water views, even the bathrooms!

Total enclosed Area 513.33 m2 or 5,523.43 sq ft.

Terraces area 1,213 sq ft.

FJD $1,450,000.00

Fiji holiday homes are still hot properties - 21 Feb 2007 - Property investment news - NZ Herald

Fiji holiday homes are still hot properties - 21 Feb 2007 - Property investment news - NZ Herald

Fiji holiday homes are still hot properties

By Anne Gibson

Sales of the properties at the Fiji Beach Resort and Spa have been strong despite the coup.

Auckland developer Neville Mahon, who is involved in real estate projects worth $600 million in Fiji, says the military coup slowed his sales inquiries but business had now recovered.

Mahon, head of Greenlane-based Lausanne Project Management, said sales ground to a halt in December and January but were now strong again.

"It surprised me that it's actually bounced back a lot faster than I imagined," Mahon said.

"The coup did have an effect in December and January when inquiries went completely dead."

Fiji's Land Transfer Office stopped transferring titles but Mahon said people's fears about the coup had been the real reason for the downturn.

Mahon is one of New Zealand's most ambitious developers. He is developing the Fiji Resort & Spa managed by Hilton on Denarau Island, a project he said would be worth $300 million when finished.

Stage one of the resort with 240 rooms and 150 villas is finished. Stage two will bring an extra 91 villas and 146 rooms. A third stage is also planned for the site, which is leased for 90 years.

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Buyers came mainly from Auckland and Christchurch, Mahon said, but Australians have also bought. Properties at the resort are selling for $460,000 to $4 million. As well as his Auckland office, Mahon has a sales office at Denarau and a new office opening in Nadi.

He has a second large development on Nananu Island, which he owns. Mahon said that would also be worth around $300 million when finished. He is developing 23 villas and investors have bought shared ownership from $240,000 each.

Nananu is 35 minutes by air from Denarau Island and, unlike the Hilton resort, land there is freehold.

The island is 10 minutes by boat from Raki Raki on the mainland of Viti Levu.

Mahon took issue with a report late last year which said international hotel operator General Hotel Management had pulled out of operating the Nananu development - which was to be called called The Chedi Resort - because of political issues.

"We decided to end the relationship and we're talking to two - possibly three - hoteliers and we'll soon sign another international hotel management company with closer links to the region," Mahon said.

Developing in Fiji was difficult as buying land and getting approvals for development and construction work was not easy, he said. Nananu Island's sections, which range from 2300sq m to 13,400sq m are selling for an average $700,000 to $800,000. Smaller sections are going for $400,000 but Mahon is asking more than $1 million for larger pieces of land.

He bought the island about four years ago from an heir to the Procter & Gamble fortune.

Mahon has funding from Strategic Finance for his Denarau project.

Kerry Finnigan, Strategic's chief executive, said the December coup was of concern, particularly when the Land Transfer Office put a freeze on issuing titles. But overall the political move had little effect on Mahon's project.

Fiji holiday homes are still hot properties - 21 Feb 2007 - Property investment news - NZ Herald

Airlines Body Sees End Of Paper Tickets In 2008

From: Reuters
Published August 30, 2007

GENEVA - The global airlines body IATA said on Monday it had placed its last order for paper tickets, clearing the way for air travel to be based entirely on electronic ticketing from June 1 next year.

"In just 278 more days, the paper ticket will become a collector's item," said Giovanni Bisignani, director general of the International Air Transport Association.

The changeover from paper would not only cut airlines' costs by $9 for every traveller but would also mean the industry - criticised by environmentalists for its part in global warming - would save 50,000 mature trees a year, he added.

Bisignani did not say whether the $9 in cost savings would or should be passed on to passengers.

Based in Geneva, IATA represents more than 240 airlines which operate 94 percent of scheduled international flights.

Non-IATA airlines, mainly low-cost carriers like the Irish Ryanair and the British Easyjet, already have a paper-free ticket system where travellers are registered in computers and present only an identity document at check-in.

IATA launched its drive for so called "e-ticketing" just over three years ago and now 84 percent of travellers on IATA carriers fly without paper tickets.

The airlines body says China, one of the fastest-growing markets for air travel and host to next year's Olympic Games, is heading to be the first country in the world to operate an entirely paper-free ticketing system by the end of this year.

Moke vehicles enter Fiji market - Fiji Times Online

Moke vehicles enter Fiji market - Fiji Times Online

Fantastic cars for Pacific Harbour!

Moke vehicles enter Fiji market

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Mini Moke Fiji Limited will be Fiji's first automobile manufacturing company. Based in Lami, production will commence in October.

The company will be manufacturing comfortable, fuel-efficient and affordable convertibles that will perfectly suit Fiji's tropical climate both for the domestic market and for export to the south Pacific region.

Mini Moke Fiji Ltd has recently acquired the rights to manufacture and distribute the Moke vehicle. Paul Negro, managing director of Mini Moke Fiji, Ltd, revealed that the primary components of the vehicles are being produced in China, while the final assembly will be done in Fiji. Local labour will be engaged once the company commences operation.

Mr Negro said he was aware of the current situation in the country but he had "the utmost confidence" that Fiji's business climate will continue to prosper.

"I've been doing business in Fiji since 1999 and I've seen it grow steadily. I am confident in the country's future." he said.

Mr Negro has been involved in the automotive industry for quite some time and has built research and development facilities for companies such as Ferrari, NGK Sparkplugs, and Nissan Motors from Japan. The new vehicles are a reproduction of the original Moke automobile, which was built by British Leyland in the UK in the 1960s and continued production for some 20-odd years.

"We felt that the time had come to introduce to Fiji a fuel-efficient, lightweight, and eco-friendly vehicle which was suited in every way to the tropical environment." said Mr Negro.

"We have incorporated modern details such as fully galvanized bodies, disc brakes, electronic ignition and sealed waterproof electrical systems."

Moke vehicles enter Fiji market - Fiji Times Online

Yaqara has new backers - Fiji Times Online

Yaqara has new backers - Fiji Times Online

Yaqara has new backers

Thursday, August 30, 2007

YAQARA Group Ltd, the developers of the much-anticipated Yaqara Studio City, has entered into a contractual arrangement with an Australian development company, Resorts & Property International Ltd.

The partnership will give RPI a 25 per cent stake in YGL and could result in a capital injection of more than $100million once infrastructure works get under way.

YGL managing director, Lyndon Driscoll said apart from securing an interest in the company, the contractual arrangement also gave RPI sub-leases for the development of two, 200-room waterfront hotels at the Studio City site.

Yaqara has new backers - Fiji Times Online

Waterfront Properties Fiji Islands

You are not buying a house…
You are buying a lifestyle!

Pacific Harbour is situated along a beautiful stretch of coast line, with the lush rainforests, pristine beaches looking across to Beqa Island, home to the world famous Beqa Lagoon, you could not hope for a more beautiful place.

These brand new villas and properties are found in the peaceful and growing town of Pacific Harbour which is situated on the southern coastline of Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji.

Nadi International Airport is only a 2 hours drive west and Suva, the capital of Fiji, is only 45 minutes east with an extra 15 minute drive to Nausori International Airport.

See our website for full listings at Fiji Real Estate.

Star Hideaway Fiji

Star hideaway
August 24, 2007

Angela Cuming looks at the roll-call of the famous descending on Fiji every year.

It must be something to do with the palm trees because the Hollywood rich and famous are flocking to Fiji in well-heeled droves. In fact, the getaway has more celebrity pulling power these days than the gift suite at the Oscars.

It is exotic, picture-perfect and home to some of the most exclusive, not to mention expensive, resorts in the world.

There are 333 islands that comprise the tropical paradise of Fiji, so exclusivity is guaranteed.
Actor Mel Gibson loves the place so much he sprung for his very own island, "Mago", in 2004. The private retreat set him back $17.2 million, small change when it guarantees you paparazzi-free sunbaking.

Gibson's new friend Britney Spears is a fan of Fiji too. In October 2004 she honeymooned at Turtle Island resort with Kevin Federline. It's where both the Blue Lagoon films were shot, and accommodates only 14 couples, convenient when the resort has 14 private beaches which can be reserved.

You can get a lobster dropped off to you on the beach, so it's no wonder the then-happy couple forked out more than $US2000 ($2120) a day on food and accommodation.

In keeping with tradition, the couple inscribed paving stones with their initials to commemorate their union and Britney indulged in traditional Lomi Lomi foot massages.

Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey also spent their honeymoon at Turtle Island resort.
When Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott tied the knot, they chose a private island in Fiji, barefoot and on the beach.

Julia Roberts has also been spotted in Fiji, and so has Bill Gates.

But the real red carpet resort of Fiji has to be the Wakaya Club & Spa, which has had more celeb visits than you can poke a palm frond at. Guests are housed in nine beachfront bures (Fijian cottages), with lava rock showers, bamboo beds, and a staff of 12 per couple.

For those willing to shell out $US7600 a night there's Vale O - the Wakaya's 1115-square-metre villa, or "royal suite", which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as a cliffside pool complete with spa and remote controlled waterfall.

A personal chef and chauffeur are thrown into the deal for good measure.

It's the spot where one day the music almost died when Rolling Stone Keith Richards fell out of a coconut tree and had to be fl own to a New Zealand hospital suffering concussion.

Full coverage on this article - Star Hideaway Fiji

RESORTS FAVOURED BY CELEBRITIES

Turtle Island
It's Fiji's very own love island and has been described as "hyperromantic". It's the spot for celeb honeymoons, where loved-up couples can make eyes at each other by candlelight on a private beach.

Wakaya Club & Spa
This tiny dot in the Lomaiviti group, in the Koro Sea, gets the Oscar for Best Celebrity Spotting Island. Everyone's been there: Nicole, Tom, Russell,
Renee. It's expensive, but private.

Vatulele Island Resort
Off the south coast of Viti Levu, this resort is so tuned into guest's whims there is a service for surprising your partner with a romantic dinner at a special location. The grand honeymoon bure comes with a personal butler, so married life can start on an easy note.

LikuLiku Lagoon
This couples-only resort is tight-lipped about celebs who have visited, but did confirm loads of "rich Americans" were always on the guest list. It has a restaurant menu that changes daily and the country's only overwater bures .

This feature is part of a special promotion from the Sun-Herald and Fiji Islands Visitor Bureau. Source: The Sun-Herald

Jet Skis

If you are one of those adventurous types looking for something to play on for half an hour, or even to explore around the waters of Beqa Lagooon or the Qara Ni Qio River, hire a jet ski! There are two operations now running in Pacific Harbour. You will always find a jet ski or two parked outside Uprising Beach Resort ready for your enjoyment, on the jet ski or behind it on a wake board or skis!

There are tours that run around four hours with Jet Ski Safari; they take you out to cruise around Beqa Island and you can cruise along and see the breath taking sites of South coast of the Beqa Island, full of rocky outcrops and tropical jungle. Then you have the opportunity to have a swim and they will show you some of the most the sensational snorkelling spots.
After you have been amazed by the natural beauty of Beqa Lagoon, you will land on a small deserted island to have lunch. Then head back to Pacific Harbour! Click here for more information on Jet Ski Safari

International Game Fishing Club- Programme

International Game Fishing Club- Programme

The International Game Fishing Invitational Tournament 2007
in association with Air Pacific, Carlton Brewery (Fiji) Ltd, Riviera Fiji, The Pearl and Fiji Gas

Programme

Wednesday 15^th August 2007 Team Briefing ,Calcutta & Buffet Manatary Restaurant

Fishing Tournament over 3 days

Thursday 16^th August 2007

Friday 17^th August 2007

Saturday 18^th August 2007.

Sunday 19^th August 2007 Prizing Giving Luncheon Mantaray Restaurant

International Game Fishing Club- Programme