Tovata is one of three confederacies comprising the Fijian House of Chiefs , to which all of Fiji's chiefs belong.
6-799: It is located in the north east of the country, covering the provinces of Bua , Macuata and Cakaudrove on the northern island Vanua Levu , as well as the Lau Islands . The Tovata Confederacy, (like the Kubuna and Burebasaga confederacies) is a recent invention. It was conceived in 14 February 1867 by the Tui Lau, Ma’afu , as cited in the Na Mata as follows: " A tauyavutaka na turaga ni Toga o Ma'afu ena nona via vakacokovatataka na vanua era vakarorogo vua, ena veirogorogoci kei ira na turaga ni vanua o Bua, Macuata, Cakaudrove kei Lau." The key word here
12-512: Is "veirogorogoci" which denotes "listening to each other". In other words, this confederacy's membership are equal in rank which is why during traditional oratures and discourses, it is referred to as "Buinimasi e Va” or “Matanitu Veiwekani Qaqa na Tovata”. Seen another way, this is Fiji's equivalent of a United Nations of sorts, where each chief is of equal ranking with other chiefs in the Tovata jurisdiction. Kubuna and Burebasaga confederacies, on
18-473: Is one of three northern provinces, and has a land area of 1,379 square kilometers within the three main districts of Bua, Vuya and Wainunu. Its population at the 2017 census was 15,466, making it the fifth least-populous Province. Bua is governed by a Provincial Council , chaired by Ratu Filimone Ralogaivau . Bua also is one of the port of entries into Vanua Levu. This port is located in Nabouwalu that
24-541: The Yatu Lau and Mere Samisoni , founder of the bakery chain Hot Bread Kitchen and a former Member of Parliament . 16°46′34″S 178°36′04″E / 16.77611°S 178.60111°E / -16.77611; 178.60111 Bua Province Bua ( Fijian pronunciation: [ᵐbu.a] ) is one of fourteen provinces of Fiji . Located in the west of the northern island of Vanua Levu , it
30-727: The eldest chief (based on age) will traditionally drink the first cup of kava. Although the smallest of the three confederacies, Tovata has been the most politically influential. Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna , considered the father of modern Fiji, was from Tovata, as were Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara , Fiji's longtime first prime minister and second president; Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, the first president of Fiji. In addition, Sitiveni Rabuka , incumbent prime minister, former Attorney General, Qoriniasi Bale and Laisenia Qarase . Other notable leaders are Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu and Ratu Epeli Ganilau , both of whom have been politically active. Business persons also from Tovata include Roko Matai of
36-686: The other hand have layers upon layers of chief, vassal warlord, chieftain and ranks within ranks, underscoring its long alliances and relationships in-built into it. Tovata is not like that. It is more even and democratic in structure. It was conceived by Ma’afu and headed by the British consul in Levuka as its prime minister. There is no paramount chief in the Tovata Confederacy. However, during traditional functions where all four chiefs (Tui Bua, Tui Cakau, Tui Lau, and Tui Macuata) are present,
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