FRCS proudly participated in the Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion for Rural and Urban Fijians (REACH) Program organized by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, held at the Marist Champagnat Institute in Vatuwaqa.

During the event, our team provided vital services including Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) registrations for both individuals and non-individuals, hands-on assistance with Taxpayer Online Services (TPOS), issuance of one-time login codes, JOINT ID Card, and responses to general tax and customs-related queries.

This outreach initiative served as a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, bridge knowledge gaps, and foster greater understanding of FRCS’s role in national development. By engaging directly with the community, FRCS continues to build trust and transparency, ensuring that Fijians are better informed about their tax obligations and the broader impact of revenue collection on the country’s progress.

Additionally, through its participation in the REACH Program, FRCS also ensures that all Fijians—regardless of location—have access to its vital services and information, reinforcing inclusion, and economic empowerment.

A three-day regional conference dedicated to strengthening the capabilities and consistency of the Detector Dog Units across the Pacific was officially opened at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi.

The Pacific Detector Dog Programme (PDDP), a collaborative initiative funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and managed by New Zealand Police with support from New Zealand Customs Service, aims to enhance the operational effectiveness of border enforcement agencies in Fiji and other Pacific Island nations.

The programme delivers comprehensive training for dog handlers, supplies highly trained detector dogs, and builds capacity in leadership, operational systems, legal enforcement, and prosecution related to the detection of illicit substances, particularly narcotics.

In his opening remarks, Chief Customs Officer, Mr. Marika Vuniyayawa emphasized the strategic importance of the Fiji Detector Dog Unit (FDDU) in safeguarding national borders and protecting communities.

“The Detector Dog Programme is not merely a tactical asset, but it is a strategic pillar of the FRCS enforcement framework, aligned with our vision of a safe, secure, and resilient Fiji,” Mr. Vuniyayawa stated.

He further highlighted that the integration of detector dog capabilities through the PDDP has significantly enhanced non-intrusive customs inspections, reducing the reliance on physical searches while improving detection accuracy and efficiency.

“This workshop is not only about refining technical skills, but also about deepening regional cooperation, strengthening intelligence-sharing networks, and fostering trust among enforcement professionals.”

The conference brings together regional experts, operational officers, trainers, and key stakeholders united by a shared commitment to combatting the trafficking of illicit drugs and enhancing border security across the Pacific.

Mr. Vuniyayawa expressed sincere gratitude to the Governments of New Zealand and Australia, as well as to New Zealand Customs, New Zealand Police, and the Australian Border Force, for their continued partnership and unwavering support in advancing border security efforts in Fiji and the wider Pacific region.

In a powerful display of partnership and progress, FRCS and Fulton College recently joined forces for a dynamic training forum designed to strengthen collaboration and deepen mutual understanding on tax-related processes and issues. Held in the vibrant setting of the Fulton College Media Room in Nadi, this face-to-face training aimed to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end understanding of key processes within the Taxpayer Online Services (TPOS) platform.

Led by FRCS Education Specialists Joshua Singh and Laisa Draunibaka, the sessions covered a wide range of essential topics, including Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), VAT on New Dwelling House (NDH), Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Tax Compliance, Tax Clearance and an overview of the TPOS dashboard.

The planning and execution of the training not only delivered valuable insights but also served as a meaningful learning journey for everyone involved. It was more than just a professional development opportunity—it was a chance to build lasting connections and foster a spirit of unity between FRCS and Fulton College.

Taxation is the backbone of national development. It funds the essential services that citizens rely on every day—healthcare, education, infrastructure, public safety, and social welfare. When citizens understand how the tax system works, they are more likely to engage with it positively and responsibly.

By promoting tax literacy, FRCS is not only improving compliance but also building a culture of trust and civic responsibility.

Encouraged by the success of this initial forum, FRCS and Fulton College are already planning future training initiatives which reflects a shared commitment to continuous learning, stronger partnerships, and a more informed and empowered public.

Together, FRCS and Fulton College are setting a new benchmark for collaborative education—one that not only enhances institutional capacity but also uplifts communities through knowledge.

FRCS proudly joined over 280 participants from government agencies, international organizations, and NGOs in a powerful show of unity and environmental responsibility during a sunrise clean-up event in Suva on Monday morning. The initiative marked both World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, reinforcing Fiji’s national commitment to ending plastic pollution in the marine environment.

Organized by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with more than 30 stakeholders, the event saw an impressive 1,500 kilograms of rubbish collected from Suva’s foreshore and surrounding areas. This collective effort not only beautified the coastline but also sent a strong message about the importance of protecting our oceans and natural ecosystems.

FRCS’s participation reflects its ongoing dedication to corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship. By actively engaging in initiatives that promote sustainability, we continue to lead by example—demonstrating that every organization has a role to play in building a cleaner, greener Fiji.

This event showcased the power of collaboration and community spirit in tackling environmental challenges. We remain committed to supporting national and global efforts that safeguard our environment for future generations.

At FRCS, we are committed to cultivating leadership that not only drives performance but also embodies our core values. Recently, our Executive Leaders and Managers came together for a powerful full-day leadership programme titled “Leading Our Vision and Values.”

This immersive and highly interactive session was designed to deepen leadership alignment with FRCS’s values and accelerate our cultural transformation journey. It brought together the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and senior leaders in a collaborative space focused on self-awareness, strategic alignment, and values-based leadership.

The programme was facilitated by Ms. Joan Mather, an experienced leadership and team coach and consultant. She is passionate about empowering leaders to reach their full potential—both individually and collectively. Joan’s approach focuses on creating a supportive space where leaders and teams can share experiences, challenge themselves, learn, grow, and lay the foundation for sustained success. In essence, she is dedicated to developing leaders to be their best—today and into the future.

Key Highlights of the Programme:

• Insights Discovery® Framework

Leaders explored their individual leadership styles, strengths, and challenges—gaining valuable insights into how these traits influence team dynamics and organizational outcomes.

• Culture and Values in Action

Participants examined the key drivers of workplace culture and reflected on how FRCS’s values are demonstrated—or missed—in everyday interactions.

• Role-Modelling Values

Practical strategies were shared on how leaders can consistently role-model FRCS values through their decisions, behaviours, and communication.

• Collaborative Action Planning

Through engaging breakout sessions, teams co-developed actionable plans to activate and embed values within their respective departments.

• Peer Coaching and Personal Visioning

Leaders supported one another through peer coaching, crafting personal leadership visions grounded in our shared values.

A Commitment to Culture

This workshop was more than a development session—it was a collective commitment. A commitment to lead with integrity, foster a culture of accountability and respect, and ensure that our values are not just aspirational statements, but guiding principles in every decision we make.

The energy, openness, and collaboration displayed by our leaders mark a significant step toward building a unified, values-driven culture at FRCS.

Looking Ahead

The insights and strategies gained from this programme will serve as a strong foundation for ongoing leadership development and cultural alignment. Together, we are shaping a future where every FRCS leader is empowered to lead with purpose, authenticity, and a deep connection to our organizational values.