The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) , Chief of Defence Force (CDF), Air Marshal Tony Davies, and Secretary of Defence, Honourable Brook Barrington paid a visit to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
Their program began with a courtesy call to the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, at Berkeley Crescent in Suva. Air Marshal Davies received a fifty-man Guard of Honour upon arrival before proceeding into formal discussions with the CRFMF.
In the afternoon, Air Marshal Davies and his delegation toured the Force Training School in Nasinuβ€”site of the upcoming ground-breaking ceremony for the new Veiliutaki Framework complex. During the visit, Air Marshal Davies noted that the project represents a major milestone for Fiji and the Veiliutaki Framework team.
β€œToday marks a significant milestone not just for Fiji but for the Veiliutaki Framework. Turning the soil is more than the start of a building; it is a continuation of our collective commitment to the vision we share,” he said.
He stressed that the project reinforces an enduring commitment to establishing a world-class leadership development centreβ€”one designed to strengthen leadership resilience and deepen regional cooperation. The centre will serve as a hub for shaping future Fijian leaders with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities across Fiji, the region, and the wider South Pacific.
β€œOur vision is to build an effective leadership development centre that strengthens resilience and cooperation across our region. This will become a place for developing future Fijian leaders who understand the unique challenges and rich opportunities of the South Pacific,” Air Marshal Davies added.
He concluded by reaffirming a shared regional commitment to security, peace, and prosperity, highlighting that people remain the Pacific’s most important strategic asset.
β€œIt reflects our shared commitment to security, to the ocean of peace, and to prosperity for all Pacific nations. Together we are investing in peopleβ€”the most critical asset of our collective future. Vinaka vakalevu for your dedication, and I look forward to seeing this centre become the vuvale of leadership development for generations to come.”
The visit concluded at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, where Air Marshal Davies made an office call to the Chief of Staff Land Forces, Colonel Penioni Naliva, followed by a traditional welcoming ceremony and the Beating of the Retreat.