Westpac Fiji showcases iTaukei culture
Westpac Fiji showcased Fiji’s iTaukei culture via video conferencing to their Westpac Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong Office colleagues. These colleagues were sitting in Westpac boardrooms in their respective countries this week. This spectacular event was the outcome of the partnership between Westpac and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs. Westpac Fiji, general manager Brett Hooker welcomed everyone in the traditional Bula spirit. He provided a bit on the background on Westpac’s history in Fiji and how Fiji is a multi-racial, multi-cultural nation with a very diverse yet cohesive workforce. This, Mr Hooker said is based on respect for each other’s customs and traditions. The staff of iTaukei Language and Culture Unit under the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs took the visitors through the iTaukei culture and performed the traditional yaqona ceremony to Mr Hooker and guests. The ceremonial process was explained on the video conference. After the yaqona ceremony, a few iTaukei songs were sung and the famous taralala dance was performed. The audience through video conferencing enjoyed and clapped their hands to the beat.
Traditional Fijian fish nets, traps, clothing and other heritage arts were showcased and the audience was explained on their make and usage. Also Fiji’s famous farewell song was sung in closing and there was a strong sense of pride in the rooms across the locations.