Up in the highlands
Leveni guides visitors at Waivaka
PETERO Leveni’s warm smile and infectious laugh is what compels guests visiting Waivaka Village in the interior of Namosi to instantly feel at home.
The 60-year-old is the guest liaison officer for Domoika Hike and Rock-Climbing Adventures, an indigenous Fijian social enterprise — owned and operated by the people of Waivaka.
Founded in June 2022 by Matelita Katamotu, Domoika Hike and Rock-Climbing Adventures is in the scenic highlands of Viti Levu, approximately 1.5 hours from Suva.
Guests are treated to rock climbing, lengthy jungle treks, swimming in waterfalls, ota picking, real traditional organic Fijian food, and unlimited kava.
Before guests embark on the meandering mountain trails through the dense jungle, Mr Leveni greets guests, answering questions related to the hike.
Originally born and brought up in Waivaka, he says he enjoys his job as he gets to mingle with people from different walks of life.
“I love my job because I get to show guests a little bit of my home,” said Mr Leveni.
“I was very happy to be given this position as guest liaison officer, especially to work and mingle with people visiting Fiji.
“Since a lot of business people visit Domoika, they want to experience the real i-Taukei life, so that is one of the benefits of my job.
“I get to share stories and promote the beauty of the local scenery in and around my village.”
When Mr Leveni is not busy greeting visitors, he tends to his kava, dalo, cassava and vegetable plantation.
He also wears many hats in the village, he is the Tikina Namosi representative, and the chairman of Namosi Secondary school.
Mr Leveni also highlighted the importance of sustainable development and demonstrating the link between the forest and community. “Domoika adventures is an eco-tourism, it sustains the rivers, the forests and sustains my identity.
“We have generated money from Domoika Adventures since we started two years ago and it’s good to see money going back into the village without destroying our natural environment.
“We all pitch in whatever way we can, that is the beauty of this business, it is by the villagers and for the villagers.”
He said working with people that travel into Fiji from around the world, has given him the opportunity to improve on his English speaking and reading skills.
“I try to improve my English because in this business, English is the main language.
“I like to read, I sometimes pick up a copy of newspapers.
“The more I improve on my English, the more I can interact with my guests and that is what makes my day.”
His advice to people is to live each day with a smile.
“Life is too short, enjoy each day while you can and work hard.”