iTaukei construction company in Sydney
AN iTaukei man has started a construction company called Corika.
Operating primarily in Sydney, in Australia, Ratu Sairusi Nabogibogi said his company specialised in construction, fencing and landscaping, providing employment opportunities mainly for hardworking Fijian individuals.
“Corika is the name of my tokatoka in Ra,” Mr Nabogibogi said.
In addition to his construction business, he said they had ventured into the kava trade with Corika Kava.
“I import kava from Wainunu in Bua to Australia,” he said.
“Corika Kava started as I wanted to build a business that supported Fiji.
“There is a demand for kava here in Australia as our Pacific Island communities enjoy it, and I wanted to give my family on my grandmother’s side in Wainunu another income stream.”
What sets his business apart is his commitment to giving back.
“It’s in its early days but I have long term plans to donate part of each bag of kava we sell towards buying computers and supplies for remote schools in the islands,” he said.
His entrepreneurial journey began amidst the coronavirus lockdown in Sydney.
“We have been fortunate to be kept busy with work ever since,” Mr Nabogibogi said.
“I started on my own, but I now employ five staff.
“There is so much building work in Sydney, but I actually started off doing small fencing jobs and landscaping. Then I started working on installing cabins which have become more popular as home offices, pool rooms and extra bedrooms since coronavirus.”
Despite facing challenges like working in adverse weather conditions and long hours, he said there was mutual trust among his team, with plenty of singing and laughter on the job site.
“Sometimes we work in the rain or the heat, long days and working away are all challenges, but to be honest we have a good team,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Nabogibogi hopes to further grow his businesses, expanding his team and making a positive impact on both his local community in Australia and his family in Fiji.