1st Female Uto ni Yalo Crew member, an Oceans Defender
‘Iva Nancy Vunikura has sailed more than 70,000 nautical miles as an oceans defender’
Iva Nancy Vunikura, one of the first female crew member on the Uto ni Yalo, (Heart of the Spirit). It is a traditional vessel that sails around the world on a mission to revitalize the ancient traditions of sailing canoes to decarbonize the economy and boost rural economies, in the aim for a sustainable environment.
Ms Vunikura represented Fiji as a national rugby player for both the 7s and 15s squad. She won gold in powerlifting at the 2007 South Pacific mini Games in Samoa
She joined Uto ni Yalo in 2010 before joining the Okeanos Foundation for the Sea as a vaka (traditional double-hulled canoe) voyager.
Ms Vunikura has sailed more than 70,000 nautical miles as an oceans defender, advocating for traditional Pacific knowledge and solutions to create a sustainable future.
She hails from Vione in Gau with maternal links to Savusavu.
How many places have you visited around Fiji?
I have travelled extensively across the mainland, Vanua Levu and the Lau group.
What is the one place in Fiji you would take visitors to, and why?
Gau. It’s a destination to enjoy fresh seafood, such as lumi, and white sandy beaches.
What is your favourite place for coffee/pie, and why?
Coffee and pastries that are sold by women at our local markets.
What is your favourite backyard sport?
Rugby. When I am not travelling, I am playing rugby and helping train women rugby clubs.
What is one place in Fiji that remains on your bucket list, and why?
Bouma waterfall, Taveuni. I would like to experience the impressive cascades at the national heritage park.