Tribewanted: Vorovoro

Why would I like to be Chief?

I feel the time is now right to step up and play a more active role within the tribe. Upon visiting Vorovoro the first time I knew that I would always want to play a larger part on the island. I’ve been lucky enough to get involved with projects such as mapping of the bay, gardening, the new showers, bamboo bashing and wall making, feeding the pigs and chickens, building the water catchment area next to the water tank, jam making, performing at the Festival of the friendly North and so much more… my island time has been completely fulfilling and I’ve loved every minute.

I’m on the island currently for my second visit and have been just as involved but I am up for the challenge now of being Chief. In addition to this I am simply not ready to leave the island, there is so much more I would like to achieve given the opportunity!

What, other than my skills, makes me the right person for the job?

I’ve previously visited the island for two months from July to Sept last year and have currently being on the island for the last 3 weeks with 7 chiefs including our current Maramma Irina, and our legendary first footer JayDub. So in addition to my previous experience on the project and existing relationships with the on-island Team and Team Fiji, I am surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and have been able to pick the brains of those who’ve gone before. Through living and working with the tribe daily, as well as spending my evenings chatting around the Tanoa I feel am ready to undertake the challenges of Chiefdom.

The rainy season provides a completely different set of challenges and way of life to that of the dry and being on the island currently I feel I understand just what is required for the role of February Chief to keep the tribe motivated and moving forward.

What would I achieve as chief?

The recent weather conditions and subsequent flooding have highlighted our need to be self sufficient and sustainable. I aim to focus on improving our productivity in the gardens, something I know is also a top priority for Ben and team Fiji. Of course self sufficiency and water go hand in hand so I will also be supporting the waterfall project in whatever way possible. Being able to grow more fruit and vegetables in our gardens is a cornerstone of the project and in order to do so we need fresh water. With JayDubs initial calculation of the possibility of 265000 ltrs in the holding basin upon the waterfall and some research into what plants thrive best on our island we can make a real difference. More home grown produce means less food miles, great for the planet and less money spent on a external supplies, great for the budget. I would also like to take the opportunity to investigate the use of the waterfall as an additional power source, taking us even further towards the sustainable island that we are all striving for.

Also we are currently without a Wavu on the island having bid farewell to Taniella. It has been great watching tribe members playing a more active role in preparation for his departure from helping in the kitchen to storm proofing our accommodation, bringing the boats up on shore in the adverse weather and taking the wind turbine down. Having been involved in all of the above I aim to ensure that this continues in order to support the on island team in whatever ways possible, until a new Wavu is in place.

We are also aiming to increase our on island sustainability forums and give them a monthly focus, which I fully support. It’s essential that all visiting tribe members, especially those just visiting for a week, are given a chance to get involved and learn about sustainable living – both on and off the island. I’ll encourage the tribe to get involved and help spread the message and carry some of the lessons learned back home with them.

As chief, I will be given a small pot of money with which to leave my legacy. How will I spend it?

The legacy budget is currently suspended. However should any additional money become available I would like to invest it in an emergency supplies store cupboard for the island,

In my time here since Dec we have had two supply runs that were almost canceled due to adverse weather conditions. I feel it would be beneficial to have an additional dry goods supply on island to provide an alternative in times of extreme weather. so that bi weekly trips to town were no longer an absolutely necessity.

Tell us something interesting about yourself…

Running the company car fleet for Estee Lauder UK I managed to reduce our vehicle carbon footprint by over 40% in 6 months.

And after watching episode 1 of Paradise or Bust, I quit my job the next day with the sole intention of heading to the island! My colleagues thought I was completely crazy but after talking to them about the project they all realised it was where I needed to be

In one sentence, why should I be chief?

Moya actually means ‘water’, quite fitting don’t you think?

Cast your vote now!