Status: Worked on Vorovoro as Tribe Manager from Feb 2008 to Sept 2009

Amy first found out about Tribe Wanted early in 2007 and has been fascinated with the project’s progress ever since. Having gone along to tribal gatherings in the UK, met many inspired tribe members and continually followed the development on Vorovoro online, she knew that she wanted to be part of the action on the island and sent Ben Keene an email. And now here she is…

“I have been lucky enough to experience many different cultures, live on a remote beach in Madagascar taking part on a marine conservation project as well as work with a Volunteer Company being a Project Coordinator, organizing volunteer placements overseas. I am now privileged to start a new adventure living in Fiji, working alongside the tribe team and look forward to seeing you on Vorovoro!”

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from Aug 07 to Jan 08

After spending a record of 9 consecutive weeks on Vorovoro, Anna found herself in the perfect position to be the tribe’s next Island Gapper. Having been appointed Island Gapper in August 2007, it wasn’t long before she progressed to Tribe Manager, filling in for Sara Jane during the later stages of 2007.

Status: Worked for Tribewanted from Apr 06 Oct 06

Becky was involved with Tribewanted from the very early stages. Although she was employed as a presenter for Tribal TV, she was heavily involved in the initially admin work of setting up the business, and traveled with Ben and Dan to prepare the site on Vorovoro for the first arrivals on 1st September 2006.

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from April 08 to April 09 as Sustainability Manager

After graduating with a degree in Sustainable Living from the Maharishi University of Management, a consciousness based university that teaches inner and outer sustainability, he moved to Hawaii before accepting this position. Not only does he bring a great amount of eco knowledge to the island but a little ukulele and a fine selection of self written songs such as the island classic “I’m a superhero, how about you …”

“Aloha Tribe! I’m stoked to be joining you all on the island and to be interacting with all the online members too. Together I’m certain we can make this experiment so successful that Vorovoro will just be the first of our many adventures.”

Contact Benjamin by email: bkatz@tribewanted.com

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from Sept 07 to Jan 08

After being elected as Chief for March 2007, Craig returned to Vorovoro in September 2007 as the Island Gapper.

Status: Worked on Vorovoro as Island Gapper and Tribe Manager from January to April 2008

“I read the original Tribe Wanted press release in Dublin’s Metro Magazine back in April 2006 and knew immediately I had to be a part of the project.

I visited Vorovoro in January 2007, then became involved online before restructuring my life to enable me to play a larger, more hands-on role, in the project. I didn’t know then that my initial involvement would evolve into my current role as On-Island Tribe Manager, but I feel very blessed that it has.

My life so far has been very rich and varied in terms of travel, career and adventure and I am accustomed to – and thrive – living in small, inclusive communities, especially islands!

I have found a home here in Fiji where I know I will continue to contribute to the community – both online and on-island – as well as learn and grow as an individual. For this I am exceptionally grateful.

Au sa vakavinavinaka”

Carol’s Blog

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from July 06 to Jan 07

Arriving on Vorovoro at the same time as Becky, Dan’s involvement in the early stages of the project were crucial to the development of the island infrastructure and relationships with the local community.

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from Sept 08 to Jan 09

Dan graced Vorovoro with his presence back in June and became the notorious Tui Flapjack – the August 2008 Chief. He previously won Young Chef of the Year 2003 back in Milton Keynes and has been wooing the tribe with his kitchen talents ever since – perhaps that’s why he was offered the Wavu position. Not only does he make everyone feel at home, but he’s an excellent addition to the kitchen and seems to know everything about general maintenance. Dan the man by name, Dan the Man by nature.

“Being a tribe member was cool. Becoming Chief was amazing but Wavu tops it all. I still dabble with the flapjacks if you fancy a late night nibble.”

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from Sept 07 to Jan 08

Duncan was a web developer by day and a serial forager, food and thrift-lover by night before going to work as Sustainability Manager on Vorovoro between September and January. He started his journey towards a greener, healthier life not that long ago and he is thoroughly enjoying getting back to basics, working creatively with simple tools and limited resources.

He thoroughly enjoyed his time on the island making some very special friends such as Mess, Pupu, Tai and all of the rest of the gang whilst completing projects including hen and pig pens, hot water heating and a biogas plant.

Another highlight was leading the Green Club classes at Mali’s District School, inspiring and impassioning Fiji’s younger generations.

Having left the island he is now looking forward to new opportunities in a similar field and will continue his involvement with the project as much as possible.

Duncan’s Blog

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from October 2007 to September 2008

Having spent the best part of a year as the full-time Project Director on Vorovoro, Giles is now heading back to the UK to become a doctor

Contact Giles by email: giles@tribewanted.com

Giles’ blog

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from February to June 2009 as Wavu

After graduating with degrees in Event Management and Tourism Operations, James left Australia on an around the world adventure. He spent 2 weeks on Vorovoro in February in 2008, and has since been lucky enough to travel and work in places such as Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, United States and the UK. James has alot of outdoor skills and experience, and loves to sing and dance and laugh!

“I’m so excited to have this opportunity, and will make sure everyone that comes to Vorovoro gets the most out of their experience, and has memories to last a lifetime!”

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from May 07 to Sept 07

James was our very first Sustainability Manager on Vorovoro, where he worked on the project from May to September 2007.

His role on Vorovoro was to make the project as sustainable as possible. This involves everything from water, to waste management, to food, to transport, to washing products, to energy, to educating tribe members and local Fijians in how to become more sustainable. Through the combination of the UCL Sustainability Plan , other tribe member’s ideas, and adding his own ideas and experience, James was responsible for turning them all into action on Vorovoro and beyond!

All about James…
His family’s adventure was documented by BBC2 in the very successful series “It’s not easy being green” (2006). This series saw James and his family attempting to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Learning basic green engineering concepts and a very hands-on approach to environmental development had a profound effect on James.

Status: Worked on Vorovoro as Wavu and Project Director from April 08 to November 09

Jim left his graphic design career and home, sold all his belongings and left London. Laters. He spent 15 months traveling the world before arriving on Vorovoro and immediately felt an affinity with the island. Five weeks later he was elected March Chief 2008. In that time the Hammock Society began – a movement to keep Vorovoro free of unnecessary exercise. After chiefdom, he was asked to become a member of the on-island team allowing him to continue the good work of the hammocks. Four months later he followed in the footsteps of Giles Dawnay to become the Project Director in Year 3.

“Go Hammocks! It’s been an incredible adventure for me. Every time I think it’s time for my Isa Lei another opportunity presents itself. How will I lead the project? In the same way I would create a piece of art – with creativity, patients, large amounts of effort ‘n’ care and an attention to detail.”

The Hammock Society Interviews

Being able to understand cross-cultural, international, digital, and logistical problems is a highly desirable skill. Having the knowledge and connections to solve these problems, however, is a talent only a lucky few are born with.

Jonathan Segal was born lucky, with a mind capable of comprehending the fast pace of the digital world and capitalizing on new and unique opportunities. Jonathan continues to provide solutions and new approaches to supporting the digital backbone of Tribewanted, from communication to the website.

As an entrepreneur, expatriate, and technologist, Jonathan bridges the gaps that operating a company on the opposite side of the world inherently opens up, both with an ease and creativity that are unique to the southern hemisphere.

http://www.oceanic.com.fj/

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from Sept 07 to Jan 08

Julia was Kitchen Manager on Vorovoro

Status: Worked in the kitchens of Vorovoro over the course of the first three years of the project

Kesa is Tale’s elder sister. She is found working and laughing in the kitchens of Vorovoro. She organises the weekly shopping trips to town and has all the market prices memorised in her head.

“I hope you come soon to Vorovoro. You can help me in the kitchen, make fun, have joke.”

Mark had an idea, he was extremely excited about his idea. Mark e-mailed Ben his dream of how an online community might leap from the virtual to the real, onto a desert island where it would develop its own eco community. Ben was hooked. Tribewanted was born and Ben and Mark were on their way to Fiji.

Mark spent the first 12 months of Tribewanted setting up the foundations of the project with Ben and building the online community. His personal goal of seeing tribewanted move from dream to reality having been achieved, Mark is now working on further ideas (yes, there are a lot more) as well as remaining an active member of the tribe. Out of the events of the past few years, a question has developed for Mark, “How can we change, improve, and empower peoples experiences in life?”

The quest continues – Mark now run’s a creative consultancy PeoplePassionPlanet.com. Mark continues to be involved in Tribewanted as an online advisor to the project whilst he pursues his next adventure, http://www.haveyougotthenerve.tv

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from August 2007 until early 2008

Originally from Vesi, Mes worked closely with James Strawbridge and Duncan Glendinning on Vorovoro’s sustainability projects. It is hoped that these skills will hold Menusi in good stead for the future.

Status: Mila has moved on to attend university in Suva

“I am originally from Vorovoro and was brought up there for almost twenty years since now. Tribewanted established in 2006 after I recently I completed my computer courses at NZPTC. Since I am part of the family on Vorovoro I was easily employed as a Tribe Office Assistant at the Grand-Eastern Hotel.

I started working late in April 2007 assisting Sara Jane on the daily expenses of the Tribewanted and contacting the tribe members regarding their arrival and departure. It’s been nine months now, and I have gained a lot of experience in working and socializing with the Kaipalangi. Nine months is not easy, however it is a memorable event in my life because its so amazing and more enjoyable working there, seeing new faces every month.

Living in Vorovoro and being part of the tribe is not just an adverture, it is also a great challenge experiencing the real Fijian way of life and its culture.

Take a vacation before its too late!
Hope to see you there

Moce mada
Mila”

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from Nov 06 to Feb 07

“I was an Island Gapper from November 06 to February 07. I joined up as a member as soon as I found out about the project, and applied for the position shortly afterwards, which turned out to be absolutely the greatest adventure of my life! Not only did I have the chance to carry out my goals of working for the environment but also in the most amazing location, surrounded by fantastic people, and as part of an innovative application of the internet community concept. This was an extremely rewarding experience for me, which opened my eyes to another culture, took me out into nature and provided much merriment and inspiration along the way!”

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from June 07 to July 07

Naomi was a short-term Island Gapper on Vorovoro, and is credited with starting the Mali District School “Green Club”, along with sustainability manager at the time, James Strawbridge.

Status: Worked for Tribewanted from Oct 08 to Jan 09 as Vitika Co-ordinator & Nadi Promotions

Paul joined the tribe back in July 2008 for a two week stay and then never left! After three months in the tribe, one of which as chief, Paul was given the opportunity to work with Ben on the Vitika trek and help promote Vorovoro in Nadi. He will be leading the next few treks to make sure they run well and is a busy part of the off-island (and sometimes on-island) team.

“Bula Sia tribe! I’m delighted to be here in Fiji and associated with Tribewanted for the foreseeable future … having the opportunity to help organise and lead the Vitika trek is very exiting and I’m looking forward to sharing that great experience with visitors from around the world and to helping Vorovoro & Tribewanted grow in any way I can.”

Contact Paul by email: sloggs@tribewanted.com

Paul’s Blog

The Gentle Giant of Vorovoro. It is without a doubt that the passion, warmth and commitment of Pita Tale is what set Tribewanted & Vorovoro on the right path so early on in its adventure.

A father to Vorovoro workers Kesa and Tale, and his wonderful rather large army of kids, Pita soon became a father figure to many of Vorovoro’s early visitors.

Pita was headworker to the boys from September 2006 – April 2007, leading many of the key projects that today, form the backbone of life on Vorovoro. After working hard all day Pita would sing and laugh with the tribe around the grog bowl.

Unfortunately, soon after Pita fell ill, recovering slightly before peacefully passing away in September 2007.

Pita is sorely missed by all of those that were blessed with his presence on Vorovoro, but never forgotten.
His efforts on Vorovoro will always remain, as too will the great memories of a great man.

Rest in Peace Pita. God Bless You.
x

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from Mar 07 to Jun 07

Raina was one of the ‘First Footers’, arriving on Vorovoro on 1st September 2006, but couldn’t resist the opportunity to return as Island Gapper in the following year.

Savanaca V. Matanawa (“Save”)
Culture and Education Manager

Status: Worked on Vorovoro until May 2009

Save is the son of Head Chef Va. He has proven himself to become the Cutural Manager on the island with daily classes including meke, fijian language, song and spear fishing. Another talented musician, he is often found singing around the grog bowl into the early hours. If you fancy yourself at chess, this man is hard to beat.

“I used to work as a teacher, teaching woodwork and technical drawing. I now teach language, spear fishing, meke and anything about Fijian life on Vorovoro. We have classes most days, come and ask me anything.”

Sosi Tale
Sustainability Assistant
Vice President of the Hammock Society

Status: Worked on Vorovoro until May 2009

Sosi assists the Sustainability Manager in his work looking after the eco side of the project. He is eager to learn everything about outside cultures and has the look on his face that he is always up to something. As the Vice President of the Hammock Society he can be heard walking around the vilage shouting “Go Hammocks!”. And for you gamers out there, Sosi has become rather handy at Mariokart (on the nintendo DS) insisting no one can beat him on Moo Moo Farm.

“Go hammocks! When you come to Vorovoro come to enjoy yourselves. Don’t come and kill yourself by working out in the gymnasium, use the hammocks.”

Status: Tribe Manager on Vorovoro from July 2006 to February 2008

An original member of the team since the beginning, Sara Jane works behind the scenes as our off-island tribe manager dealing with sales, bookings, marketing, online systems (all the glamourous stuff). She visits Vorovoro regularly to keep in touch with her new found family and the on-island team.

“I am very proud to have been involved in the project since day one and watch it grow. And now I have a massive extended family in the Fijians! It doesn’t matters how short or long your visit to the island is, if you arrive with an open mind, you can’t help but fall in love with the place and her people. I still treasure each time I arrive back on her beaches and shed a tear every time I have to say goodbye again, but to have found such a special place on this earth I am forever grateful.”

Contact Sara Jane by email: sarajane@tribewanted.com

Status: Worked on Vorovoro from Dec 06 to Jan 08

“I headed out to Vorovoro in October 2006, for a few weeks as a tribe member, then to stay on as November Chief. I really wanted to see the island in its ‘basic’ stage, and really live the basic style of living, and to have a leading hand in the projects early developments. Toward the end of my chiefship, Ben asked me to stay on and work as gapper, leading up to Island Manager, which is the position I held throughout 2007. Being Island Manager was great. yeah, it was hard 24/7 working and living, but it was a great challenge. The main requirements were general day to day logistics…managing the Fijian workforce, the Tribewanted Team, making sure the projects were happening, materials buying and looking after the tribe members. Then of course I got to get involved in all the good social aspects of island life….snorkeling, spear fishing, meke, hammock testing and of course Kava drinking!

It was brilliant to work in such great, beautiful surroundings and with great people – and to watch so many tribe members come and enjoy their time on the island.

It really is a break from the norm. Vorovoro and Tribewanted offers a great chance to forget about ‘normal life’ and gives the chance to get so close to living as a Fijian community you wont want to leave. I was fortunate to live there for so long, but even if you let yourself ‘go’ and really get involved, then 2 or 3 weeks is enough to get in touch with the Fijian roots you never knew you had! You will never forget the kava session, or how to Meke!

Talo Na Yaqona
Naka
Kimbo”

Kimbo’s Blog

Status: Helped with planning for Vitika treks in the north of Fiji during 2009

In September 2006 Travis was on Vorovoro as a first footer, but was only able to spend a couple of days in Fiji at that time. Travis now returns to Fiji to take up the opportunity to lead upcoming Vitika treks across the north of Fiji.

“Ever since my first visit I’ve always had a return in mind and to be able to do so whilst contributing to the growth of the project makes me very proud. I am looking forward to throwing everything I’ve got at the Vitika and building upon the fantastic start made by Sloggs and Junior”

Learn more about Vitika