Susan AGAR (now BENMEIR)      

susanbe@xtra.co.nz

Year of Birth:    1954                              Years in Fiji: 1954  to 1973

City/Country of Residence:   New Zealand               Post Code:

Comments: I left Fiji in 1973 after working a few years as a ticketing officer in Qantas in Suva. Went to the Mediterranean - mainly lived in Greece and worked on the cruise ships taking pilgrims to Israel, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Greek islands and Cyprus (following St Paul's footsteps) the short version is that I fell in love with Israel and ended up marrying a kibbutznik in 1978, we left the kibbutz to start up a moshav (a farming community) on the Golan Heights, starting from scratch moving stones, burning thistles and planting trees - had 4 children and grew lots of onions and artichokes, moved on to cotton-pickers and farm machinery and now the farm is a dairy farm + protea for export to Holland. I left Dec 2002 to come to NZ (all the family was here) as life in Israel was much too stressful - only husband didn't want to leave - so we decided that I try two years here and see how it goes - I brought the two younger children (Keren now 16 and Jordan now 14) and thought that at least they will learn English and get to know my family. well the big kids followed, having finished the army and I have just fallen in love with this wonderful country - the freedom and the rain! Husband Nachum, who came to visit twice but still didnt want to leave Israel, so we eventually decided to separate and got a divorce last year.

At the moment Jordan and Ofer (big son now 24) are over in Israel visiting - Ofer went back for a year to say goodbye to all his friends, and wants to come back to NZ or Aussie to live. Jordan started to miss his dad and friends, so has gone back for as long as he wants - we talk every second day. So it is just daughter Hila (25) and Keren and me here now - Hila and I bought a house and we have good fun planning all our renovations (just minor stuff) and decorating together. Hila is a dental assistant - making good money - she loves her job, - also works in surgery at the hospital. Ofer is an aircraft mechanic (was in charge of F16's in the air force) but worked here doing deliveries for "LiquourKing"!

I am still in travel - working in the small retail department of Adventure World - great company - I have just come back from Africa on a familiarisation trip (Fly-in Safari in Botswana) - so its a good life.

UPDATE 20.8.07

I left all my old photos in Israel so have nothing so send from the old Fiji life, but thought I would send this updated photo taken just before Keren (now 18) left to join the army in Israel (I have just talked to her as she has got on the bus to the Conscription Compound, if that is what it is called in English, leaving from Tiberias to Tel Aviv, today 20th August).So now I have the two boys left here and my two daughters recently left to live in Israel for a while - topsy turvy every year.  Still playing tug-of-war with my ex-husband - each trying to persuade the other to come to respective countries.  It is good, though, that someone is in each country, so the children feel comfortable country-hopping.  Big phone bills and travel expenses :-).Still in Adventure World and get to travel (just come back from Alaska, but still haven't made it to Fiji)  I am looking forward to seeing Doug Crago and family when he visits here next month.Sister Julie (50) is still in Fiji living the good life in Nadi - two daughters engaged so big wedding plans... Brother Barry (57) here in Auckland expecting first grandchild in October - exciting business!Big Sister Raewyn (59) just left Israel where she has been living the last 9 years, and has moved to Australia to live - she will come to visit NZ at the end of the month so it will be great to catch up.

Julie AGAR  (now CORNWALL)

photo req'd

julie.cornwall@gmail.com

Year of Birth:  1956?                     Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:    Nadi  FIJI          Post Code:

Personal History:    Two daughters and engaged

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aidney@xtra.co.nz

Year of Birth:        1953                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   Auckland NZ           Post Code:

Personal History:    DETAILS TBA

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Christine AIDNEY

fijihols@westnet.com.au

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   Brisbane       Post Code:

Comments:    DETAILS TBA

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Lynne AIDNEY

lynneaidney@yahoo.com.au

Year of Birth:         1953              Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   NZ           Post Code:

Personal History:     DETAILS TBA

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Mary Ann AIDNEY  (now DRYSDALE

johndry@bigpond.com

Year of Birth:        1953                 Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   Melbourne Vic               Post Code:

Personal History:    Married to John Drysdale    DETAILS TBA

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Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:                     Post Code:

Comments:   DETAILS TBA

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Lillian ALLEN  (now GRANT)

photo req'd

bfte@connect.com.fj

Year of Birth:                                   Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:                    Post Code:

Comments:     DETAILS TBA

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Keith ALEXANDER

photo req'd

alexanderk@otocoll.schoolzone.net.nz

Year of Birth:     1953 ?                              Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:                     Post Code:

Comments:    

We left Fiji in September 1966 intending to return home to Brisbane but stopped off in New Zealand and stayed. I attended Takapuna Grammar School in Auckland. Same crest and motto as Suva Grammar so it seemed a little like home though colder! After school I went to the University of Auckland studying Chemistry and Geology. After varsity I went to the Auckland College of Education graduating in 1976 and have been teaching ever since. Currently I am principal at Otorohanga College a small rural seconday school in the Central North Island near the Waitomo Caves.

I have been heavily involved in sport since coming to NZ both playing and coaching. I have coached representative rugby up to Regional U-19 level and have served terms on the NZ Rugby Union and NZ Schools. I am still involved at national level but the bones are getting a little old for daily coaching. Anne and I have a small 1 hectare lifestyle block on the side of Mt Pirongia where we have built a little wharenui for ourselves. We travel extensively in the holidays and thoroughly enjoy life.

My sister, Moira, who was three years behind is also in NZ. Her hairdresser is Tom Smith and she ran into both Judy and Buggy during her last appointment. I have been back to Fiji several times since 1966 and always have had a soft spot in my heart for it.

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Olaf ALLEN

photo req'd

olafallen@connect.com.fj

Year of Birth:     1953                               Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:                     Post Code:

Comments:     DETAILS TBA

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photo req'd

jennybish@xtra.co.nz

Year of Birth:      1956          Years in Fiji: 1956 - 1978

City/Country of Residence:     New Zealand     Post Code:

Comments:

I was Jenny Andrews back then.  I was born in Suva in 1956 and my last year at Suva Grammar would have been 1978 when I was in form 1 and in Mr Whippy’s class.  Before that I was at Vieuto Primary and went there from Suva Primary.   We lived at 24 Narian Place, Tamavua and my Mum,Christine, was Assistant Public Trustee in Government.  She was a single mum which in those days was pretty rare I think, but we had a pretty good existence.  I remember Julie Agar (used to go to her house up in Princess Road a lot) and Neil Marsh, Robert Murray, Nick Casey, Zia Sherani as the kids who lived in our neighbourhood.  After Form 1, I did a year at Levuka Convent (shock to the system that was after the free and easy lifestyle in Suva) and then on to boarding school in Auckland.  After school I completed a secretarial course and worked at Munro Leys for about 18 months before gravitating back to Auckland.  Have been based here in Auckland ever since.

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Wendy BARRITT     (now MORRIS)

wendyjmorris@msn.com

Year of Birth:          1948                          Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:  Brisbane      Post Code:

Comments: Teacher, 4 adult children,  divorced   

  DETAILS TBA

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Carl BAY

photos required

bayfam@bigpond.net.au

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:  Brisbane      Post Code:

Comments:    Married to Laurie CROWE     DETAILS TBA

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Micky BEDDOES

photos required

mickbeddoes@connect.com.fj

Year of Birth:       1953                             Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:                     Post Code:

Comments:      DETAILS TBA

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David BENNETT

Better photo required

dben7182@bigpond.net.au

Year of Birth:      1953  ???                              Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:    Sydney (TBC)              Post Code:

Personal History:         Airline Pilot  DETAILS TBA

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Karen BENNETT (now WATKINS)

karenwatkins31@hotmail.com

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:  Sydney     Post Code:

Comments:    DETAILS TBA

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Liz BENTLEY  (now HOWARTH)

photos required

lizahowa@bigpond.net.au

Year of Birth:       1951                             Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   Melbourne     Post Code:

Comments:     DETAILS TBA

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Judith BEVERIDGE (now MOORE)

photos required

judith@brianmoore.co.nz

Year of Birth:   1954                              Years in Fiji: Jan 1961-Jan 1972

City/Country of Residence:   New Zealand    Post Code:

Comments:   

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Philip BLAKE

blake4@ozemail.com.au

Year of Birth:      1953           Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   BRISBANE     Post Code:

Comments:   DETAILS TBA

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Graham BOULTON

graham@tapamusic.com

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:    Brisbane              Post Code:

Comments:     DETAILS TBA

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Heather BOULTON      (now BAILLIE)

hsbc@netvigator.com

Year of Birth:   1953                        Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:    Hong Kong              Post Code:   N/A

Comments: I come from a family of 5 - brothers Quentin &Graham who are both in Brisbane and will fill in their DOB, my sisters Irene (Joyce as we call her) who is in New Zealand, Jacqueline (the youngest) who is still in Fiji and myself Heather (born 1953) who is currently in Hong Kong. Mum (Frances) deceased 2001 and Dad (Mickey Boulton) will be 90 this year 2006 born 1916 .Dad did many things but had Leading Light Poultry Farm (chicken farm) at Quaia, Lami where we grew up. We all attended Suva Grammar School.

I met Bill Baillie (my husband) in Fiji while we were both working at Pacific Harbour Deuba. He is Scottish and worked in Fiji for 3years from 1973 to 1976. We married in England (Morden) which is near Wimbledon, on September 11th 1976, where we lived for a few months. We have our home in Surrey England and we have two boys. Stuart who was born on Charles and Diana’s wedding day 29 July 81 who is now 24 and Craig who is 20 born on 23rd October 1985. Both our boys are back in England. Stuart is working in London and Craig is at Derby University.

After leaving school I worked as a trainee hairdresser in Fiji at Michelle’s Salon in Cumming Street. I also worked at the Tradewinds Hotel in the salon with Phyllis Raymond then I went to Australia for 9months. I then returned to Fiji and joined Stinson’s and they opened 2 shops at the new Pacific Harbour Hotel. Verna (Thomas) Griffiths and Shanti (Shankiran) Mills were the other 2 girls I worked and lived with at Pacific Harbour. We all met our husbands there and they both moved to Australia and I ventured further to England. Before leaving Fiji I joined Avis at Pacific Harbour after Robert Miller changed careers, my boss then was Carl Bay.

Bill and I lived in Muscat, Oman for 3 years, where I started my family. Back to UK for a number of years, and then we moved to Hong Kong in 1999. At present I work in a Kindergarten teaching Japanese children aged between 2 and 4. Don’t know where I get my patience from, must be my Mother, as she ran a Kindy in Fiji for a number of years. Bill is an Electrical Estimator, working for Balfour Beatty/Gammon. That is a summary of my 52years and this year Bill & I celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary on that ill-fated day, September 11th.

Love Heather (aka "kutz" as I was later known, spelt in Fijian cutu, as I could never keep still like the little bug!!)  Attached is a photo of my family. Left to right Craig, Stuart, Bill & myself taken at Happy Valley Race Course in Hong Kong, Christmas 2years ago.

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Joyce BOULTON  (now OSBORNE)

ozandhinto@xtra.co.nz

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:  NZ              Post Code:

Comments: DETAILS TBA

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Quentin BOULTON

photos required

q.c.boulton@bigpond.com

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   Brisbane Australia            Post Code:

Comments: DETAILS TBA

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Patrick BOWER

photos required

pbower@connect.com.fj

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:              Post Code:

Comments:  DETAILS TBA

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Graham BOWLES

photos required

gbowles@chcaustralia.com

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   AUSTRALIA          Post Code:

Comments: Has a sister PAULINE   DETAILS TBA

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Angela BROWN  (now NAMOI)

angesco@optusnet.com.au

Year of Birth:      1953                 Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:     Sydney NSW             Post Code:

Personal History:      Married to Scott Henderson (ex-Lautoka)   OTHER DETAILS TBA

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David BROWN  (now WALKDEN-BROWN)

photo req'd

 tevitawalkden@hotmail.com

Year of Birth:                       Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:  Brisbane            Post Code:

Personal History:       Doctor      DETAILS TBA

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Josie(Josephine) BROWN   (now IGGLESDEN)

photo req'd

 josie@mdacorporation.com

Year of Birth:                       Years in Fiji:  Left 1972

City/Country of Residence:   Vancouver Canada         Post Code:

Personal History:      DETAILS TBA

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Jay BROWNING

AnkeO@austarnet.com.au

Year of Birth:     1951 (happy now?)                 Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   Gold Coast               Post Code:

Comments:    Lecturer  at UNI.   Married to Anke Ockinga     DETAILS TBA

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John  CAUTY

harvest@connect.com.fj

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:                        Post Code:

Comments:  Airline Pilot        DETAILS TBA

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Trevor CONNOLLY

photo req'd

 pac.col@xtra.co.nz

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:                  Post Code:

Comments:   DETAILS TBA

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Ken CORBITT

kcorbitt@bigpond.com.........Bouncing... contact me ken

Year of Birth:   1951                                 Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:     Murwillumbah NSW                   Post Code:

Comments:   

Hi, it's Ken Corbitt here,

You may remember me from Suva Grammar in 1964-65. I was in Cane-Happy Cater's class in 1964, and Cane-Powerhouse Graeme Eden's in 1965. I'm not surprised that Mr Eden went on to coach the All Blacks – the pain from his cane lasted for hours.

Anyway, I returned to Australia in 1966, left school at Junior Certificate to work in an advertising agency, Hertz Walpole. Returned to college to matriculate in 1970, studied drama at Uni of NSW for two semesters, failed an audition to NIDA (National Institute of Dramataic Art), dropped out and went to Cairns to discover myself and the Australian tropics (I missed Fiji maybe). Met and fell in love with Sharon; moved back to Sydney, where we were married in 1973. Worked in advertising, then at TCN-9 TV station at the introduction of colour (1973-75). Sacked by Kerry Packer for being a union delegate that helped behind-the-scenes workers win a 25% pay increase.

Returned to Cairns in 1975, began career as radio announcer at 4CA Cairns. Opened record store in 1979, pushed out of business by Chandlers in 1981. Marriage broke down only 18 months after birth of first daughter, Carmen.

Moved to Dubbo, NSW in search of work in radio, but ended up in journalism (I used to write the class notes for 3A and one of my poems was published in the Suva Grammar school magazine, so it made sense I ended up writing I guess).

After experiencing one summer of 45 degrees and a winter of -4 in Dubbo, I moved as a journalist to Sunshine Coast, Queensland in 1983. Met Linda who already had three kids, we had Danielle together and we moved to Noosa, where my daughter and ex still live. Worked as a journalist, radio journalist and public relations consultant for 15 years.

Linda and I separated in 1992, but I assumed care for Danielle and was a single Dad for 7 of the next 10 years. Went back to uni. in 1997-2001 and became a Bachelor of Social Science (Community Work). Also tutored in a media subject while at University of the Sunshine Coast. Always a left-winger, I became vice-president of the student union and resigned in front of the media a year later when I found the student union had been neutered.

I am most of the way through an Education degree as well, but am currently on a Leave of Absence while I care for my mother, who has stomach cancer. My brother Peter died in my arms on Christmas Day, 2004, also of cancer, so I've been living back in northern NSW since then. My brother was building a small house on 13 acres near the Border Ranges and Mount Warning. The property is surrounded by national parks and state forests – I can see the Queensland border from my verandah.

The house has solar power, solar hot water and is not quite finished.

Want to know of some of the crazy things I've got up to in the past 41 years? You probably wouldn't believe the half of it....let's just say Ken has lived life as it came..and it wasn't all beer and skittles. I am about to write my first book on my travels and experiences, so stay tuned, folks...

I would love to contact some of my former classmates from Suva Grammar. If you email me at kcorbitt@bigpond.com I promise a swift reply

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Eddie COSTELLO

eddie.viv@optusnet.com.au

Year of Birth:     1953             Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   BRISBANE     Post Code:

Comments:       DETAILS TBA

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dbcrabtree@ozemail.com.au

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:                    Post Code:

Comments:   DETAILS TBA

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Glenn CRABTREE

glenn.crabtree@providence.org .... bouncing contact me Glenn

Year of Birth:     1953             Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:   USA     Post Code:

Comments:   DETAILS TBA

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douglas.crago@optusnet.com.au  

Year of Birth:     1953              Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:     Adelaide SA             Post Code:

Personal History: My family and I left Fiji at the end of 1967 after I had finished Form 3 (Mrs Huddlestone was our class teacher). My mother had died a couple of months earlier (cancer) and after some soul-searching, Dad thought it best if we returned to Australia, eventually back to Adelaide, where I and my sister Heather were born.

After school I went into building, eventually going out on my own. However in 1986/’87 went through a bit of a sea-change and settled into a career in marketing, where I found that I had more control of my own destiny.

Kathy and I married in 1975 and recently celebrated our 30th. We have 3 children: Jason (just turned 29), Sian (27) and Jordan (22). Jordan is the only one officially still at home, although Jason is still single and keeps on turning up every now and then! Sian and her husband Shane are currently living and working in London, doing the ‘Continental Experience’ thing, and expect to stay over there for a year or two. The rest of us live in Adelaide, although Jason’s music takes him around Australia from time to time (- just returned from a northern tour).

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photos required

bayfam@bigpond.net.au

Year of Birth:                                    Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:  Brisbane    Post Code:

Comments:   married to Carl BAY      DETAILS TBA

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  Leonie DIMENT

photos required

ldiment@bigpond.net.au

Year of Birth:   1954                               Years in Fiji:

City/Country of Residence:    Orange NSW            Post Code:

I left Fiji in January 1971. I had failed my U.E. miserably and Mum and Dad were moving to Western Samoa so I came back to Sydney and started a part time Tech course for laboratory technicians and worked at University of Sydney as a lab technician in various medical research areas. I travelled a bit in Australia and overseas and worked in other laboratory jobs, but usually found my way back to University of Sydney.

I married in 1984 had a son, Miles, in 1990 and lived happily in Sydney. My husband Bill got a job in Orange NSW in 1992 so we moved here.

A country life is good although there weren't many employment opportunities for me here. I worked in Pathology practices in town part time. Orange is growing rapidly and 4 years ago the University of Sydney took over the university Campus here and I was offered the Laboratory Managers position for the new laboratories.

I separated from my husband 2 years ago and I am still living in Orange with Miles (now 16) and am enjoying the benefits of country life. I have a strong interest in music and play tuba with our community symphony orchestra. This provides mental stimulation and social circle.

We should have a reunion in Fiji sometime soon. It would be great to see everyone. Love to see any of you if you are visiting Orange NSW. I'll show you some wonderful local wine, food and song!

Thanks again Donna. I'll send a photo when I get a suitable one.

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c/- Donna Helmrich

Year of Birth:   1955                           Years in Fiji: 1955 to 1993 (on and off)

City/Country of Residence:    Vigo,  Spain             Post Code:

Comments:    (Happy to entertain anyone travelling in Spain ... drop me a line.)

My parents are Robert (Bob) Dods (living in Savusavu) and Ida Dods (Browne) (living in Deuba) and I have a younger sister, Colette Samson, who lives in Nadi with her family. I was born in Suva (1955) and family connections include (to name a few) the Smiths, Browns, Brownes, Hawksleys, Leppers, Barracks, and Whippys.  However, the convoluted family connections I now have in France, Tunisia, and Scicily make our Fiji Family Tree look like a shrub in comparison!

I am married to Karim and we have one son Kevin Sinclair Dougha (14.09.93) I grew up in Suva and traveled with my parents whilst being tutored by Dad. I started school at Suva Primary and then went to Laucala Bay Primary School and on to Suva Grammar, on and off until 6th Form. My father worked with the Lands Department before moving into District Administration in 1968, which is when the family moved to Rakiraki.  I schooled there for a year before returning to SGS, boarding with Dad´s sister, Jean Brown, in Lami, and with other family - siblings, Vernan, Lionel and Joyce Hawksley, in Marou Rd, next to our own Suva home.  When my father was posted to the Northern Division, I attended Labasa College (1970/1972) and went to school in Sydney(1971), before returning to SGS for the 6th Form (1973).

I paddled through a year at USP,  and worked during holidays at various Coral Coast hotels paving the way for my later work within the Fiji Tourism indust