A delegation from the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, to undertake an exploratory mission aimed at establishing a Parole Board in Fiji. The team, headed by Deputy Commissioner Auta Moceisuva, is part of a strategic justice engagement initiative designed under the guidance of the Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga.
During their visit, the delegation had productive meetings with the Director of the New Zealand Parole Board and several of its members. The discussions focused on various critical components of parole operations, including the legislative framework, board structure and functions, digitization, and addressing operational challenges. Insights gained from these discussions are seen as instrumental for Fiji as it formulates its own Parole Board policy.
FCS emphasized the value of these exchanges, stating, “The discussions provided valuable insights into how a parole system operates in a developed justice framework, which will greatly assist Fiji as it develops its own Parole Board policy.”
Additionally, the consultations included exploring potential avenues for cooperation between Fiji and New Zealand, with a special focus on technical support and capacity-building assistance. This reflects a broader initiative within Fiji’s correctional system towards modernization and alignment with international best practices.
Fiji has been actively pursuing enhancements within its correctional framework, as highlighted recently by the launch of the FCS Strategic Development Plan 2025–2029 and the Annual Corporate Plan 2025–2026. These plans aim to integrate advanced technologies and rehabilitation-focused strategies that promise to uplift the effectiveness of the corrections system.
The move toward a structured parole system signifies a robust commitment to rehabilitative justice, equipping the FCS to better support individuals’ reintegration into society. This exploratory visit not only marks a pivotal step forward for Fiji’s corrections landscape but also showcases the desire for continuous improvement and proactive partnerships in achieving a safer, more rehabilitative environment for all Fijians.