Tales and Talanoa 1: Savaira Tuberi

This is my first time leading a podcast and the first time my subject has ever been interviewed. Fortunately, we became fast friends when I signed up for the Fijian classes that she teaches in Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji Islands.

We talked for over an hour, to our surprise by the time we wrapped, about so may things but in the end I wanted to start as I mean to go on – with around 20 minutes of material per session – and so some things had to be cut.

Amongst the subjects that did not make it were the amazing sense of community and family (Savaira’s household has multiple generations both older and younger, as well as a young boy who she and her husband adopted), the wide and rich blend of religions practiced freely on the islands with a particular focus on her own Christianity and discussions of the kava ceremony in traditional and modern Fijian life.

The subjects we do cover are the major islands geography, the history of Bau Island and how its language became the dominant iTaukei (Fijian) language, the changing roles and attitudes to gender, and the idea of promoting oneself as a role model for values in family, church and the wider community.

Big thanks to Fiji's finest 4 Quarters and Benji Seiniroqa for the funky interludes.

Enjoy!