President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu today officially unveiled Fiji’s new series of banknotes, describing the designs as a proud reflection of the nation’s identity, heritage, and environment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ratu Naiqama said the redesign balances modern security features with cultural significance.
“Allow me to highlight some of the key features of the new banknotes we are unveiling today,” he said.
He assured the public that the colours of the new notes would remain consistent to avoid confusion.
“To prevent confusion, the banknotes will maintain the primary colours of existing banknotes,” he said.
Ratu Naiqama said special attention was given to accessibility for visually impaired Fijians.
“The notes include a number of features such as varying sizes, tactile lines, and dot patterns embedded in the polymer banknotes,” he explained.
Although the front of the notes retains the familiar flora and fauna, the President said the back has been completely redesigned to showcase “our people, resources, and national heritage.”
On the back of the new $5 note is the endangered Vonu Dina, the green turtle,” he said, noting its significance as one of the world’s few herbivorous sea turtles.
The $10 banknote features children planting mangroves… Mangroves are climate heroes,” Ratu Naiqama said, highlighting their role in reducing carbon and combating climate change.
“The $20 banknote features the Reserve Bank of Fiji building, now a significant landmark in Suva,” he said.
“The $50 banknote features a Girmitiya lady and the famous vessel Leonidas, in recognition of the important contribution of the Girmitiya to national development,” he said.
“The $100 banknote features an iTaukei gentleman in traditional attire holding a bowl of yaqona, highlighting the yaqona vakaturaga ceremony,” he said.
The new banknotes will enter circulation on January 2.
