In the vast and often unpredictable waters of Fiji’s offshore fisheries, navigating the complexities of maritime law and resource management requires a steady hand. For one dedicated officer, that journey is defined by a unique duality: the analytical precision of an investigator and the composed grace of a personal support officer to the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry.
As we celebrate International Women’s Week, Arieta Tunidau’s story serves as a powerful reminder that a woman’s efficacy in the workplace isn’t found in mirroring others, but in the authentic strength she brings to the table.
A vocation of service
From the outset of her tertiary studies, Arieta sought a career that refused to be confined to a desk. She envisioned a professional life that balanced the rigor of office work with the dynamic reality of field operations. Today, that vision is her reality.
In the Offshore Fisheries Division, her work as an investigation officer is a vital pillar of fisheries management. Whether a case ends in a formal warning or a prosecution, the goal remains the same: education. Each completed investigation ripples outward, teaching companies and individuals about the mandates that protect Fiji’s precious maritime space.
“Working in the government is not just a profession; it is a vocation,” she said.
For Arieta, the “act of service” is the ultimate motivator, finding a deep sense of accomplishment in the simple, yet profound, act of assisting others.
The currency of growth
In her current role as the personal executive support officer to the minister, the challenges are different, but the growth is just as significant.
While networking is a valuable currency in any high-level government role, Arieta’s greatest milestones are internal.
“I consider my greatest achievement to be my development in handling pressure and understanding people,” she said.
“In a fast-paced environment, she has mastered the art of remaining composed, shifting her focus from merely completing a task to being a steady, reliable presence. This emotional intelligence has become her most effective tool in the corridors of leadership.”
The strength of the “village”
No trailblazer walks their path alone. Behind the long hours and the demands of the ministry is a “village” of unwavering support.
“I believe the quality of your ‘safe space’ is far more important than the quantity of people in it,” she shares.
Whether it is her husband and “nenna Lo” managing the household during late shifts, or the inspiration she draws from her 84-year-old father, the kindest man she knows, her family is the anchor that allows her to decompress and regroup without fear of judgment.
Arieta’s four children remain her ultimate “why,” driving her to be a better version of herself every day in the hope that her dedication will one day inspire their own paths.
A message for the next generation
Working in the male-dominated fisheries sector can be intimidating, often tempting women to overcompensate by trying to be physically stronger or louder just to be heard. Her advice? Change the mindset.
“I focused on perfecting my craft and skills, and let my knowledge and experience speak for itself,” she said.
To the women aspiring to make a difference in Fiji and beyond, her message is clear: “Embrace the fact that you were born to stand out rather than struggling to adapt. Authenticity, compassion, and emotional intelligence are not just virtues – they are your unique strengths.”
This year’s International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who refuse to be squeezed into traditional frameworks, choosing instead to lead with empathy, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to service.
Arieta believes working in the male-dominated fisheries sector can be intimidating. Changing the mindset is important for changing the script. Picture: MINISTRY OP FISHERIES
