The Government has ordered an inquiry into the controversial lawa ni Qoibau, as concerns grow over a ban preventing women from drinking yaqona in the vanua.
iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu said he had directed the Roko Tui Macuata to visit the area and engage with traditional leaders following media reports.
“We have asked the Roko Tui Macuata to visit the village and speak with the traditional leaders of the vanua o Qoibau,” he said.
The law, agreed to during a meeting in Nakorowiri Village last month, is part of a wider written code aimed at restoring discipline and reinforcing community order across villages under the vanua o Qoibau.
The decision to ban women from drinking yaqona has drawn mixed reactions from members of the public with some raising queries about fairness and human rights.
Mr Vasu said he was only made aware of the development through media reports.
“I was only made aware of the lawa ni Qoibau when I read the newspaper.”
He said the Government was now trying to determine whether proper consultations were carried out before the laws were introduced.
“We are not sure whether proper consultations were conducted before the lawa ni Qoibau was made.”
He also questioned the gender-specific nature of the ban.
“If there was a ban, it should not be only on women but on men also.
“We need to remember that there are human rights in place.
“Stopping someone from drinking kava should be a decision made by that individual.”
The lawa also outlines strict controls on alcohol consumption, noise levels, dress standards and yaqona use, in an effort to strengthen traditional authority within the vanua.
