Nacanieli Waqa has been appointed the new chief executive officer of the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), effective October 21, 2026.
The appointment was announced by the BAF Board of Directors following its formal publication in the Fiji Government Gazette, in accordance with Section 10 of the Biosecurity Act 2008.
The Board said Mr Waqa was selected following a structured and competitive recruitment process based on transparency, merit, fairness and good corporate governance.
Mr Waqa brings more than 34 years of experience in biosecurity, regulatory systems and international trade facilitation.
He has previously held senior technical and advisory positions with New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Fiji Quarantine and Inspection Service.
The Board expressed confidence that his extensive regional and international experience would help strengthen the Authority’s performance and advance its strategic priorities.
In accepting the appointment, Mr Waqa emphasised the importance of biosecurity in protecting Fiji’s economy, agriculture and natural resources.
“Biosecurity protects more than our borders, it safeguards the livelihoods of our farmers, the food on our tables and the natural resources our communities depend on,” Mr Waqa said.
He said he looked forward to working closely with staff, stakeholders and the wider public to strengthen Fiji’s biosecurity systems.
“I look forward to leading a team committed to strengthening these protections and working with our stakeholders and the public to build a safer, more resilient Fiji,” he said.
The Board said Mr Waqa’s experience in strategic leadership, governance and stakeholder engagement would be valuable in ensuring BAF remained a trusted and high-performing regulatory authority.
The appointment comes as BAF continues its responsibility for protecting Fiji against biosecurity threats while facilitating international trade and safeguarding the country’s agricultural and natural resources.
