LAND is often considered the most valuable asset of any society.
It is permanent, its value appreciates with population growth and in Fiji, it holds deep cultural and economic significance.
However, despite its importance, one of the most crucial professions ensuring land is accurately measured and legally documented — land surveying — is facing a serious shortage.
The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, which manages State lands, mineral resources, and groundwater, is at the forefront of this challenge.
Earlier this week, the ministry registered six new land surveyors — a small but significant milestone in addressing an acute shortfall in the profession.
A profession in crisis
The demand for registered land surveyors in Fiji is higher than ever, yet the supply remains critically low.
According to the ministry’s surveyor general Asakaia Tabua, this profession is one of the most essential yet underappreciated in the country.
“Only a registered surveyor is allowed to carry out cadastral surveys for lease or title registration,” Mr Tabua explained.
“Without them, the process of land development, ownership and management faces significant delays.”
Mr Tabua said government entities such as the Fiji Roads Authority, Housing Authority, Water Authority, and the Ministry of Agriculture all rely on registered surveyors. But many positions remain vacant due to the ongoing shortage.
The statistics paint a concerning picture.
Mr Tabua shared that Fiji currently has only 50 registered surveyors, with 70 per cent of them over the age of 50, and with retirements looming, the gap is expected to widen.
“A decade ago, the last registration of surveyors was in the 1990s before we resumed in 2012 and 2017.
“For years, we have only registered two surveyors per year, but this year, we managed to register six.”
Why the shortage?
Several factors have contributed to the declining number of land surveyors in Fiji, and one of the biggest reasons is the lack of consistent registrations in past decades.
“From the 1990s to 2012, there was almost no registration,” Mr Tabua said.
“When experienced surveyors retired, they left a huge vacuum.”
Another major challenge is migration.
Many of Fiji’s surveyors seek better opportunities abroad, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, where salaries are higher and career advancement is more promising.
Pay is another factor
According to Mr Tabua, in the Fijian Government, a registered surveyor starts with a salary of around $43,000, while senior surveyors earn about $50,000.
However, private sector opportunities often offer better compensation.
“If a surveyor establishes their own firm, they can charge between $3500 to $5000 per residential subdivision,” Mr Tabua said.
“Some surveyors choose to start their own businesses rather than stay in government or work for a company.”
A male-dominated field
The profession is also struggling with gender imbalance.
Land surveying in Fiji has been predominantly male-dominated, with only three female registered surveyors in the country.
The first female surveyor was registered in the 1980s, the second in 2023, and the third this year.
The ministry is now actively working to encourage more women to enter the field.
“We have a few female candidates already approved by the board to undertake projects, and our goal is to register more female surveyors within the next three years.”
Speaking with the ministry’s first female land surveyor, 29-year-old Kesaia Vika, this newspaper found that around three females started off studying the course but only Ms Vika was the only one who graduated.
“My advice is for them to be strong and stay in the profession,” Ms Vika said.
“When we start, we are told this is not a white collar job and rightfully so, it isn’t.”
She recalled having started in Lautoka but was initially placed in the office. Fortunately, her young male counterparts stood up for her.
“I will forever be grateful for that moment but it shouldn’t be like that.”
Path to becoming a registered land surveyor
The road to becoming a registered surveyor in Fiji is rigorous.
Aspiring surveyors must first obtain a Diploma in Land Surveying from Fiji National University (FNU) or an equivalent qualification at a tertiary institution.
After completing their academic studies, they must undergo five years of supervised work experience under a registered surveyor.
Following this, they must successfully complete five key survey projects, covering: Town survey, Rural survey, Geodetic survey, Subdivision design and Control survey.
Candidates are also required to pass a comprehensive examination covering surveying laws, regulations and various land-related acts. Only then can they apply for registration.
Despite these challenges, interest in the profession remains.
“Right now, we have 50 registered surveyors, but we expect to register more in the coming months,” Mr Tabua said.
“The ministry is looking to absorb some of them to fill senior vacant positions, but demand remains high across all sectors.”
Geographical disparities
Another issue facing the profession is the uneven distribution of surveyors across Fiji.
Mr Tabua shared that the majority of registered surveyors are based in Suva, while other regions, particularly the Northern and Western divisions, face critical shortages.
“In the North, we only have two registered surveyors, with only one actively working.
“In the West, we have two in Ba, four in Lautoka, and one in Nadi. The rest are in Suva.”
This imbalance, according to Mr Tabua, creates delays in land development projects in rural and remote areas as surveyors are often required to travel long distances to complete their work.
Modernisation and legal reforms
The land surveying profession in Fiji is governed by the Land Surveying Act of 1969, but the ministry is now working to modernise regulations to reflect current needs.
In 2021, the survey regulations were amended, and there are plans to review the Land Surveying Act within the next three years.
The ministry is also increasing its collaboration with tertiary institutions like FNU to ensure a steady pipeline of new surveyors.
“There’s a clear pathway now, but we need to continue improving it,” Mr Tabua said.
Climate Change and Surveying
While climate change does not directly affect the surveying profession, it has increased demand for their services.
As sea levels rise and erosion alters coastlines, land boundaries shift, requiring new surveys to be conducted.
“If your land erodes due to climate change, you need a new survey to reflect the new boundaries.
“If accretion occurs, meaning your land expands, you also need a survey to establish ownership over the new portion.”
For landowners with leases, this process is crucial.
“If you are paying rent for 1000 square meters, but due to erosion, your land is now only 600 square meters, you need a survey to adjust the lease payments accordingly.”
What now?
Despite the challenges, the demand for land surveyors in Fiji continues to grow.
Whether for government, private sector projects, or independent firms, surveyors play a critical role in shaping the country’s future development.
With ongoing efforts to increase registrations, promote gender inclusivity and modernise regulations, the hope is that Fiji will soon have a more robust and sustainable surveying workforce.
However, for now, the profession remains one of the most essential yet underappreciated fields in the country, one that Fiji cannot afford to overlook.
