The President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, unveiled the country’s new polymer banknote series today at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
The launch was attended by Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, cabinet ministers, members of Parliament, the diplomatic corps, and representatives from the private sector.
President Lalabalavu highlighted that the nation’s currency is more than just a medium of exchange. “Today, we celebrate progress, prosperity, and unity as Fiji introduces a complete family of polymer banknotes for the first time,” he said.
The new series maintains the primary colours of existing notes while introducing updated designs reflecting Fiji’s national identity, heritage, and values:
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$5 – The endangered Vonu Dina (green turtle), Fiji’s only herbivorous sea turtle.
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$10 – Children planting mangroves, highlighting their role in climate mitigation.
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$20 – The Reserve Bank of Fiji building, a landmark representing economic stewardship.
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$50 – A Girmitiya lady and the vessel Leonidas, honouring the Girmitiya community’s contribution to national development.
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$100 – An i-Taukei gentleman holding a bowl of yaqona, celebrating the Yaqona Vakaturaga Ceremony.
The President emphasised the security and sustainability features of the new polymer notes. “The polymer banknotes are layered with a combination of overt and covert security features, creating distinctive points for authentication. This makes them significantly more difficult to counterfeit compared to paper notes.”
“Globally, polymer banknotes have supported central banks’ sustainability efforts by reducing the volume of notes required, resulting in less waste for disposal. Each polymer banknote carries a vastly lower carbon footprint and is considered more environmentally friendly than paper or hybrid substrates,” he said.
He also highlighted local environmental efforts. “The Reserve Bank has further offset emissions through a community project providing solar energy to 24 homes and the village hall in Nakida, Naitasiri Province.”
President Lalabalavu acknowledged the Reserve Bank of Fiji and its team, as well as Crane Currency of Malta for their technical expertise in designing and producing the new banknotes. He praised the Bank’s economic management, noting robust financial systems, controlled inflation, and near-record levels of foreign reserves.
“Today, we celebrate not just the new designs, but the strength of the Fiji dollar and our economy,” he said.
Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Ariff Ali, underlined the Bank’s commitment to environmental responsibility, revealing that emissions from production of the new notes have been offset and that the RBF is exploring recycling opportunities throughout the cash cycle.
The launch also marks Fiji’s first collaboration with Crane Currency, a global banknote manufacturer with over 200 years of expertise. Governor Ali noted that Fiji’s coins are unlikely to undergo a review before 2030 due to their durability and lower counterfeiting risk.
The new polymer banknote series represents a historic milestone in Fiji’s financial history, combining innovation, national pride, and sustainability.
