John Fatiaki

Dr John Charles Fatiaki (born )

Political career

In 2006, he was selected by the Council of Rotuma to represent the 2000-odd inhabitants of the Polynesian dependency of Fiji in the Senate of Fiji. Since his selection he has been active in lobbying, together with George Konrote for the removal of the Bulou ni Ceva, a Fijian sea vessel that was stranded on the reef in Rotuma, putting the local environment at risk. In addition, he has been pushing for improvements to the Rotuman airstrip which is in a serious state of disrepair. He lost his seat in the 2006 Fijian coup d'état.

He contested the 2022 Fijian general election as a candidate for the National Federation Party, winning 1800 votes.

The Land has Eyes

Dr Fatiaki also played a role in the award-winning Rotuman language film Pear ta ma 'on mafa (The Land has Eyes), which was directed by Vilsoni Hereniko. The film made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004. Dr Fatiaki played the role of Poto, a corrupt court interpreter.