About Nausori

Nausori is located in the central region of Fiji. The Nausori region is divided into 4 wards: Nausori, Davuilevu, Naulu/Nakasi and Wainibuku/Davuilevu Housing. A rich Fijian tradition integrated with the colourful beauty of religion flourishes Nausori and gives it all the warmth which resonates throughout Fiji.

Nausori has grown rapidly in the last few years because of the addition of Naulu/Nakasi and Wainibuku/Davuilevu Housing areas. In the 1996 census, the town’s population was 5,744 and by 2007 the population was 24,919. It is likely that the new adjacent areas may be incorporated into the town boundary in 2012.

Downtown Nausori is physically located by the Rewa River sitting on the border between the three provinces of Tailevu, Rewa and Naitaisiri. This strategic location makes it an important town serving a regional function for these provinces. It lies at the heart of the agricultural hinterland that was once home to sugar cane and thence rice cultivation. It is the gateway to the flat alluvial plains of the Rewa Delta, which is subject to flooding at intermittent intervals.

By contrast the newer Nausori from the opposite banks of the Rewa River in Wainibuku, Davuilevu Housing, Naulu and Nakasi are a direct consequence of Suva’s urban sprawl. The resident population of the town is heavily concentrated because of higher ground, which on most cases has saved it from the ravages of the delta flood. The process of urban sprawl is also heavily concentrated in this area, resulting in the heavy traffic jam on Kings Road during rush hour.

The economic base of the town is primarily in retailing and some services. There is some food processing but very little industrial or manufacturing base. Nausori could very rightly be regarded as a dormitory town for Suva, growing but not significantly.

The town is primarily composed of Indo-Fijians and the indigenous population. There are very few Chinese, and part Europeans left from the colonial era. Many new migrants into Nausori can be felt, particularly those coming from the Northern division and many others who have been relocated from Suva. They are mostly located in the suburbs of Nausori as the downtown itself is not densely populated. Those who do business there live outside of the area. There is much movement in traffic during the day indicating the rather transient nature of the town.

The sense of identity for the town cannot be easily established because of the town’s transient nature and of the sharp divide in ethnic lines which keeps the Indo-Fijians mostly in town and the indigenous people in their villages. However, this is slowly changing in view of the new additions to the township.

Economic Development

Economic Development Mission and Goals

To help create a diversified, vibrant and sustainable economy through the attraction and support of businesses meeting the vision and standards desired by Town leaders to:

• Provide desirable services for residents of the Town
• Develop and implement programs to retain and support existing businesses
• Develop and implement programs to attract desired businesses
• Develop and implement programs marketing the Town

Develop and maintain strategic data resources necessary to attract and support businesses and for utilization by the Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
Encourage, develop and nurture an environment receptive to appropriate business development.