The Humble Beginning of the Pine Industry
The Fiji Pine Commission came into being as a body on the 1st of July 1976 under the provision of the Fiji Pine Commission Act (Cap 151).
The primary function of the Commission was to establish a viable forestry industry based on planted forests. Much of the plantation development is on I-Taukei land and the duty of the Commission (now Fiji Pine Limited) includes involving landowners in its commercial activities on terms that aim to ensure the continuing viability of the industry. The areas for pine planting were mostly degraded grassland which was not suited for other activities.
The plantation areas fall under 6 forest bases:
1) Lololo Forest: Covers Lautoka and Ba interior areas;
2) Nadi Forest: Covers Nadi interior areas;
3) Nabou Forest: Covers midway between Nadi and Sigatoka interior areas;
4) Ra Forest: Covers Tavua and Rakiraki interior areas;
5) Bua Forest: Covers Bua;
6) Macuata Forest: Covers Macuata.
Corporatisation of Fiji Pine Commission
Fiji Pine Commission was corporatised in 1990 and as part of this process, Fiji Pine Limited was incorporated. Fiji Pine Limited is a public company incorporated to take over its assets, liabilities, and obligations effective from 1 January 1991.