National Archives of Fiji

History and Founding

The National Archives of Fiji was established in 1954 as the Central Archives of Fiji and the Western Pacific High Commission. Its founding mission was to preserve the public records of Fiji. Following Fiji's independence in 1970, the institution was renamed the National Archives of Fiji in 1971. It is a government agency currently under the Ministry of Education, Heritage, and Arts.

Collections and Holdings

The National Archives holds documents occupying over 6 kilometres of shelving, along with approximately 2,000 hours of historical audiovisual footage and more than 100,000 historical photographs. Holdings cover Fijian government records from the colonial era to the present. Access to records is governed by the Public Records Act and a 2006 amendment; government records are transferred to the Archives after 15 years, and records older than 30 years are available for public access.

Notable Materials

The Archives holds records pertaining to pre-independence Fijian governance, colonial administration, and early diplomatic history. Its audiovisual and photographic collections document Fijian social, cultural, and political life across more than a century. Chronological records in the collection begin as early as the 1840s, with holdings related to early consular representation and the Kingdom of Fiji.

Access and Usage

Researchers may visit the Reading Room at 25 Carnavon Street, Suva. The Archives has launched an online portal (archivesfiji.org) making selected records available digitally. Appointments or identification may be required for access.