Kiwi Volunteer Jonty Crane Finds New Life in Suva, Fiji

A new chapter in life has unfolded for Jonty Crane and his wife as they transition from their volunteer experience in Timor-Leste to their current posting in Suva, Fiji. After a challenging yet rewarding year in Timor-Leste with Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA), the couple decided to continue their volunteering journey, arriving in the Fijian capital in August 2024.

Crane, originally from the UK, emigrated to New Zealand in 2010 and became a citizen in 2016. He and his wife found returning to their routine lives in New Zealand difficult after their transformative experience in Timor-Leste. “After an experience like that, it was hard to readjust back to ‘normal life’,” he shared, prompting their decision to volunteer again with VSA, which facilitates opportunities in nine Pacific nations.

Settling into Suva has been relatively smooth. Crane describes their apartment, located near the Flagstaff shops, as compact and comfortable, equipped with air conditioning. The couple appreciates the support from VSA, which organized their accommodation, travel, visas, and language lessons, making the transition easier.

In Suva, Crane works as a Donor and Partnerships Advisor at the Pacific Travel Organisation (SPTO), which aims to boost sustainable tourism across 22 Pacific island nations. His wife serves as a Climate and Environment Law Adviser with Fiji’s Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, recently contributing to the Fijian delegation at COP30 in Belém, Brazil.

Life in Suva presents a unique blend of benefits and drawbacks. Compared to their previous experience in Timor-Leste, Crane finds Suva to be more developed. “There are decent supermarkets, the streets are clean, and the electricity supply is reliable,” he noted. The availability of English speakers and reasonable internet speeds further enhance their experience.

Yet, Suva diverges from the idyllic images often associated with Fiji. Crane points out that the city lacks the stunning beaches and coral reefs that attract tourists. Accessing those picturesque locations can be time-consuming and costly. Additionally, while Suva has its charm, it does not boast a bustling array of activities.

Living expenses in Suva are comparable to New Zealand, with VSA covering accommodation costs. Crane mentions that fresh produce is cheaper at local markets, while imported goods tend to be approximately 25% more expensive.

In his free time, Crane enjoys exploring the city during the cooler mornings and evenings, often capturing beautiful sunrises and sunsets. He also hosts a podcast, The Tramping Life, where he interviews guests about hiking in New Zealand.

Culinary experiences in Fiji reflect the country’s cultural diversity. With around 40% of the population being Indo-Fijian, Crane suggests trying local delicacies like kokoda, a dish of raw fish marinated in lime juice, coconut milk, onion, and chili. He also recommends lovo, a traditional underground cooking method, and sharing a cup of kava during village welcome ceremonies.

Getting around Suva is manageable, as the city is compact enough to walk in under half an hour. However, the heat and humidity can be challenging. Taxis are affordable, averaging around FJ$5 for local trips, while buses offer another economical option, despite lacking a formal route map.

Crane acknowledges that Suva’s reputation for safety can deter nighttime activities. Most expatriates prefer socializing at home or in hotel bars, but the city hosts various film festivals throughout the year.

The best time to visit Suva is during the dry season from May to October. Although the city is known for its humidity and rain, Crane noted that their initial months in Suva were unusually pleasant.

For visitors, Crane recommends exploring the waterfront footpath that stretches approximately 6 kilometers around the seawall, visiting the Suva Municipal Market, renowned for its vibrant stalls, and hiking in the lush Colo-I-Suva Forest Park, which features refreshing swimming holes.

Reflecting on his new life abroad, Crane misses the accessibility of nature in New Zealand. “Walking on non-concrete surfaces and escaping traffic” are among the things he longs for, highlighting the contrast between Suva and the natural trails of Wellington.

As Jonty Crane and his wife continue their volunteering journey in Fiji, they embrace the challenges and rewards of life overseas, contributing to local communities while navigating their own personal growth.