Suva: December 12, 2012
The Reserve Bank of Fiji has today unveiled Fiji’s new flora and fauna family of banknotes and coins. His Excellency the President of Fiji Ratu Epeli Nailatikau officially unveiled the new family at a ceremony in Suva.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by De La Rue Currency Executives Mr Tim Jones, Area Sales Director; Mrs Brooke Banks, Regional Manager Oceania; Ms Dani Douglas, Studio Operator; Mrs Gill Sugg, Project Manager and Mr Luis Morris, Senior Designer. During the early banknote design stages in October 2011, Mrs Brooke Banks and Mr Luis Morris had the privilege of working closely with the Reserve Bank of Fiji’s Currency Design Committee comprising eminent Fijians as well as the Currency Technical Committee comprising Executive Management staff of the Reserve Bank.
Fiji’s new design series celebrates Fiji’s endemic plants and animals, some of which are believed to be extinct as they have not been sighted in recent years. Some of the design subjects are so unique that they are only found in Fiji.
In unveiling the new currency series, His Excellency the President said that it is a reflection of the importance of Fiji’s unique flora and fauna that they are incorporated on the new currency because currency is another form of a nation’s identity. His Excellency also said that Fiji’s new currency has been well designed, bearing in mind the needs of the Fijian people and additionally he acknowledged the continued support that the Reserve Bank of Fiji has received from De La Rue during the development of the new series.
The Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Mr Barry Whiteside, said “It is important to embrace and share our uniqueness and heritage so that people are able to recognize the importance of what we have around us, and there is no better way than on our own currency”. Governor Whiteside also expressed his sincere appreciation to De La Rue for being partners in this historic event.
The entire series of banknotes, comprising vibrant and elegant looking $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations with new front designs, were printed by De La Rue Currency. Fiji is the first country in the world to be using De La Rue’s polymer substrate on the $5 denomination. This is now the lowest banknote denomination, and the colour has been changed from brown to green commemorating biodiversity. New security features have also been incorporated in this new banknote series.
De La Rue’s Chief Executive Officer Mr Tim Cobbold said ”We have been printers of Fijian banknotes since 1914 and are proud to have been associated with Fiji for nearly a century. We are particularly honoured to be part of this historic achievement for this small island nation in the South”.
Ms Ruth Euling, Sales Director for De La Rue Currency, said “We are delighted that the Reserve Bank of Fiji has continued to place its trust in us to supply their new banknote family, particularly using our new polymer substrate”.
Fiji’s new currency comes into circulation from 2 January 2013.
ENDS
About De La Rue plc:
As the world’s largest integrated commercial banknote printer, De La Rue is a trusted partner of governments, central banks, issuing authorities and commercial organisations around the world.
In the past five years alone, the Group has been involved in the design or production of over 150 national currencies. De La Rue also produces a wide range of security documents including passports, driving licences, authentication labels and tax stamps. In addition, the Group manufactures sophisticated, high speed cash sorting and inspection equipment.
De La Rue also offers a range of specialist services and software solutions including government identity schemes, product authentication systems and cash management processing solutions.
De La Rue employs approximately 4,000 people worldwide and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
For further information, please contact Rob Hutchison, Group Director of Communications, De La Rue (rob.hutchison@uk.delarue.com).
About The Reserve Bank of Fiji:
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) is the central bank of Fiji. The responsibilities of the RBF include issue of currency, control of money supply, currency exchange, monetary stability, promotion of sound finances, and fostering economic development.
For further information, please see http://www.rbf.gov.fj/
