PART ONE: TO THE MARIST BROTHERS IN NEW ZEALAND

PART TWO: PROJECT FEASIBILITY, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ISSUES

PART THREE: OUR PROPOSAL

In memory of  Br Lambert, Br Placid, Br Clement, Br Eugene, Br Theophane, Br Clarent, Br John, Br Paul, Br Paula, our beloved Warrior Br Joe Wara and all our beloved Fiji Marist Brothers who have sacrificed their lives into furthering education in Fiji. We are fighting this campaign in memory of those wonderful blessed Brothers who have passed on after dedicating their lives to Marist Education in Fiji.

We are of the opinion that this discourse only benefits a small few, and over time, the thousands of Fiji “Marists” (old boys, friends, teachers past and present, parents and more importantly, students) will become disengaged, excluded and deprived of the very education that we as former students and family of our proud school and heritage, enjoyed under the leadership of our late mentors. The current discourse denotes an unsustainable development seriously lacking in transparency and consultation and can only be conceptualised as a neo-colonialist attitude, benign of any the Marist values that we had been taught. Simply, it is NOT the Pacific Way; it is certainly NOT the Marist Way.

 

PART ONE
THE FLAGSTAFF PLAZA DEVELOPMENT

To the New Zealand Marist Brothers

The reaction of many Marist Old Boys on various social media platforms have reflected and expressed their resentment and disapproval at the very secretive and somewhat underhanded way the entire Flagstaff Plaza Development proposal has been put together and presented to you, the Marist Brothers Institution in New Zealand.   

The FINELAND INVESTMENTS GROUP aided by a few self-interested old boys and without any formal consultation or proper discussion with the many stakeholders such as the wider Marist Old Boys community, current students, teachers, parents and friends of Marist, has managed to convince and secrete approval for an important piece of prime property to foster their own commercial interest. 

When this same notion was first suggested by the same Group a few years ago it was rejected by the Fiji Marist Brothers & Fiji MOB Executive Committee.

The wider MOB community has been oblivious to this project until the very latter stages where contractual arrangements had been drawn and subsequent council approval simply because these local stakeholder interests have been bypassed in their seeking approval in New Zealand.

Some typical comments being raised:

“We are hurt that the NZ Marist Brothers did not sought to get the opinion of the Fiji Marist Brothers and the many Old Scholars who are qualified professionals in their own right.” (Architects, Lawyers, Engineers, Service Engineers, Accountants, Academics, Developers, Business Owners and Politicians to name a few as well as the numerous Old Boys who have sacrificed and continue to sacrifice their time and money in supporting the activities of the school ).

“We are hurt that the NZ Marist Brothers did not seek the opinions of the wider community of MBHS Old Boys, Students, teachers, parents’ friends, supporters and the immediate residents of flagstaff before approving a project of such a magnitude.”

 

“We are disappointed that a few Old Boys came up with something as drastic as this without proper research and consultation.”

“We are  disappointed that they have shown no respect for the heritage and history of the school that they studied in and are willing to DESTROY the look that MBHS is known for in Flagstaff, Suva and Fiji to former students here and abroad who went through MBHS.

“We are hurt that our dedication to the school and to the Marist Brothers Trust has been disregarded, belittled and replaced with the promise of quick money.”

Does this project now mean that students of Marist Brothers High School and Old Boys do not have to fundraise and contribute anymore to school coffers anymore?

These Developers are leasing the property for  $60,000 per year from the Marist Brothers Trust (which is a very tiny fraction of what the developers would be making from the rent of the commercial spaces to retailers) – If this is money is to help in the running of 5 Marist Schools then let’s do the mathematics:

If the Developers are contributing a further $20,000 per month from profits, it still is not enough to run 5 Marist Schools.

 

$60,000 p/a = $5,000 per month

Divided into 5 Schools & FMETB = $833.33 per month per body which equates to $208.33 per week per body

If there is an additional $20,000 per month - $240,000 p/a - Divided into 5 Schools & FMETB = $3,333.33 per month per body which equates to $833.33   per week per body

Total Individual Share for 5 Schools & FMETB - $1041.66

(IS THE CONTRIBUTION VEP or VIP) p/week
 

A DEVELOPMENT OF THIS MAGNITUDE (IF DONE PROPERLY AND IN THE RIGHT WAY) SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MARIST FAMILY TO A STAGE THAT WE DO NOT HAVE TO FUNDRAISE ANYMORE FOR THE 5 MARIST INSTITUTIONS.

 WHO STANDS TO GAIN MORE FROM THIS DEVELOPMENT?
 

OBVIOUSLY THE DEVELOPERS FOR 99 YEARS!!

In our quest, several questions come to mind which we unfortunately have to ask in order to ensure that the best outcome benefits the Fiji Marist Brothers and secure the financial future of their various institutions in Fiji.

Please forgive our forwardness as we do not intend to be discourteous in anyway what so ever.  

 

Consultation:

1)   Was there any consultation done with all stakeholders?

(i)                   The Fiji Marist Brothers,

(ii)                  Marist Old Boys,

(iii)                Students and

(iv)                Teachers,

(v)                  Parents and

(vi)                Friends of Marist

(vii)               Residents of Flagstaff.

 

2)   Why was everything done in secret behind closed doors?

Yes we acknowledge that the property belongs to the Marist Brothers and that they have the final say, but a decision that has a huge impact like this SHOULD have been the Fiji Marist Brothers decision to make and supported by the NZ Brothers. It is the Fiji Marist Brothers and all the stake holders who are part of the Marist Family who live and work in FIJI who use this site not New Zealand.

 With all due respect to the Marist Brothers past and present, if the approval came from New Zealand, then the NZ MARIST BROTHERS must remember that they do not live in Fiji and do not have the same sentimental connection and pride that we have with our identity as former students of MARIST BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL in Flagstaff, Suva Fiji.

 3)   Does that mean that stakeholders who use the site don't have a say in this at all?

If this project was done in Australia or New Zealand, there would be proper protocols put in place with consultative forums and public consultations held that would determine the approach and outcome of such developments.

4)   Are the Fiji Marist schools so badly deteriorated, closed down or uninhabitable that it warrants something as drastic as selling off some of our iconic school properties for 99 years???

 This is not in keeping with what we were taught and consider being the MARIST way.

 The Marist Old Boys Trust

 The Creation of the Marist Old Boys (MOBs) TRUST was to ensure that as Marist Old Boys we would be able to venture into commercial projects to ensure the continuity of Marist Education where the Marist Brothers and MOB TRUST would be able to go into a collaborative partnership arrangement to ensure that there are viable investments made through development of the Marist Properties into revenue earning entities which would in turn contribute economically to the running of Marist Institutions as well as fund much needed maintenance and repairs to all Marist Schools. Marist Education would be able to sustain itself into the future. The New Zealand Marist Brothers knew of this, and in their judgment still saw fit to continue with the approval of this development.

F. Fiji Marist Brothers Trust Sites: Did the Developers look at other Marist Brothers owned sites that could be developed and customised to help the Marist Brothers and the school?

There is a lot of vacant land in Vatuwaqa behind Marist Vatuwaqa Primary School, which has sufficient room to build:

(i)                  another school

(ii)                accommodation buildings for tertiary students

(iii)               High end apartments

(iv)               shops

 

These are development options that could all generate satisfactory income for the Fiji Marist Brothers Trust and much more income then what the Flagstaff Mall developers are promising the Marist Brothers Trust.

Why choose the most prominent Marist site? This is a heritage site for the Marist Brothers that is rich in Marist History that should be protected and conserved for the Marist family - “PRESENCE.” 

Who stands to gain most from the use of this site? “THE DEVELOPERS”

 

Marist Institutions in New Zealand and Australia

 The Following are just some pictorial examples of Marist Institutions and their supporting infrastructure in Australia and New Zealand, which shows off the beautiful surrounding green grounds and bright open spaces:  

     i.        Why should Marist Brothers High School Students of Suva Fiji be disadvantaged with a development of this magnitude and its consequential impact,?

    ii.        Are they not considered equal students under St Marcellin Champagnant’s Marist Education charism concept?
 Marist schools are renowned for their ethos founded on a sense of ‘family spirit’ which are discernible by five characteristics which particularly inform ‘how we do things around here’.

 A well thought out development proposal could have avoided this unfortunate situation we find ourselves in and would have had an outcome unanimously supported by all parties.

SACRED HEART COLLEGE (AUCKLAND)

http://www.sacredheart.school.nz/shc/facilities/

HATO PETERA COLLEGE (NZ)

http://www.hatopetera.school.nz/

MARCELLIN COLLEGE (NZ)

http://www.marcellin.school.nz/view-of-school

ST PAULS COLLEGE (NZ)

http://www.stpaulscollege.co.nz/about/gallery

ST JOHN’S COLLEGE (NZ)

http://www.stjohns-hamilton.school.nz/

MARCELLIN COLLEGE (AUSTRALIA)

http://www.marcellin.vic.edu.au/

MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE (AUSTRALIA)

http://www.marash.qld.edu.au/

MARIST COLLEGE CANBERRA (AUSTRALIA)

http://www.maristc.act.edu.au/

ST BERNARD’S COLLEGE (AUCKLAND)

http://www.sbc.school.nz/

ST PATRICK’S MARIST COLLEGE (AUSTRALIA)

http://stpatsdundas.catholic.edu.au/home

 

MARIST BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL, SUVA FIJI - THERE IS ALREADY A LACK OF GROUND SPACE YET THIS DEVELOPMENT IS CUTTING OUT BOTH GROUND AND BREATHING SPACE. MBHS – IS A PRESTIGIOUS AND ICONIC SCHOOL IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC WHICH IS NOW REDUCED TO A SCHOOL BEHIND A SHOPPING MALL
 

 

The 5 Pillars of Marist.

1. Family spirit

We are the Marist Family, shouldn't we all have a say in how we look after each other? This is the spirit that we have been taught by the Marist Brothers to love our family. We are against this development because we want to ensure that everything is done right by our Marist Family.

2. Love of Work

Many of us have sacrificed a lot for the Marist Family, and we will continue to work hard in upholding the Marist Name, in looking after our Fiji Marist Brothers and in supporting our school. There is time to work out other ways to create a more sustainable way of providing for the Marist family in monetary terms. We don't have to jump at any opportunity thrown our way by people who do not respect these values.

 

3. In the way of Mary

Is this in the way of Mary?  In the way of Mary is in the way of Jesus, are we forgetting about everything else because we need money? If we are to live by this pillar then the motive behind the proposal of this development is WRONG.

4. Presence

Our presence is in the protection and conservation of the Marist Education legacy of Flagstaff that is Marist Brothers High School and the legacy of our beloved Marist Brothers who have sacrificed their lives for our education. Are we to replace this with a cheap white box and a fake verandah to make us feel good that we can walk through and have a peep at the school behind? Our presence is how we handle ourselves as members of the Marist Family and how we look after our Marist Brothers and each other.

MARIST BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL is our most prominent and iconic MARIST Institution in Fiji and the South Pacific. That is our PRESENCE in Flagstaff (Kaunikuila). Fiji. This MUST be protected.

5. Simplicity

This pillar sums it all up. Where is the simplicity in spirit that we must all show, WHERE IS THE SIMPLICITY in all this???

IN OUR JUDGMENT, THE APPROVAL OF THIS DISPOSSESSION WILL GO DOWN AS POSSIBLY ONE OF THE WORST DECISIONS IN MARIST HISTORY IN FIJI.

PART TWO

PROJECT FEASIBILITY, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ISSUES

A feasibility study, if any, was not done very well by any of the parties who are pushing for this project. It shows a lack of planning and research on critical issues that come with an important site such as this.

A. Marist History and Heritage

Around the world MARIST is a name that has become widely known for holistic balance and general excellence in religious, educational and sporting achievement. The importance of the Flagstaff school site is that it reflects the heritage of Marist educational progress and historical significance to the place with its sentimental values to the Marist family, Fiji Marist Brothers legacy (past and present), past students of Marist Brothers High School, in Fiji and those who have moved abroad including its current students and teachers. The history and legacy of this location must be protected and conserved as a testament to the Marist Brothers who have given their lives in pursuit to the education of the young men who have gone through this institution.

MARIST BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL is one of the most prominent and iconic Marist Institution in Fiji and the South Pacific and its very PRESENCE in Flagstaff is now going to be replaced by a building that pays no respect whatsoever to the iconic structure behind it, and dishonors the sacrifices made by the many Marist Brothers who have taught at this Marist Brothers High School and have gone before us.

B. Traffic implications
 

     I.        Bau Street, in front of the school is one of the busiest stretches of road at peak hours, morning and afternoon, and with the increasing number of cars on Fiji Roads, it's only going to get worse.

   II.        The traffic now backs up right down to Gordon Street near Na Hina Apartments and Ra Marama House. Any developer with good common sense would carry out proper traffic studies and will see that the traffic implications caused by this project together with the increase in the number of cars in Suva will make the Flagstaff area a nightmare to drive through.

 III.        There is no road widening planned for Bau street. This Mall/Plaza developers plan to have a carpark in front of the it on Bau street with an entry  and exit from Bau Street with an additional access to the basement on Carew Street close to the junction with Bau street. This will be a nightmare for motorists.

 IV.        Any accidents in this area as a result of the increased traffic use should be blamed on the developers and owners of the site. Driveway down into back area is 24.95 meters. The FRA requirements state a minimum of 30 meters from any junction.

   V.        The location of the bus shelter/stop is opposite Serua Street/ Bau Street junction. The bus stop is not in a bus bay as such traffic will be impaired. Similarly, taxi parking spots are also on the street, not in taxi bays. Lessons from Damodar City should suffice to render this arrangement unacceptable.
There is no Road Widening reserve on Bau Street!

 VI.        Carew Street (usage and width) increasing width to 7 meters.
Does this mean there will be no parking along Carew Street?
Lessons from Damodar City Situation should be enough to know that shoppers will park along Carew Street if they cannot find parking on the complex itself.

VII.        Entry and exit driveways will affect traffic flow on Bau Street. Again, lessons from the Damodar City development.

C. Cleanliness / Pollution

 

Is there going to be a guarantee given that all tenants of the complex will ensure that their back of house operations is not going to be an eyesore from the other side?

 

What are the Marist Brothers High School students going to be looking at every day at Recess and Lunch?

One only needs to have a look at the back of supermarkets and shops and see the rubbish bins, toilet windows and other unsightly collections of items that are thrown around the back and away from the front operations.

 

D. Drainage
 

Storm water drainage: These developers are using existing storm water run offs. With close to 4000m2 of roof area and with an anticipated maximum 300mm of rain there will certainly be access water run-off into the existing storm water drains. Existing open drains behind the Marist Brothers’ hermitage and in front of Ratu Mara Hostel will be taking access water. Continuous rain will result in backflow and will result in flooding. Already the driveway to the school gets flooded in heavy downpours, yet these developers have not taken any extra Precautions to avoid the additional flow of storm water to an already weak drainage system.

E. Noise

 

What happens when tenants want to play their loud music for sales promotions and marketing purposes?

Is there going to be some form of control measures put in place to ensure that these sorts of promotions are not out of control and become a disturbance to the students and residents of Flagstaff?

F. Grounds

What happens to sizing of the rugby grounds? Do they become smaller? Do we get 1 ground that is as close as possible to the required size? Or are there going to be 2 undersized grounds? Proper platform must be provided for students to train and play in grounds that are sized to standard dimensions so they are accustomed to playing at national and international level.

 

Marist Brothers High School in Flagstaff currently has approximately 800 students who play a variety of sports. The Marist culture entertains and encourages a healthy body and mind to be part of a balanced and successful learning environment.

1.   Athletics – Training for track and field events happen on the two grounds as well as the inter-house competitions if the National Stadium is not available. With the Mall taking up half of Ground 2, there will no longer be enough available space for these activities.

2.   Rugby – with rugby teams in all grades:

a.   U14,

b.   U15,

c.    U16,

d.   U17,

e.   U18,

f.     U19

 

Where are they going to train and play?

 

With rugby being a professional sport now and a big career earning potential for many, how do we expect Marist Brother High School students to train and play in undersized grounds and expect them to succeed at school level, national level and international level?

 

3.   Soccer – With the increase in diversity of sports and the inclusion of soccer in the school sporting activities.
What happens if there is an increase in soccer playing students?

4.   Cricket – is another sport that needs a whole lot of space for playing. With the shopping mall taking up half of ground 2 where will the cricket playing students train and play cricket?

 

With the decrease in the size of the grounds, Marist Brothers High School will have to look for and possibly pay for outside grounds to train and play for some sports.

 

The grounds are also an area where students play, have lunch and spend recess in between their classes as well as the physical education class activities. The grounds are also used as an assembly area if there is an emergency in any of the school buildings.

G. Complex Design / Visual Impact 

The whole design of the complex looks like a cut and paste design from a mall overseas, with no reference to the local context of Flagstaff surrounds and the Marist Brothers High School building in the back. 

It has no character and no respect for the name Marist and the buildings that it is going to hide in the back, which has more character, heritage and form in terms of architecture.

    I.        The Environmental Management Plan failed to consider the visual impact from the school and student or learning perspective.  From the drawings it is clear that these include the use of COLOR BOND SUPER DECK, along the back wall of the development and exposing the toilet windows, toilet vents and toilet piping. You can compare this to sitting behind a warehouse for a good part of your day.
The Developers have opted for an industrial Design to cut cost. Suva City Council and DTCP should have looked at how the aesthetics DO NOT BLEND in with the HERITAGE QUALITY of the Marist Brothers High School Building in the back. This is not an INDUSTRIAL ZONE!!

   II.        What is the viewing platform behind the plaza for? Food court? Coffee shop? There is no roof for this area and backs up onto the toilets. It is not a space where one would want to be and you have to access it through shops. If the shops are closed? What happens???

 III.        The plaza is too big. Reducing its size to that of the school and the surrounding buildings will ensure it blends in with the environment.

 IV.        The end towards Carew Street has three levels including a basement. The building proportion plus the relationship to the existing buildings makes the plaza overpowering, simply not a Marist value.

Other Issues

     I.        There is mention in the Environmental Management Plan of the restoration of the two playing fields and cricket pitches. There is no documentation or drawings outlining the scope of works and details of ground rehabilitation work.

   II.        There are no drawings that show the developers are catering for persons with disabilities. While there is a ramp in front of the supermarket, there is no other access that will allow for quick escape in disasters (earthquake) or fire. There are also no toilets to cater for persons with disabilities.

 III.        With approximately 800 students, there is surely a requirement for student per square meter to be provided by schools. This we will need to clarify with the Occupational Health and Safety legislative requirements and the Ministry of Education.
(Normally based on standard design requirements (Metric handbook-Planning and Design Data) refer image –with 800 students we need around 60,000 square meters – we are reducing the space to even smaller.

             

PART THREE

 

Our Proposal
OPTION 1: STOP THIS DEVELOPMENT, PUT A HOLD ON ALL WORKS

1a. CONTRACTOR must demobilize, make good damaged grounds and leave MARIST BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL.

1b. THINK TANK (DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE) must immediately be formed to look at revising the lease for relocation to Marist Vatuwaqa.

(THINK TANK COMPOSITION: MARIST BROTHERS FIJI, FMETB REP, MOB PROFESSIONALS, MOB TRUST REP, PTFA REP, DEVELOPERS)

1c. THINK TANK to meet with relevant local and government authorities on the revision of lease arrangements and revision of development location from Flagstaff to Marist Vatuwaqa property.

1d: THINK TANK to meet with Developers to review and revise lease arrangements.

1e: We have CONCEPTS for other developments that can be reviewed together with the DEVELOPERS and MARIST BROTHERS after some agreement has been reached on the above.

1f: General discussions with developers, Marist Brothers and all Stakeholders on development options with the current Lease agreements after some agreement has been reached on the above.

1g: Look at Different options of sustainable development that have been developed as part of the exploration and research on different commercial options to support the Fiji Marist Brothers Trust and the Marist family Review concepts which were created for the Marist Vatuwaqa Site as well as Marist Suva Street and Marist Brothers High School.

There are different options for development that can be invested in at the MARIST VATUWAQA Site. We are prepared to sit with the MARIST BROTHERS and look at different options that will be more ECONOMICAL and ETHICAL for the Marist family. All Marist Developments must reflect the 5 Pillars and portray all our MARIST VALUES.

 

PLEDGE

Fineland Investments and The Fiji Marist Brothers Trust (Inc) have developed a project called Flagstaff Plaza. This project includes building commercial space at the Marist Brothers’ High School frontage in Flagstaff without any proper consultations and a lack of  an appropriate design concept. 
This project we fear will have a negative impact on the entire Marist community. The majority of the Marist Old Boy’s, friends and family are most disappointed at this entire project development and express a deep rejection to  this project because it  depreciates the value of not only their legacy but  the broad community spirit as a whole. 

This project will hugely impact Flagstaff by increasing traffic and congestion, increasing human presence and potential crime rate and subsequently affecting the study and concentration of its students. 

We call for a stop to the project and to conduct  proper and inclusive consultations that reflect the family oriented community we pride ourselves on.. We plead your support and signature to voice our concerns and rejection to this project. If you favor rejecting this project in its current design and consultation and have a vested interest in the sustainability of the Marist Brothers’ in Fiji, I / we urge you to support this petition.

 We the Marist Old Boys of our beloved high school in Flagstaff call upon the NZ Marist Brothers’, the Fiji Marist Trust Board (Inc) and Fineland Investment to stop all construction proceedings and to commence consulting more widely on the Flagstaff Plaza project.