Press Release No. : 34/2012
Date : 29 November 2012
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) has today announced that a new series of banknotes and coins with new obverse (front) designs will be officially unveiled by His Excellency the President of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on 12 December 2012.
RBF Governor, Barry Whiteside, said flora and fauna designs of Fiji will replace the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II across all denominations. Mr Whiteside said that members of the British Royal Family have featured on our currency since 1934 and we are indeed grateful to have had the privilege of this association over the past 78 years. He further stated that while it is sad to see this transition taking place, it is time to move forward and promote our very own unique national treasure and the biodiversity that lies all around us.
Along with the design changes, the Reserve Bank will also, for the first time, introduce a $2 coin to replace the $2 note. Governor Whiteside said work on the new series of notes and coins commenced in February 2010 during the United Nation’s declared Year of Biodiversity, so it was most fitting to recognise this important theme and what better way than to do so in our national currency. A Currency Design Committee of eminent Fijians was approved by the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance to oversee the selection of the designs.
The Governor said that a number of the new flora and fauna designs selected are unique to Fiji. Some clearly belong on the endangered species list and all Fijians must be made aware of this fact and how critical it is to preserve our heritage. The new 2012 flora and fauna design series notes and coins will come into circulation with effect from 2 January 2013.