SUVA, Fiji (26 May 2025): Senior Vehicle Examiner Arveen Chand has become the first Land Transport Authority (LTA) staff member to participate in a six-month international staff exchange training program with Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ). This milestone marks a significant step for the Authority in strengthening professional collaboration and knowledge sharing between LTA and VINZ.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa congratulated Mr Chand and expressed pride in his achievement and the opportunity it would bring for both him and the Authority. While officers had previously attended trainings in New Zealand, this programme marked the first long-term formalised staff exchange for the Authority and VINZ since their collaboration in 2016.
“This is a proud moment for LTA. Arveen will not only represent the Authority but also serve as a role model during his time in New Zealand. With high expectations placed on him, I am confident that he will uphold the standards and values of LTA with integrity and excellence,” Mr Rokosawa said during a farewell event for Mr Chand at LTA headquarters in Valelevu, Nasinu.
“This staff exchange programme isn’t just about sending someone overseas. It’s about meaningful capacitybuilding in areas such as Electric Vehicle (EV) inspection, vehicle inspection equipment, inspection standards, and compliance processes.
“We are grateful to our partners at VINZ for their co-operation in ensuring Arveen’s wellbeing is safeguarded throughout the program.”
Mr Rokosawa said the staff exchange program was designed to foster knowledge sharing and elevate standards in compliance and transport systems.
“The program is expected to pave the way for future participants and position LTA as a forward-looking, globally connected institution. It will also provide hands-on experience, promote cross-cultural collaboration, and encourage the sharing of best practices to enhance vehicle inspection and compliance,” the CEO said.
Mr Chand, who began his journey with the Authority in 2005, said his appointment to the program was a personal milestone and a source of inspiration for the wider LTA workforce.
“I feel so happy and proud to be selected for this six-month training program in New Zealand. This training program will not only enhance my skills but also allow me to contribute more effectively to LTA when I return.
“I am thankful to the team at LTA for this opportunity and for believing in my capabilities to represent the Authority at an international level. Their support has been instrumental in my journey, and I am committed to making the most of this experience,” said Mr Chand, who left for New Zealand on May 9.
Mr Chand said the exchange would provide him the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, and was eager to bring those insights back to help improve the systems and services at LTA.
“I am thankful to my family for their support and encouragement throughout this journey. I will miss them but, their belief in me has been a constant source of strength,” he said.
LTA Acting Manager Standards and Engineering Razik Khan said Mr Chand would be immersed in the latest vehicle inspection practices, new technologies, and regulatory frameworks.
“It’s a win-win. Not only will he learn from VINZ, but the Authority will also benefit from the practical insights he brings from Fiji. The program also opens the door for future bilateral exchanges,” Mr Khan said.
“Staff from VINZ are also expected to visit Fiji, sharing their expertise while learning about local practices. This dynamic two-way partnership is anticipated to strengthen technical capabilities and foster innovation in both countries,” he said.
Mr Khan said the long-term vision included expanding the exchange programme to other departments within LTA, beyond vehicle inspections.
