Josaia (Joe) Banivanua Mar, otherwise known as Joe Mar, is a storyteller whose life spans oceans, cultures and transformative moments. Born and raised in the remote village of Naroi in Fiji, his journey has been one of relentless curiosity, resilience and service. From humble beginnings, he rose to become a leader in the global corporate world, navigating the complexities of multinational organisations and national governance. Along the way, he balanced the roles of a devoted father, a loving husband and a mentor to future generations. A man deeply rooted in his heritage and driven by an enduring faith, he has lived through seismic personal and political upheavals, drawing lessons from each to inspire and uplift those around him. Now retired, he lives with his wife, Sarah, in Cheltenham, England, tending his beloved garden, nurturing his family and reflecting on a life well-lived. This memoir is a testament to the power of perseverance, the bonds of family and the courage to forge one's own path.

• Introduction ix1. The family-roots of resilience 12. Village life-where the sea meets the hills 63. Sweet moments and hidden joys 114. Village school and lessons beyondthe classroom 155. A second chance 216. An introduction to Suva-a city of lightsand dreams 267. Lost in the city and the copper gang 318. Lodoni and a journey of fear and hope 369. Forged in discipline-life and loyalty at RKS 4010. The budding engineer-a spark of curiosityand a journey of courage 4511. Queen Victoria School-a new world ofexpectations 5212. Minds and traditions moulded 5713. Boys will be boys 6314. A personal loss and a new resolve 7015. A new world: from RKS to coeducation 7516. The interview-crossroads to the future 8117. Wings of wonder-my first flight to Sydney 8518. Fresh starts, cultural stumbles-navigatingcollege life 9119. Building a family amid disasters 9820. New beginnings in Suva-from setbacksto success 10421. Melbourne-dreams and the separation 11022. Papua New Guinea-embracing the wildand letting go 11623. New beginnings and finding Sarah 12124. Dreams realised and a new life in Fiji 12725. Brisbane-challenges, community,and resilience 13926. A spiritual homecoming and sayinggoodbye to Shell 14427. A new chapter of purpose 15028. The coup and the uncertain road ahead 15729. Renewal and new beginnings 16730. Tracey-a journey of love, loss, and faith 17631. A journey continues 182Epilogue 188

Josaia (Joe) Banivanua Mar, otherwise known as Joe Mar, is a storyteller whose life spans oceans, cultures and transformative moments. Born and raised in the remote village of Naroi in Fiji, his journey has been one of relentless curiosity, resilience and service. From humble beginnings, he rose to become a leader in the global corporate world, navigating the complexities of multinational organisations and national governance. Along the way, he balanced the roles of a devoted father, a loving husband and a mentor to future generations. A man deeply rooted in his heritage and driven by an enduring faith, he has lived through seismic personal and political upheavals, drawing lessons from each to inspire and uplift those around him. Now retired, he lives with his wife, Sarah, in Cheltenham, England, tending his beloved garden, nurturing his family and reflecting on a life well-lived. This memoir is a testament to the power of perseverance, the bonds of family and the courage to forge one's own path.

• Introduction ix1. The family-roots of resilience 12. Village life-where the sea meets the hills 63. Sweet moments and hidden joys 114. Village school and lessons beyondthe classroom 155. A second chance 216. An introduction to Suva-a city of lightsand dreams 267. Lost in the city and the copper gang 318. Lodoni and a journey of fear and hope 369. Forged in discipline-life and loyalty at RKS 4010. The budding engineer-a spark of curiosityand a journey of courage 4511. Queen Victoria School-a new world ofexpectations 5212. Minds and traditions moulded 5713. Boys will be boys 6314. A personal loss and a new resolve 7015. A new world: from RKS to coeducation 7516. The interview-crossroads to the future 8117. Wings of wonder-my first flight to Sydney 8518. Fresh starts, cultural stumbles-navigatingcollege life 9119. Building a family amid disasters 9820. New beginnings in Suva-from setbacksto success 10421. Melbourne-dreams and the separation 11022. Papua New Guinea-embracing the wildand letting go 11623. New beginnings and finding Sarah 12124. Dreams realised and a new life in Fiji 12725. Brisbane-challenges, community,and resilience 13926. A spiritual homecoming and sayinggoodbye to Shell 14427. A new chapter of purpose 15028. The coup and the uncertain road ahead 15729. Renewal and new beginnings 16730. Tracey-a journey of love, loss, and faith 17631. A journey continues 182Epilogue 188

Josaia (Joe) Banivanua Mar, otherwise known as Joe Mar, is a storyteller whose life spans oceans, cultures and transformative moments. Born and raised in the remote village of Naroi in Fiji, his journey has been one of relentless curiosity, resilience and service. From humble beginnings, he rose to become a leader in the global corporate world, navigating the complexities of multinational organisations and national governance. Along the way, he balanced the roles of a devoted father, a loving husband and a mentor to future generations. A man deeply rooted in his heritage and driven by an enduring faith, he has lived through seismic personal and political upheavals, drawing lessons from each to inspire and uplift those around him. Now retired, he lives with his wife, Sarah, in Cheltenham, England, tending his beloved garden, nurturing his family and reflecting on a life well-lived. This memoir is a testament to the power of perseverance, the bonds of family and the courage to forge one's own path.

• Introduction ix1. The family-roots of resilience 12. Village life-where the sea meets the hills 63. Sweet moments and hidden joys 114. Village school and lessons beyondthe classroom 155. A second chance 216. An introduction to Suva-a city of lightsand dreams 267. Lost in the city and the copper gang 318. Lodoni and a journey of fear and hope 369. Forged in discipline-life and loyalty at RKS 4010. The budding engineer-a spark of curiosityand a journey of courage 4511. Queen Victoria School-a new world ofexpectations 5212. Minds and traditions moulded 5713. Boys will be boys 6314. A personal loss and a new resolve 7015. A new world: from RKS to coeducation 7516. The interview-crossroads to the future 8117. Wings of wonder-my first flight to Sydney 8518. Fresh starts, cultural stumbles-navigatingcollege life 9119. Building a family amid disasters 9820. New beginnings in Suva-from setbacksto success 10421. Melbourne-dreams and the separation 11022. Papua New Guinea-embracing the wildand letting go 11623. New beginnings and finding Sarah 12124. Dreams realised and a new life in Fiji 12725. Brisbane-challenges, community,and resilience 13926. A spiritual homecoming and sayinggoodbye to Shell 14427. A new chapter of purpose 15028. The coup and the uncertain road ahead 15729. Renewal and new beginnings 16730. Tracey-a journey of love, loss, and faith 17631. A journey continues 182Epilogue 188