Any i-Taukei land deals regarding new leases should be made with the knowledge of the Taukei Land Trust Board.

It’s been reported that some landowners are giving prospective tenants permission to use land, without telling them the land is already under lease to someone else.

In some cases, the unsuspecting tenants even build houses on the land.

TLTB General Manager Alipate Qetaki told FBC News the TLTB is the only body that can legally grant leases.

“What we advise the landowners and what we advise prospective tenants is that they should come to the i-Taukei Land Trust Board, they will get proper advice.”

Qetaki says prospective tenants can negotiate with owners, but the rest has to be done by the board.