Has Mavuva Island, Macuata, been sold yet?

from Wendy
Found this on a web when I was browsing islands for sale in Fiji.
Mavuva Island. How to interpret the story, sure does depend upon your point of view. I suspect it has already been sold. It's near Nukubati, in the vicinity of the Tui Macuata's village of Naduri and Macuata-i-wai island.
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Mavuva
Price: USD$2,500,000 (or nearest offer)

Location

Mavuva Island is located approximately 23 nautical miles from the colourful town of Labasa, which is situated on the second main island of Fiji, Vanua Levu. Four hours is the flying time from Brisbane to Nadi, with a 45-minute duration connecting flight from Nadi to Labasa. High speed Water Taxi Transfer from Labasa to Mavuva Island Resort takes approximately 25 minutes, with a total of approximately six hours travelling time from Brisbane to Mavuva Island Resort.


General Description

Mavuva Island is freehold and is 48 acres (194,000 square metres) in size, with approximately a further 20 acres (81,000 square metres) of surrounding beaches. The island rises to 110 ft (35 metres) and has a gradual slope to the eastern side. The island is volcanic in origin and has some lava formations. The island sits on a coral reef, the edge of the reef being located approximately 400 metres from the beach, and is surrounded by protected water up to 20 metres deep. It is a very prolific reef with an abundance of sea life. The island is covered with coconut trees, and the branches of these trees spread over an area of approximately 1000 square metres. There is an abundance of tropical fauna.

Climatically, this region of Fiji has consistently the best weather in all of the Fiji Islands. Whilst it obviously gets hot, particularly during the summer months, it does not experience the same degree of humidity as many other regions. The winters are absolutely perfect, with blue skies, warm waters and beautiful evenings. And whilst no part of Fiji is immune to hurricanes, Mavuva Island has suffered very little damage of any sort over the past 30 years. Because of these favourable conditions, the Resort Management Company is better able to confidently offer holiday packages throughout the whole year, rather than on a seasonal basis.


History of the Island

The Island was originally discovered in approximately 1880 by a German American named Steiner who had arrived in Lautoka in search of the famed Fijian sandalwood. Fiji had earlier in the century acceded to Britain as protection from neighbouring Pacific nations. The British had cut out all sandalwood in this region and so our early explorer moved north to Vanua Levu in search of fresh timber supplies. In doing so he discovered Mavuva Island, and the Chief for this region lived on Macuati-I-Wai Island which is three kilometres away.

At this time there was much tribal warfare. On arrival in this area our early explorer befriended the Chief as he was a Gunsmith, and offered to fight off the warring tribes against the Chief with his flint lock pistols and armoury of gun powder. This gesture endeared our early explorer to the Chief, who in appreciation gave him two islands in the region, they being Mavuva Island and Nukubati Island. He approached the British and requested title deeds for the two Islands in question. These were granted to him and the original title deed for Mavuva Island in fee simple number 490 was issued to him. (my italics)

Over the years the original descendants passed away leaving only tow last dependents. One is currently still living on Nukubati Island, the other a gentleman by the name of Robert Fox resided on Mavuva Island. As he was aging, the last of the descendants sold the Island to Pacific Haven Limited in approximately 1965. The directors of this company had been trading in the tourism industry in the South Pacific for some considerable time. Part of the agreement on purchase of the Island was that they should take care of the aging Robert. Some years later he passed away. Prior to his passing, one of those directors, Frank Hansen and his wife, took up residence on the island. After starting construction and building the main dining area and kitchen, Frank decided that because the island was in actual fact the Garden of Eden, and one of the most beautiful places on earth, with its coconut palms, curtain fig trees and the other magical fauna, he decided that he would not share it with the rest of the world, and lived there in retirement for some twenty years. On his death in 1992 his wife Joan moved to Sydney.

The island is now reluctantly being placed in the market as the original owners (my italics) and beneficiaries are living offshore.