Tove Foods sues Gov’t, VCBN and former GM for VT190M
July 10, 2025 10:15 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Doddy Morris.
Tove Eats Limited, operating under the name Tove Foods, has filed a lawsuit totalling VT190 million against the Vanuatu Government, the Vanuatu Cooperative Business Network (VCBN), and former General Manager (GM) Craig Wakeford, citing claims of wrongful eviction and alleged premeditated theft of business.
The legal case, lodged by well-known law firm Pacific Law Ltd, includes two separate litigation claims—one alleging a breach of a tenancy agreement and the other relating to alleged business theft and associated damages.
The first claim targets the Republic of Vanuatu through its agency, the VCBN. According to legal documents, Tove Foods entered into a one-year tenancy agreement with VCBN in April 2025 for the use of a Pack House facility.
Before moving into the premises, Tove Foods says it made payments directly to VCBN’s GM, Mr. Kevin Kausiama. Upon occupying the property, the company issued a VT400,000 ANZ cheque for rent. In addition, Tove Foods alleges that a further VT300,000 in cash was paid directly to Mr. Kausiama for his personal use—an amount reportedly withdrawn after Mr. Kausiama himself drove Tove Foods staff to ANZ Bank to cash the cheque.
The company also claims that just two weeks later, Mr. Kausiama requested and received another VT150,000 in cash. In a separate instance, he allegedly contacted Tove Foods staff and collected an emergency advance of VT10,000 in cash.
On June 7, 2025, Tove Foods was issued a vacate notice from VCBN, with the notice citing two months of unpaid rent. However, the company contends that it had already made the necessary payments and has provided Pacific Law Ltd with bank statements, cheque butts, and internal payment vouchers as evidence.
Tove Foods claims the eviction was abrupt, unlawful, and has resulted in significant damages and business losses. According to the company, all transactions were properly documented and not conducted in secret.
The second claim is directed against Mr. Wakeford and the Republic of Vanuatu (again via VCBN), and alleges a premeditated attempt to steal Tove Foods’ business. This aspect of the lawsuit is also expected to include a criminal component.
Mr. Wakeford, a New Zealand resident, previously served as GM of Tove Foods. The company claims he breached his fiduciary obligations and caused financial losses through actions described as deliberate and damaging. While specific details of this claim have not yet been made public, it is understood to form a key part of the wider legal action.
Formal notice has already been served to the Office of the Attorney General, Mrs. Angelyne Glenda Roy, confirming that litigation will proceed against both the Government and the named individuals.
The Daily Post has reached out to VCBN, Mr. Kausiama, and Mr. Wakeford for comment.
