Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod

The conversation focuses on the significance of the tourism industry in Fiji, discussing its economic impact, challenges, and recovery post-COVID. Fantasha Lockington, CEO of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, shares insights on the industry's dynamics, including local ownership, climate challenges, and recent tax changes. The conversation delves into the complexities of tourism development i...

The conversation delves into the world of Kava, exploring its preparation, varieties, and the journey of Zane Yoshida in the Kava industry. Zane leads the ASX listed Calmer Company that markets the FijiKava brand. We also discuss the invention of instant Kava and its significance in the Western market. The conversation delves into the cultural and regional consumption of Kava, exploring its histor...

The conversation with owners, Qiuchee and Qiujing Wong, explores the journey of Lukbo, a business specializing in the importation and wholesaling of Pacific Island and Asian food. It delves into the challenges of sourcing, processing, and distributing products from the Pacific region to New Zealand, as well as the family history and legacy of the business. The conversation covers topics such as th...

The conversation introduces Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) and Glynis Miller, the Trade Commissioner for PTI based in Auckland. Glynis shares her journey to PTI, highlighting the organization's role as a regional trade and investment promotion agency. The discussion explores PTI's impact on trade and investment in the Pacific, emphasizing its influence on changing the narrative for Pacific exporters a...

The conversation covers Tony Fautua's diplomatic career, transition to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), and the role of the Adventist Church in the Pacific. It also explores the evolution and influence of the Adventist Church, ADRA's mission and global network, and its collaboration with the Adventist Church. It also explores ADRTA's connection to the Sanitarium business, the im...

Glen and Dave discuss the Pacific business landscape, community involvement, and the significance of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in driving economic activity and decision-making in the region. They explore the structure and decision-making process of the PIF, emphasizing the importance of consensus and actionable outcomes. The Troika and its relevance for New Zealand's upcoming hosting of the...

The conversation with Stephen Plowman, the captain of beer, covers his journey into the beer brewing industry, the establishment of Hallertau Brewery, the evolution of the brewing industry in New Zealand, and his partnership in the Rarotonga brewery. Stephen's focus on quality, sustainability, and the local beer experience is evident throughout the discussion. The conversation with Stephen Plowman...

The conversation delves into the rise of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in the Pacific, particularly in Fiji, and its impact on the local economy. It also explores the journey of DUCO Consultancy, the growth of the BPO market in Fiji, talent retention and development, and Fiji's value proposition in the BPO sector. The conversation covers the topics of 24/7 support for global client...

Summary In this episode, Dave and Glen Talanoa with Matt Freeman of Freeman Media to discuss the upcoming Oceania Renewable Power Summit, focusing on renewable energy developments in the Pacific region, challenges, opportunities, and the role of international investment. Keywords renewable energy, Pacific region, Oceania Renewable Power Summit, energy transition, solar, wind, batteries, energy inv...

summary   In this episode, Dave Dewar interviews Atin Patel, a director of Vinod Patel Group, to explore the company's diverse operations, regional expansion, and leadership philosophy. Discover how a family business maintains professionalism, innovation, and community engagement across Fiji and beyond.      keywords   Vinod Patel Group, Fiji business, regional expansion, family business, leadersh...

Summary Join our Two Palagi as they explore the economic significance of the French Pacific, featuring insights from Agnes Baekelandt, Vice President of the French New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and CEO at Barkers of Geraldine. Discover the region's potential, cultural highlights, and key opportunities for business and collaboration; including discussion of the upcoming trade mission organized by...

S ummary In this episode, we explore the Pacific region's business landscape through an insightful conversation with George Constantinou of the Constantinou Group. Discover how a family business spans multiple markets and generations, and gain valuable regional insights. We explore their diverse portfolio, management strategies, regional opportunities, and community initiatives. Keywords Pacific r...

Navigating Pacific Food Supply Chains with John Stokes Discover how John Stokes leverages his extensive experience in food distribution from New Zealand to the Pacific, creating sustainable and profitable regional supply chains. This episode delves into the intricacies of exporting Pacific-grown produce, overcoming logistical hurdles, and building local markets. Main Topics: The evolution of food...

Summary In this episode, Glen and Dave discuss regional business insights, cultural highlights, and recent developments in the Pacific, including airline innovations and culinary achievements. The main feature is a Talanoa with Matthew Finlay the CEO of Solomon Airlines and how he sees his first 130 days in the role along with his views for the future. Keywords Pacific business, airline industry,...

Keywords Creative Arts, New Zealand, Pacific, Economic Impact, Export, Sustainability, Makerita Urale, Creative New Zealand, Arts Strategy, Intellectual Property Takeaways Creative arts contribute over 4.3% to New Zealand's GDP. Pacific creative enterprises play a vital role in promoting New Zealand internationally. Makerita Urale emphasizes the importance of connecting Pacific arts with global au...

Summary In this episode, Glen and Dave explore regional business trends, economic relationships, and inspiring rescue stories from the Pacific. The key feature is an engaging Talanoa with Paul Clark, Managing Director of The Distillery Co. Fiji. With deep personal and family connections to Fiji Paul and his brother have created world class products under brands like Blue Turtle Gin and VulaViti Vo...

Summary In this episode, Glen and Dave explore disaster management and business continuity planning through a talanoa with Vasiti Soko who was the first female director of Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office. Vasiti led the organisation through COVID 19 as well as through a number of natural emergencies. The talanoa comes off the back of Dave working with Vasiti on facilitation of a webinar...

Content  type Interview Summary Dave is safely back in Rarotonga but while he was in Fiji he had a Talanoa with Craig Smith from Fiji's Counterpoint Group. Craig shares insights on digital innovation in Fiji's tourism sector, regional tech development, and the future of AI and digital tools in the Pacific. Discover how local businesses are transforming and the opportunities for growth and collabor...

Summary With Dave freshly back from attending the Pacific Business Opportunities Seminar (PBOS) in Nadi, Glen and Dave discuss the key themes from PBOS, focusing on localization, community development, and regional collaboration. While he was at the conference Dave had a couple of Talanoa and highlights how infrastructure procurement is changing with local empowerment. This episode features Talano...

Summary In this engaging interview, the team from Greenhouse Studio in Suva, Fiji, share their journey, creative process, and insights into the Pacific's vibrant creative economy. Discover how they craft meaningful work that inspires change and celebrates Pacific culture. They have also designed a new look for Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod which Dave and Glen are pleased to launch! Keywords Greenho...

Summary This episode features Glen and Dave discussing infrastructure development in the Pacific, focusing on recent initiatives, challenges, and upcoming conferences with Jenny Chu from the Asian Development Bank. They explore the evolving procurement culture in the region, procurement policies, and opportunities. Discover how ADB supports local businesses, enhances procurement processes, and fos...

Summary Along with their normal discussion about business activity in the Pacific this week Dave talks about the time he spent on Atiu Island. The main feature in this episode is that, while Dave was at Atiu, Glen sat down with Sarah Leo who leads Auckland Council’s engagement with Auckland’s Pacific economy. Sarah shares her journey, the importance of Pacific businesses in Auckland's economy, and...

Summary Join Glen and Dave as they explore the vibrant Pacific art scene, recent cultural events, and regional developments in infrastructure, energy, and connectivity. This episode highlights the power of storytelling through film, art, and community engagement, emphasizing resilience and innovation in the Pacific region. Keywords Pacific art, regional development, Pacific connectivity, Pacific r...

 S ummary In this episode Two Palagi have an nsightful interview, Jennifer Boggiss shares the inspiring story of Heilala Vanilla, a premium vanilla brand originating from Tonga that has gained international recognition. Discover how the business combines community engagement, authentic storytelling, and innovative branding to disrupt the vanilla industry and promote Pacific excellence.  K eywords...

While the edited version of the talanoa with Sristhi Narayan, Chief Marketing Officer at Tourism Fiji, is included in the regular weekly Podcast Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod felt that the extended interview should also be published this week. So here is the full interview with Sristhi.