Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod
by GMurph and DDewar
The Pacific is one of the most commercially underestimated places on the planet. Its business stories rarely get told. That's what we're here for. Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod is a weekly business podcast hosted by Dave Dewar, based in Rarotonga Cook Islands (previously in Fiji), and Glen Murphy, based in Auckland New Zealand. Between them they've spent years working across the Pacific: building businesses, opening markets, and getting to know the people, trends and organisations that make this region tick. Now they've got a microphone and a lot of questions. Each week Dave and Glen dig into the business stories, news, and trends shaping the Pacific. Sometimes a conversation with an operator or investor with skin in the game; sometimes unravelling and explaining stories and trends that deserve more commercial attention than it's getting. Always, it means thirty minutes of straight talk with no development-sector framin
Episodes
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S01 E46 - Sharyne Fong and Leadership Fiji - Oct 30 2026
This week the Two Palagi Talanoa features Sharyne Fong discussing her journey as a leader in Fiji, her role in Leadership Fiji, and the importance of leadership development in the Pacific context. The dialogue explores the evolution of Leadership Fiji, its programs, and the impact of community...
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S01 E45 - Cath Cooksley-Little at HOTEC Oct 23 2026
In this episode the Two Palagi talk with New Zealand's Trade Commissioner for the Pacific who is leading a NZ presence at the HOTEC trade show in Nadi. Together they explore the Trade Show, highlighting key insights about the evolving tourism landscape in Fiji. It emphasizes the shift towards...
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S01 E44 - Giles Jephcott and The NZ Pacific Business Council - Oct 17 2026
In this episode, Dave and Glen engage with Giles Jephcott, chair of the New Zealand Pacific Business Council and MD at Astrolabe Shipping, discussing his journey and experiences in the Pacific business landscape. They explore the significance of relationship building, the success of recent…
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S01 E43 - Renewable Energy Transition with Dean Yarrall - Oct 10 2026
The Two Palagi attended the Oceania Renewable Energy Summit so Dave and Glen discuss the summit itself and have a Talanoa with Cook Island's energy regulator Dean Yarrall. Dean also leads the Office of the Pacific Energy Regulators Alliance (OPERA) so has a unique region-wide view of energy...
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S01 E42 - Fantasha Lockington CEO at FHTA - Oct 3 2026
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...
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S01 E41 - Zane Yoshida and FijiKava - Sept 26 2026
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...
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S01 E40 - Lukbo Food Group - Sept 19 2026
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...
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S01 E39 - Glynis Miller and Pacific Trade & Invest - Sept 12 2026
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...
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S01 E38 - Tony Fautua and ADRA - Sept 5 2026
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...
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S01 E37 - The Pacific Islands Forum 2026 - Aug 29 2026
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...
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S01 E36 - Stephen Plowman and Rarotonga Brewery - Aug 22 2026
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…
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S01 E35 - Chandan Ohri, DUCO Consulting and Outsource Fiji - Aug 15 2026
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...
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S01 E34 - Matt Freeman and the Oceania Renewable Power Conference - Aug 8 2026
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…
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S01 E33 - Atin Patel and the Vinod Patel Group - Aug 1 2026
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...
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S01 E32 - The French Pacific with Agnes Baekelandt - July 25 2026
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...
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S01 E31 - The Constantinou Group in PNG - July 18 2026
Summary 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...
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S01 E30 - John Stokes and Eat The Kiwi - July 11 2026
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...
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S01 E29 - Matthew Finlay and Solomon Airlines - July 4 2026
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...
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S01 E28 - Makerita Urale and Pacific Creative Enterprises - June 27 2026
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...
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S01 E27 - The Distillery Co. Fiji - June 20 2026
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...
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S01 E26 - Vasiti Soko and Business Continuity Planning - June 13 2026
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…
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S01 E25 - Talanoa with Craig Smith of Counterpoint Group - June 6 2026
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...
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S01 E24 - Pacific Infrastructure Conference, Nadi - May 30 2026
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...
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S01 E23- New brand launch and Talanoa with Greenhouse Studio - May 23 2026
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…
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S01 E22 - ADB and Pacific Infrastructure Procurement - Talanoa with Jenny Chu - May 16 2026
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,...
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S01 E21 - Talanoa with Auckland Council Pacific Economy Lead Sarah Leo - May 9 2026
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...
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S01 E20 - The Business of Pasifika Art - May 2 2026
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...
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S01 E19 - Jennifer Boggiss, Heilala Vanilla - April 25 2026
Summary 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…
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S01 E18B - Special Episode: extended interview with Srishti Narayan
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.
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S01 E18 - Talanoa with Srishti Narayan, CMO of Tourism Fiji - April 18 2026
Summary In this episode, Glen and David interview Sristhi Narayan, Chief Marketing Officer at Tourism Fiji, to explore insights into Fiji's tourism industry, and lessons learned from her tenure. They also discuss recent developments in Pacific sports and digital connectivity. Keywords Tourism…
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S01 E17 - "Across the Ditch" with Frank Yourn, Australia-Pacific Business Council - April 11 2026
Summary With Dave returning after an Easter break in French Polynesia and Glen preparing for cyclone Vaianu, Two Palagi talanoa with Frank Yourn, a seasoned expert in Pacific regional business and diplomacy. Frank is Executive Director of the Australian Pacific business councils. Discover…
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S01 E16 - South Pacific Tourism Exchange - March 30 2026
Summary In this episode, Dave and Glen acknowledge the passing of Ratu Epeli. Glen visits the Pasifika festival on Waiheke Island and we speak about the on-going impact of fuel supply disruption. On a positive note we cover discussion points from the South Pacific Tourism Exchange and the...
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S01 E15 - Talking Tonga with Business Council Chair Rachel Afeaki-Tamoepeau - March 21 2026
Glen and Dave talanoa with Rachel Afeaki who, among many other things, chairs the New Zealand Tonga Business Council. Rachel recently co-led New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's mission to Samoa and Tonga. We find out what happened on the mission and whether 'Eti Fixed the Glitch'. With...
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S01 E14 - NZ PM Luxon visits Samoa and Tonga - March 14 2026
The New Zealand Prime Minister is about to lead a delegation to Samoa and Tonga so Dave and Glen preview that visit. Talk about what these types of missions entail, how delegates can maximise the value of being on the mission and speculate about which businesses might be along for the ride. They...
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S01 E13 - Niue Development Bank - Talanoa with GM, Jesse Koorey-Slow - March 7 2026
Dave and Glen talanoa with Jesse Koorey-Slow who is currently running the Niue Development Bank and find out about life on Niue and that the NDB is doing some very interesting work to digitize their processes.
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S01 E12- Mapping the Pacific - Talanoa with Chris and Nina, Kahuto Pacific - February 28 2026
Dave talks with Chris Saili and Janina Wetzel about the journey of building a business in the Pacific, the challenges and opportunities in the region, the role of partnerships and growth, the ADB Frontier Seed Program, the Moana Data Services business model, data accessibility and infrastructure…
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S01 E11 - Understanding the ADB - February 20 2026
With the president of Asia Development Bank traveling throughout the Pacific this week Dave and Glen take the opportunity to talk about the work of the ADB. Looking at some of this week's announcements including the opening of a new ADB office in the Solomon Islands and also discussing broad...
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S01 E10 - Air Rarotonga MD, Sir Ewan Smith - February 13 2026
In this engaging conversation, Sir Ewan Smith shares his journey in the aviation industry, detailing the challenges and innovations he faced while establishing and running an airline in the Cook Islands. He discusses the critical role of air access in supporting tourism, the impact of COVID-19 on...
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S01 E09 - Waitangi Day in the Pacific - February 6 2026
Glen and Dave discuss various themes surrounding Pacific business, including community celebrations for Waitangi Day, the impact of the late Sanjesh Prasad on the Vision Group, tourism opportunities in Fiji and Palau, updates on the banking sector, infrastructure developments, mining prospects in...
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S01 E08 - Talanoa with Fiji Investment Chair Jenny Seeto - January 30 2026
In this episode Dave and Glen talk Pacific tourism, through their talanoa with Jenny Seeto who chaired the recent Fiji Tourism Summit. They also talk about Jenny's career and about the key ingredients of Fiji's tourism success: collaboration and connectivity in the tourism industry, outcomes and...
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S01 E07 - People Movement: Migration and Tourism - January 23 2026
In this episode, Glen and Dave discuss the movement of people across the Pacific, focusing on tourism trends in Fiji and the Cook Islands, migration patterns in Vanuatu, and the implications of the US visa bond. They also touch on the redevelopment of Air Vanuatu and the upcoming New Zealand...
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S01 E06 - Talking Sport with Fiji Drua Head of Sales Josefa Vanuaca - January 16 2026
In this episode of Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod, hosts Glen and David delve into the business of Pacific sports, highlighting significant events and developments across the region. They discuss recent experiences at the ASB Auckland Open tennis tournament and the inaugural Pickleball Open in...
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S01 E05 - the year ahead in the Pacific 2026 - January 9 2026
Great to be back in 2026 and as we start the year Dave talks about the year ahead with some major events coming up in the tourism and in the infra-structure sectors. We look at some of the developments in energy across the region with a focus on energy pricing in Fiji and we discuss the…
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S01 E04 - Talanoa with BSP Life CIO Craig Strong - Dec 20 2025
Dave and Glen sit down with Craig Strong, Chief Investment Officer for BSP Life in Suva to talanoa about Craig’s background, BSP’s approach to investment and their growing connection to Iwi investors in Aotearoa.
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S01 E03 - PNG Investment Week - Dec 12 2025
Kia ora, bula, kia orana, talofa and welcome to Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod with Glen Murphy and Dave Dewar. In this episode we recap Papua New Guinea Investment Week and discuss the major announcements shaping business across the Pacific. Highlights include the Puk Puk Treaty, Australia’s $600...
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S01 E02 - Auckland's Pacific Economy and Energy Fiji - Dec 5 2025
Glen does his homework and talks about the Auckland Council report that quantifies the importance of the Pacific economy in Auckland while Dave attends a roundtable session to understand Energy Fiji’s investment pipeline and talks about the excellent results from Fiji’s National Provident Fund.
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S01 E01 - The First Episode - Nov 30 2025
This week Dave comes back from Papua New Guinea and tells us about the opportunities there and Glen attends a conference on Pacific Business in Auckland
About this show
The Pacific is one of the most commercially underestimated places on the planet. Its business stories rarely get told. That's what we're here for.
Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod is a weekly business podcast hosted by Dave Dewar, based in Rarotonga Cook Islands (previously in Fiji), and Glen Murphy, based in Auckland New Zealand.
Between them they've spent years working across the Pacific: building businesses, opening markets, and getting to know the people, trends and organisations that make this region tick.
Now they've got a microphone and a lot of questions.
Each week Dave and Glen dig into the business stories, news, and trends shaping the Pacific. Sometimes a conversation with an operator or investor with skin in the game; sometimes unravelling and explaining stories and trends that deserve more commercial attention than it's getting.
Always, it means thirty minutes of straight talk with no development-sector framin
Hosted by
GMurph and DDewar
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