Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod

SummaryJoin 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.KeywordsPacific art, regional development, Pacific connectivity, Pacific resilience, Pacific culture, Pacific energy, Pacific film, Pacific communityKey  topicsPacific art and film: Sergeant Hane and its cultural impactThe role of art fairs and exhibitions in regional identityPacific resilience through renewable energy projectsConnectivity solutions like Starlink in remote Pacific communitiesChallenges and opportunities in Pacific labor schemes and welfareRecent regional events: Anzac Day and diplomatic engagementsChapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Episode01:00 Personal Updates and Community Engagement03:03 Commemoration of Anzac Day and Its Significance05:28 Exploring Pacific Cinema: The Story of Sergeant Hane07:29 Aotearoa Art Fair: Celebrating Pacific Art09:51 Exhibitions and Artistic Connections in Rarotonga11:46 Future Discussions on Creative Development13:53 Fashion and Cultural Events in the Pacific15:28 Current Issues: Fuel Crisis in the Pacific19:12 Pacific Leaders' Individual Responses to Energy Crisis20:29 Renewable Energy Opportunities in the Pacific21:39 Geothermal Energy Potential in Tonga23:04 Starlink Connectivity and Resilience in the Pacific24:41 Labour Mobility Challenges and Worker Rights29:37 Community Impact of Tragedies on Migrant Workers31:18 Celebrating Local Distilleries and Economic GrowthResourcesSergeant Hane Film - https://www.sergeanthane.co.nzAotearoa Art Fair - https://aotearoaartexpo.co.nzLisa Reihana's Artworks - https://www.bergmangallery.co.nz/artists/lisa-reihanaFiji Fashion Week - https://fijifashionweek.comCreative New Zealand - https://creativenz.govt.nzPacific Renewable Energy Conference - https://energyregion.orgCook Islands Distillery - https://cookislandsdistillery.comBlue Turtle Gin - https://cookislandsdistillery.com/blue-turtle-ginFiji Distillery Company - https://fijidistillery.com

 SummaryIn 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. KeywordsPacific business, Tonga vanilla, brand storytelling, community impact, global markets, vanilla industry, Pacific branding, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, food innovation Key  topicsOrigin story of Heilala Vanilla in TongaCommunity and sustainability initiativesBranding and marketing strategies for premium productsImpact of Pacific culture on global brandingChallenges and opportunities in Pacific agricultural exportsTitlesFrom Tonga to the World: The Heilala Vanilla Success StoryHow Pacific Roots Disrupt the Global Vanilla MarketChaptersIntroduction to Heilala Vanilla and Its OriginsThe Journey of Heilala VanillaMarketing and Branding StrategiesThe Impact of COVID-19 on BusinessCommunity Engagement and Business SuccessFuture Vision and Growth OpportunitiesCultural Insights and Business Practices ResourcesHeilala Vanilla Website - https://heilalavanilla.co.nz

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.

SummaryIn 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. KeywordsTourism Fiji, marketing strategies, Pacific sports, digital connectivity, Fiji tourism, Pacific region, sports franchise, Super Rugby, Fiji economy, tourism marketing Key  topicsTourism Fiji's marketing strategiesImpact of digital connectivity on Pacific regionChallenges faced by Pacific sports franchisesFuture of Fiji's tourism industryRegional digital infrastructure developments TitlesUnlocking Fiji's Tourism Potential: Insights from Sristhi NarayanPacific Sports and Digital Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities  ResourcesTourism Fiji Official Website - https://www.fiji.travel/Super Rugby Pacific - https://super.rugby/competitions/super-rugby-pacificPacific Island Telecommunications Conference - https://www.pacifictelecomconference.com/Digital Connectivity Initiatives in the Pacific - https://www.example.com/digital-pacific 

SummaryWith 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 insights on Pacific trade, infrastructure, and opportunities for Australian and New Zealand businesses to thrive in the region.KeywordsPacific Business, Australia Pacific Relations, Pacific Infrastructure, Trade Opportunities, Frank Yourn, Pacific Islands, Business Council, Regional Development Key  TopicsPacific trade and economic relationsRole of business councils in Australia and the PacificOpportunities in Pacific infrastructure and climate changeEngagement and collaboration between Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific nationsTitlesUnlocking Pacific Opportunities: Insights from Frank YournThe Future of Pacific Business with Frank Yourn sound bites"Queensland is Australia's Pacific state.""Climate change creates new business opportunities in the Pacific.""Playing the long game is essential for success in the Pacific."Chapters00:00 Welcome to Two Palagi01:05 Exploring Tahiti: A Family Adventure04:00 Economic Insights from French Polynesia05:42 Cyclone Vaianu: Preparedness and Impact08:20 Introducing Frank Yourn: A Pacific Business Leader08:56 Frank Yourn's Journey in Pacific Diplomacy16:58 Navigating Business in the Pacific21:55 Strengthening Connections through MOUs26:36 Emerging Business Opportunities in the Pacific29:32 Advice for Engaging in the Pacific Market36:38 Acknowledgement of Kanti Lal Punja resourcesAustralia Pacific Islands Business Council - www.apibc.org.auAustralia Fiji Business Council - www.afbc.org.auAustralia Papua New Guinea Business Council - apngbc.org.au guest linksLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/[email protected]

SummaryIn 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 increasing digital connectivity across the Pacific.For Easter Dave is travelling to Tahiti so Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod will take a break for the Easter week but we look forward to hear stories of Dave's travels when he's [email protected] Infrastructure Business Opportunity SeminarsHome | Pacific Infrastructure Pipeline

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 ongoing hostilities in the middle east upsetting world fuel supplies we also talk about how that is impacting business in the Pacific.

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 also review the impact of the Iran conflict, talk about ADB's loan for improving healthcare in Fiji and revisit the Panguna mine deal in PNG.

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.

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 in the Pacific, and advice for doing business in the region. Key takeaways include the importance of community collaboration and the need for data accessibility in the Pacific.TakeawaysCommunity CollaborationData AccessibilityChapters00:00 Building a Business in the Pacific20:48 The ADB Frontier Seed Program27:58 Moana Data Services Business Model37:17 Advice for Doing Business in the Pacific

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 developments of how the ADB finds projects across the Pacific region. How should business engage?

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 his business, and the importance of community and local talent in sustaining operations. Ewan also reflects on the future of tourism in the Cook Islands, emphasizing the need for balance and stewardship in the industry. His insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and highlight the unique opportunities within the Pacific Islands.

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 Bougainville, and the growth of the kava industry.TakeawaysWaitangi Day celebrations foster community spirit and connection.Sanjesh Prasad's legacy will continue through the Vision Group.Tourism is a vital economic driver in the Pacific.Deflation can have negative impacts on economic growth.Infrastructure events provide networking opportunities for businesses.The kava industry is experiencing significant growth in Fiji.Mining developments in Bougainville could reshape the local economy.Sound bites"It's a beautiful space with community feel.""The legacy will continue of the Vision Group.""Deflation is not necessarily a good thing."Chapters00:00 Celebrating Waitangi Day Across the Pacific05:56 Honoring Legacy: The Vision Group and Its Impact08:26 Tourism Trends and Insights from Fiji16:38 Banking Sector Updates and Economic Reflections21:25 Infrastructure Developments and Opportunities29:14 The Rise of Kava: A Growing Industry in FijiDisclaimerDave and Glen both have day jobs with New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and want to make sure listeners know that any views or opinions they express are personal and do not reflect the position of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.

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 next steps for Fiji's tourism industry, future initiatives and trends in Fiji's tourism industry, and business community engagement and opportunities in Fiji.TakeawaysPacific tourism growthImpact of tourism on the Pacific economyChapters00:00 Introduction and Pacific Tourism Growth07:21 Fiji's Tourism Industry and Land Lease Payments23:39 Collaboration and Connectivity in the Tourism Industry29:24 Outcomes and Next Steps for Fiji's Tourism Industry40:44 Business Community Engagement and Opportunities in Fiji

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 election.TakeawaysThe Pacific business landscape is vibrant and evolving.Recent weather events have impacted communities in New Zealand.Fiji is nearing a million tourists, showcasing its appeal.Cook Islands tourism emphasizes local experiences over resorts.Vanuatu faces challenges with labor outflow due to migration schemes.Air Vanuatu is undergoing significant redevelopment efforts.The US visa bond could affect business travel and opportunities.The podcast has gained recognition in both Fiji and Afghanistan.Sound Bites"Fiji had record years for tourism.""Politics play a part in business.""We're number one in Fiji!"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pacific Business Dynamics02:36 Impact of Recent Weather Events in New Zealand04:13 Tourism Trends in Fiji07:08 Exploring the Cook Islands Tourism Model09:56 Vanuatu's Economic Landscape and Labor Migration12:51 Air Vanuatu's Redevelopment Efforts15:21 US Visa Bond and Its Implications18:17 New Zealand Elections Date21:05 Podcast Growth and Future DirectionsDisclaimerDave and Glen are both employed in day jobs at New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE); however, this podcast is their private endeavour so they wish it to be known that any views or opinions expressed in the podcast are personal and do not reflect any positions of NZTE.

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 Rarotonga, showcasing the growing interest in diverse sports. The conversation shifts to the Coral Coast Sevens in Fiji, where competitive teams vie for a $50,000 prize, and the recent resignation of All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, a topic that has captured national attention in New Zealand. The episode features a special guest, Josefa Vanuaca, who shares insights into the business side of the Fijian Drua rugby team. He discusses the team's funding structure, revenue streams, and the importance of sponsorship in sustaining the franchise. Josefa emphasizes the evolving nature of sports business in the Pacific, including new initiatives like hybrid streaming options and the significance of women's rugby.

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 movie-style bank heist that happened in Vanuatu during the holiday season.

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.

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 million commitment to Papua New Guinea’s new NRL team, visa changes to boost tourism, and updates on major resource projects including Papua New Guinea LNG. We also touch on the Asian Development Bank's economic outlook for the Pacific and the region’s climate-related risks. Connectivity is a key theme: Google’s planned subsea cables and data centre plans promise lower data costs and improved resilience. We close with a look ahead to Austrade’s Pacific trade commissioner roles and a preview of next week’s guest, Craig Strong from BSP Life.

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.

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