S01 E29 - Matthew Finlay and Solomon Airlines - July 4 2026

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 130 days in the role along with his views for the future. Keywords Pacific business, airline industry, Michelin stars, cultural attire, regional news Key  topics Pacific regional business dynamics Innovations in airline industry: Solomon Airlines and Air Rarotonga Pacific cuisine recognition: Michelin stars in New Zealand Recent regional news and personal stories Takeaways Pacific airlines are expanding international routes, enhancing connectivity. Recognition of Pacific cuisine with Michelin stars highlights regional talent. Cultural attire like Tongan shirts fosters regional identity and pride. Regional news reflects a vibrant and evolving Pacific business landscape. Guest  name Matt Finlay Titles Pacific Business Insights with Glen and Dave Airline Innovations in the Pacific Sound bites "First Pacific Michelin star in Auckland." "Solomon Airlines balances community service and revenue." "Inaugural Christchurch to Solomon Islands flight." Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 02:54 Farewells and Reflections 05:53 Culinary Achievements in the Pacific 08:01 Matthew Finlay’s Journey in Aviation 17:12 Challenges of Running and Airline vs. an Airport 20:24 The Future of Air Travel and Regional Connectivity 22:02 Purposeful Partnerships in Aviation 22:48 Navigating Domestic and International Markets 25:36 Tourism Potential in Solomon Islands 28:21 Collaborative Opportunities in the Pacific 30:34 Stakeholder Management Challenges 32:22 Sustainability and Future Growth Strategies 35:11 Talanoa Summary 37:14 Looking at the Week Ahead 44:12 Two Palagi Sign-Off Resources Solomon Airlines - https://www.flysolomons.com [https://www.flysolomons.com] Air Rarotonga - https://airraro.com [https://airraro.com] Michelin Stars in New Zealand - https://guide.michelin.com/en/nz/restaurants [https://guide.michelin.com/en/nz/restaurants] Tala Restaurant Auckland - https://www.tala.co.nz/ [https://www.tala.co.nz/]

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 Zealand internationally. Makerita Urale emphasizes the importance of connecting Pacific arts with global audiences. Creative New Zealand has a five-year Pacific Arts strategy focused on export potential. The arts sector is a significant export earner for New Zealand. Building relationships is crucial for success in the creative industries. Artists need to understand the economic aspects of their work. Collaboration with local businesses can enhance creative sustainability. Intellectual property rights are essential for protecting artists' work. AI should not replace the creative process but can assist in administrative tasks. Summary This conversation explores the significant impact of creative arts on New Zealand's economy, particularly through Pacific creative enterprises. Makerita Urale, a key figure at Creative New Zealand, shares her journey and the organization's strategies to promote and sustain the arts sector. The discussion highlights the importance of building relationships, understanding economic sustainability, and protecting intellectual property in the creative industries. The Export Essentials program aims to equip Pacific artists with the necessary skills to navigate the global market, emphasizing collaboration and community support. Sound Bites "Creative arts contribute over 4.3% to GDP." "We have a five-year Pacific Arts strategy." "The arts sector is a significant export earner." "Building relationships is crucial for success." "Go and ask for help from successful business people." "Intellectual property rights are essential for artists." "AI should assist, not replace creativity.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:45 The Economic Impact of Creative Arts in New Zealand 04:42 Makerita Urale’s Journey in Pacific Arts 06:22 Creative New Zealand's Role and Strategies 11:27 Building a Sustainable Creative Economy 14:52 Export Essentials for Pacific Creative Enterprises 17:52 The Importance of Relationships in the Arts 23:16 Connecting with Local Business for Support 27:04 Intellectual Property and AI in the Creative Sector 28:51 Summary and Close Resources Creative New Zealand website: https://creativenz.govt.nz/ [https://creativenz.govt.nz/] Creative NZ Leadership: https://creativenz.govt.nz/about-creative-nz/the-team#senior-leadership [https://creativenz.govt.nz/about-creative-nz/the-team#senior-leadership] Creative NZ Pacific Team: https://creativenz.govt.nz/about-creative-nz/the-team#pacific-arts [https://creativenz.govt.nz/about-creative-nz/the-team#pacific-arts] NZTE: https://my.nzte.govt.nz/ [https://my.nzte.govt.nz/]

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 Paul and his brother have created world class products under brands like Blue Turtle Gin and VulaViti Vodka. Keywords Pacific region, rescue stories, distilling, regional trends, Fiji spirits, Blue Turtle Gin, rum, provenance, export, business scaling, awards, local ingredients, Pacific craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, regional development, creative industries,  Key  topics Rescue story of a fisherman in Cook Islands Impact of global events on Pacific fuel prices Talanoa with Paul Clark from The Distillery Co. Fiji Paul's diverse career journey The importance of provenance in spirits The impact of awards on brand recognition Scaling production and export strategies in Fiji Challenges of doing business in Fiji and the Pacific The importance of local talent and community support Guest Name Paul Clark from The Distillery Co. Fiji Titles Pacific Business Insights with Glen and Dave Rescue and Trade: Pacific Stories Unveiled From Auctioneer to Distiller: Paul Clark's Fiji Spirit Journey How Fiji's Blue Turtle Gin Became World-Class  Sound Bites "Working across the Pacific for the last five or six years" "The bilateral economic relationship between New Zealand and Fiji is over two billion dollars" "A fisherman found after a week lost at sea, alive and waving his paddle” "Yeast is the most important thing in this distillery." "If it's a Fijian rum, it needs to be made, matured, and bottled here.” "Creating a world-class product out of passion." "Local talent and community are key to growth." Chapters 00:00 Two Palagi Introduction 07:31 Introduction to The Distillery Co. Fiji and Blue Turtle Gin 07:50 Paul Clark's Journey to Fiji Distillery 19:28 Building a True Fiji Product  23:05 World Class Quality 27:56 Challenges and Opportunities for Business 30:33 Vinaka Paul 30:52 Lessons Learned: Passion and Persistence in Business Resources The Distillery Co. Fiji - https://tdcfiji.com/ [https://tdcfiji.com/] Takeaways Passion and attention to detail are crucial for business success. Investing in local talent and community fosters sustainable growth. Pacific entrepreneurs are capable of creating world-class products.

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 natural emergencies. The talanoa comes off the back of Dave working with Vasiti on facilitation of a webinar discussing the fuel crisis with Fiji’s Business Disaster and Resilience Council and examines important topics like business continuity planning. Keywords Pacific region, disaster management, economic frameworks, fuel crisis, Pacific investment, Fiji, Samoa, regional development Key  topics Pacific Value for Investment Model (P-VIM) Government budgets and regional economic policies Vasiti Soko’s career journey from Fiji to UC Berkeley Leadership and trust-building in disaster management The role of NDMO in Fiji and regional influence Business continuity planning and crisis preparedness The importance of relationship building before crises Empowering local experts and Pacific communities Disaster management framework: assess, prepare, respond, recover System level thinking and regional cooperation Guest Name Visiti Soko Sound bites "Vasiti Soko's role in disaster management" "New framework evaluates community benefits" "Pacific budgets reflect regional priorities” "You can't change the person but you can change the relationship" "Assess the situation, prepare, respond, recover" "When dealing with the Pacific, do things wholeheartedly from the heart" Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 05:04 Economic Announcements and Regional Developments 05:29 Transitioning to the Talanoa with Vasiti Soko 06:29 Introduction to Vasiti Soko  09:33 Vasiti's Journey to Leadership in Disaster Management 13:23 Lessons from Leading the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) 17:50 The Role of NDMO in Crisis Management and Coordination 20:32 The Role of NDMO in Crisis Management 21:54 Business Continuity Planning: A Necessity 23:18 Building Relationships for Effective Disaster Response 25:12 Leveraging Local Resources in Crisis Situations 27:35 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Community Impact 30:36 Conclusion and Reflections on the Discussion 36:30 The NZ Fiji Business Council Heads to Fiji 38:34 PM Rabuka plays Waltzing Matilda 42:30 Read out Resources VPAC Consultancy - https://pacific-vigil.com [https://pacific-vigil.com] BCP Template - https://pacific-vigil.com/pacific-ready [https://pacific-vigil.com/pacific-ready] Pacific AI Recruit - https://pacific-ai-talent.replit.app/talent/ [https://pacific-ai-talent.replit.app/talent/] Fiji Hub - https://fiji-travel-hub.replit.app/ [https://fiji-travel-hub.replit.app/]

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 Pacific. Discover how local businesses are transforming and the opportunities for growth and collaboration across the region. Glen and Dave also discuss recent developments in the Pacific, including digital connectivity, business innovations, trade relations, and regional events, highlighting opportunities and challenges in the region. Keywords Fiji, tourism, digital innovation, AI, Pacific, technology, small business, regional development, digital transformation, tourism technology Key  topics Digital transformation in Fiji's tourism sector Integration of AI and data analytics in Pacific businesses Regional collaboration and tech development in the Pacific Fiji-New Zealand trade relations and exports Renewable energy initiatives in Fiji Regional business leadership and community impact Takeaways Digital tools are empowering small tourism operators in Fiji to compete globally. AI and data integration are key to unlocking new business opportunities in the Pacific. Regional collaboration and knowledge sharing are vital for Pacific's digital growth. Guest  name Craig Smith Titles How Fiji's Tech Sector is Revolutionizing Tourism The Future of AI and Digital Tools in the Pacific Sound bites "Low broadband penetration was a common challenge." "Training on AI tools is key to future growth." "Human connection remains vital in Pacific tourism." Chapters 00:00 Two Palagi Introduction 03:56 Introduction to Counterpoint Group and Fiji's Digital Landscape 05:58 Craig Smith's Journey and Background 08:25 Fiji's IT Scene and Opportunities 13:33 Counterpoint Group's Services and Community Engagement 17:59 Nabuki and Bokoon: Innovations in Tourism Technology 22:08 The Role of AI in Fiji's Business Landscape 26:25 Final Thoughts and Future Opportunities 28:12 The week ahead Resources Counterpoint Group Website - https://counterpoint.digital/ [https://counterpoint.digital/]