S01 E28 - Makerita Urale and Pacific Creative Enterprises - June 27 2026

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/]

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 highlights how infrastructure procurement is changing with local empowerment. This episode features Talanoa with Titi Tutuvanu-Schwalger who is the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles Advisor to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary and with Jay Bartlett CEO of Hatanga Construction.   Keywords Pacific infrastructure, localization, community development, regional collaboration, Pacific Islands, infrastructure projects, local businesses, community impact   Key  topics Localization in infrastructure projects Regional collaboration and partnership Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles   Sound bites "Increasing localization in the region" "Contributing to community outcomes" "Great to see this initiative growing"   Chapters 00:00 Podcast Introduction 03:40 Introduction to the Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities Seminar 06:56 Introduction to Titi 08:23 Understanding the Role of Titi in Pacific Infrastructure 10:25 Exploring the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles 12:50 Local Content and Its Importance in Infrastructure Projects 14:15 Building Relationships for Effective Localization 15:50 Challenges and Opportunities in the Pacific Infrastructure Sector 21:45 Jay Bartlett from Hatanga Construction 35:35 Conclusion and the week ahead   Resources Pacific Infrastructure Conference 2026 - https://example.com/pacific-infrastructure-2023 [https://example.com/pacific-infrastructure-2023] Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles - Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles.pdf [https://forumsec.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/Pacific%20Quality%20Infrastructure%20Principles.pdf] Hatanga Construction - Hatanga - Solomon Islands Construction & Infrastructure [https://www.hatanga.com/] By Group – https://www.bygroup.com.au [https://www.bygroup.com.au]