Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod

SummaryIn 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.KeywordsPacific region, disaster management, economic frameworks, fuel crisis, Pacific investment, Fiji, Samoa, regional developmentKey topicsPacific Value for Investment Model (P-VIM)Government budgets and regional economic policiesVasiti Soko’s career journey from Fiji to UC BerkeleyLeadership and trust-building in disaster managementThe role of NDMO in Fiji and regional influenceBusiness continuity planning and crisis preparednessThe importance of relationship building before crisesEmpowering local experts and Pacific communitiesDisaster management framework: assess, prepare, respond, recoverSystem level thinking and regional cooperationGuest NameVisiti SokoSound 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"Chapters00:00 Welcome and Introduction05:04 Economic Announcements and Regional Developments05:29 Transitioning to the Talanoa with Vasiti Soko06:29 Introduction to Vasiti Soko 09:33 Vasiti's Journey to Leadership in Disaster Management13:23 Lessons from Leading the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO)17:50 The Role of NDMO in Crisis Management and Coordination20:32 The Role of NDMO in Crisis Management21:54 Business Continuity Planning: A Necessity23:18 Building Relationships for Effective Disaster Response25:12 Leveraging Local Resources in Crisis Situations27:35 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Community Impact30:36 Conclusion and Reflections on the Discussion36:30 The NZ Fiji Business Council Heads to Fiji38:34 PM Rabuka plays Waltzing Matilda42:30 Read outResourcesVPAC Consultancy - https://pacific-vigil.comBCP Template - https://pacific-vigil.com/pacific-readyPacific AI Recruit - https://pacific-ai-talent.replit.app/talent/Fiji Hub - https://fiji-travel-hub.replit.app/

SummaryWith 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. KeywordsPacific infrastructure, localization, community development, regional collaboration, Pacific Islands, infrastructure projects, local businesses, community impact Key topicsLocalization in infrastructure projectsRegional collaboration and partnershipPacific Quality Infrastructure Principles Sound bites"Increasing localization in the region""Contributing to community outcomes""Great to see this initiative growing" Chapters00:00 Podcast Introduction03:40 Introduction to the Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities Seminar06:56 Introduction to Titi08:23 Understanding the Role of Titi in Pacific Infrastructure10:25 Exploring the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles12:50 Local Content and Its Importance in Infrastructure Projects14:15 Building Relationships for Effective Localization15:50 Challenges and Opportunities in the Pacific Infrastructure Sector21:45 Jay Bartlett from Hatanga Construction35:35 Conclusion and the week ahead ResourcesPacific Infrastructure Conference 2026 - https://example.com/pacific-infrastructure-2023Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles - Pacific Quality Infrastructure Principles.pdfHatanga Construction - Hatanga - Solomon Islands Construction & InfrastructureBy Group – https://www.bygroup.com.au

SummaryThis 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 fosters regional collaboration to improve community outcomes.KeywordsPacific infrastructure, procurement, Asian Development Bank, Jenny, Nandi Conference, development challenges, regional collaborationGuest nameJenny Chu (Asian Development Bank)TitlesHow the ADB is Shaping Pacific Development in 2024ADB's role in Pacific infrastructureProcurement policy and innovationRegional collaboration and capacity buildingSound bites"Jenny's implacable and well considered.""Jenny is very open and a great first contact.""Evolving procurement policies in the region."Chapters00:00 Podcast Introduction10:02 Jenny's Role and Background in ADB12:44 Understanding Procurement Policy15:16 Insights from the Roadshow in Australia and New Zealand18:07 Engagement with the Business Community20:50 Advice for Businesses in the Infrastructure Sector23:18 Upcoming Pacific Infrastructure Business Opportunity Seminars27:27 Podcast outroResourcesAsian Development Bank (ADB) - https://www.adb.orgPacific Infrastructure Business Opportunities Seminar (PBOS) - https://https://www.adb.org/news/events/pacific-infrastructure-business-opportunities-seminar-2026Two Palagi email - two.palagi@gmail.com

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

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.

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/frank-yournfrank@australiapacificbusiness.org.au

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.

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.

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?

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, 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.

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.