Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod

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 portfolio, management strategies, regional opportunities, and community initiatives.

Keywords

Pacific region, family business, Papua New Guinea, regional investment, tourism, property development, business insights

Key  topics

The history and diversification of the Constantinou Group
The role of family leadership across generations
Investments in tourism and property in PNG and Samoa
Challenges and opportunities in regional markets
Insights into Pacific regional economic development

Guest  name

George Constantinou

 Sound bites

"The group has had a significant investment in Samoa for over ten years."
"They describe themselves as a fully integrated property development business."
"Their portfolio spans property, construction, and tourism across the region."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview
01:16 Weekly updates and personal reflections
05:34 Introduction to George Constantinou and the Talanoa
06:09 IGeorge Constantinou and the Constantinou Group
32:50 Talanoa Summary and the Week Ahead

Constantino Group Website - https://www.constantinou-group.com/
Airways Hotel - https://www.airways.com.pg/ 
Taumeasina Island Resort - https://www.taumeasinaislandresortsamoa.com/
Loloata Island Resort - https://www.loloataislandresort.com/
Lamana Hotel - https://lamanahotel.com.pg/ 
Heritage Park Hotel - https://heritageparkhotel.com.sb/
Texas Chicken - https://nz.texaschicken.com/
Sir Theo Foundation - https://www.sirtheofoundation.org/

Port Moresby Kiwi Club - https://www.facebook.com/POMKiwiClub/

PNG Investment Week - https://www.businessadvantagepng.com/events/png-investment-week-2026/
Business Advantage PNG - https://www.businessadvantagepng.com/
PNG Chiefs - https://nrlpng.co/

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 produce, overcoming logistical hurdles, and building local markets.Main Topics:
The evolution of food distribution and supply chain models in the Pacific
Opportunities and challenges in exporting premium Pacific produce
Strategies for leveraging local growers to add value and reduce reliance on imports
The importance of research, relationships, and understanding local market dynamics
Future opportunities in regional exports, including premium products and niche markets

In this episode:
We celebrate Dave’s birthday along with the Matariki celebration
John Stokes shares his journey from the Auckland restaurant scene to founding "Eat the Kiwi" and expanding into Pacific markets
Insights on establishing supply chains for high-end products tailored for super yachts and resorts
The significance of local sourcing and supporting regional growers
Overcoming freight and logistical challenges faced when exporting to New Zealand and beyond
Opportunities for small premium food businesses to tap into Pacific markets
The potential for Pacific producers to export back into New Zealand and Australia

Timestamps: 
00:00 - Introduction to John's background and Pacific food logistics
02:18 - John's transition from Auckland restaurants to Pacific markets
04:00 - Building relationships with Pacific growers and traders
07:15 - Establishing supply chains for super yachts and resorts in Vanuatu and Samoa
09:32 - Evolution of the supply model from New Zealand to local sourcing
11:45 - Overcoming export challenges and freight logistics
13:38 - The importance of market research and local partnerships
16:00 - Shifts in demand for higher quality food in Pacific resorts
17:55 - Opportunities for small businesses in Pacific markets
20:09 - Common mistakes in Pacific market entry and how to avoid them
31:16 - Export of Pacific produce (like limes) back to New Zealand
34:44 - Supporting local producers through branding and storytelling
37:42 - Future exploration and regional market potential
40:45 - Key advice for businesses entering the Pacific region
41:30 - Challenges and lessons learned from Pacific trading ventures
43:09 - Closing remarks and vision for the future of Pacific food trade

Resources & Links:
Eat the Kiwi
https://dynamicvanuatu.com/
https://www.heilalavanilla.co.nz/
https://www.whittakers.co.nz
https://www.markwellfoods.co.nz/
https://dsrupt.com/

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
Air Rarotonga - https://airraro.com
Michelin Stars in New Zealand - https://guide.michelin.com/en/nz/restaurants
Tala Restaurant Auckland - https://www.tala.co.nz/

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/
Creative NZ 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
NZTE: https://my.nzte.govt.nz/

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/

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.