The Cloud was abuzz this past weekend hosting the ‘Path to Pacific Trade Show’ that packaged and brought to New Zealand the very best of our enterprising Pacific Islands. The day featured many traditional products such as tivaevae’s, ei katu’s, pearls from Manihiki, “organic jams and coconut soap from Fiji; rare gems and stunning handicrafts from the Solomon Islands; fashion, bilum weaves, coffee and baskets from Papua New Guinea; jewellery, garments and tapa art.”
“Hosted by New Zealand-based Pacific Trade Invest (PTI NZ), the economic development agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the trade show is part of PTI NZ’s Path to Market programme – an export capability building initiative for Pacific Island companies to export into New Zealand, helping boost employment and entrepreneurship in the islands.”
Ian Furlong, Trade Development Manager for PTI NZ, was inspired by what CIDANZ’s cooperative model has been doing for local communities and families; inviting our organisation to be a part of the Trade Show. We were able to feature many of our families, including the arts and crafts from members of the Taokotai’anga Vainetini Collective, Tarani Crafts, AMD Youth Enterprise, and respective craft-makers across Auckland. Of those families featured was also couple Jessica and Paul Rawiri, owners of SaMaori Coffee.
Creating pathways into the market has been part of our organisations goals to help our families achieve their enterprising dreams. We extend our warmest regards to Ian and PTI NZ for a wonderful and successful event.