Finding ways to enhance the quality of economic data for the Pacific Islands
Professor Saten Kumar, of Fijian-Indian descent, grew up in the village of Natadola in the province of Sigatoka, before moving to Nadi to attend high school. After graduating with a Bachelor of Education (Economics), a
Resilience and Water Security for the Blue Pacific Continent
As the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association annual conference approaches once again, we reflect on water as one of the most critical issues surrounding climate change in the Blue Pacific Continent. A secure future
SPBD Microfinance Vanuatu Reached the Milestone of 1 Billion Vatu Disbursed In Loans
SPBD Microfinance Vanuatu is a member of the SPBD network of microfinance institutions operating in Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. SPBD is dedicated to eradicating poverty by empowering women in poor
Be A Good Ancestor, Protect Our Legacy for Future Generations
In the Pacific, the moana (ocean) does not divide our islands, it unites us. For centuries, Indigenous peoples have recognised that the oceans are a creative force of nature and form the foundation of our blue planet.
Connectedness important in preventing depression in Pacific adolescents
A new study uses network analysis to demonstrate how connectedness with family, friends, and school can prevent depression in Pacific adolescents. Youth mental health in New Zealand is declining and the impact on
Protecting the Pacific from Foot and Mouth Disease
Earlier this year, alarming reports came out of Indonesia about an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). As of 2nd July, Indonesia recorded 313,636 infected cattle, with over 2,700 deaths. [1] What is FMD? FMD is a
‘PNG’s Leading Business & Logistics Park’
Papua New Guinea is not known for its ease of doing business, especially for new market entrants. However, the PNG Business and Logistics Park, strategically located in the growth corridor between the Port Moresby CBD
Guiding tourism in the Pacific Islands
Tourism to the Pacific Islands stopped dead in the water during the pandemic. With visitors now returning, AUT is helping destinations make better decisions on building back. The University’s New Zealand Tourism
Banking and Enterprise Backup
Internet connectivity has become a core system for the world’s financial institutions. From international transfers and business banking to ATM withdrawals and Point-Of-Sale systems, a good quality internet connection
Pacific’s largest literacy and numeracy assessment identifies room for further improvement
It has been a busy cycle for those involved in the 2021 Pacific Islands Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (PILNA) administration work. In spite of the drastic impacts brought forward by the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse
MOU GIVES SPBD MORE REASON TO BLOOM
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between South Pacific Business Development (SPBD), the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) and the Financial Management Counsellors Alliance (FMCAF) is a meeting of
‘PacTow Expands its Tug Fleet Again!’
Tavurvur (originally ‘Nimble’), shares many similarities to Koranga, another ASD tug PacTow purchased in the first half of 2022 for permanent deployment in Lae. Tavurvur is in class with Lloyd’s Register, 30
Fiji Ports Corporation Limited: The Smart Green Gateway to Trade in the Pacific Region
Fiji Ports Corporation Pte Limited (FPCL) is a Port Management Company of Fiji. FPCL plays a regulatory role in maintaining standards relating to the main ports of entry into Fiji – Ports of Suva and Lautoka, and Port
The power of Lisa
The first 15 years of Lisa Tai’s career have the makings of a blockbuster movie. As a leader within Deloitte’s forensic team she has helped uncover dubious criminal activities, tackle fraud, and fight white-collar
SPBD builds teams, connections and understanding
Hola! After two long years, SPBD Team held its annual team building event, this time at the beautiful Daku Resort in Savusavu from 19-21 August. As SPBD has eight branches all over Fiji – Suva, Sigatoka, Lautoka,
Social Protection: A Precondition to Inclusion
Throughout the crisis of COVID-19 and recent climate events and natural disasters, social protection schemes, in particular allowances and cash transfers, have been vital in supporting some of our region’s most
Fiji Blooms: New Growth
“My eyes were opened and I now realise that there are different methods I can use to keep my business sustainable.” These were the words of Milika Baikeirewa, one of the pioneer members of the Fiji Bloom Club, which
Driving Change for Diversity In Golf
Tagging along with her sports-mad parents was the ultimate training ground for world champion golfer, Member of New Zealand Order of Merit and AUT alumna Phillis Meti. With a childhood spent on netball courts, football
Recovering Stronger Together from COVID-19
The role of more inclusive public financial management Inclusion for disability is inclusion for all, says the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF). While this is true in every sphere in life, it is especially important when
Why Is My Poke Bowl $20? Is this the A-poke-lypse?
The answer to this question is not so simple—and one should not be alarmed. The situation is certainly not permanent and tuna stocks around Hawaii are doing just fine. Bigeye and yellowfin tuna (ahi), like any
Resilient, Agile and Smart Infrastructure
Lenovo Event 2022 On April 27th, 2022, VirtualFlex partnered with Lenovo for the Resilient, Agile and Smart Infrastructure Program at GPH, incorporating Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a way to solving
Help from Above: ‘AgWorld’ App Aids Farm Management in Tonga
From the clouds fall the rains that bring much welcomed moisture and nutrients for farmers the world over. But for a group of growers on the island kingdom of Tonga, a cloud of the virtual kind offers a whole new world
SPBD Relocates in the Sigatoka Salad Bowl
South Pacific Business Development’s newly relocated branch in Sigatoka is now open to its members. The office services SPBD members from throughout Nadroga-Navosa and Serua. “As our SPBD membership grows, this new
