Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod

GMurph and DDewar

The Pacific is one of the most commercially underestimated places on the planet. Its business stories rarely get told. That's what we're here for. Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod is a weekly business podcast hosted by Dave Dewar, based in Rarotonga Cook Islands (previously in Fiji), and Glen Murphy, based in Auckland New Zealand. Between them they've spent years working across the Pacific: building businesses, opening markets, and getting to know the people, trends and organisations that make this region tick. Now they've got a microphone and a lot of questions. Each week Dave and Glen dig into the business stories, news, and trends shaping the Pacific. Sometimes a conversation with an operator or investor with skin in the game; sometimes unravelling and explaining stories and trends that deserve more commercial attention than it's getting. Always, it means thirty minutes of straight talk with no development-sector framing. The show is made for businesspeople, investors, and professionals with Pacific interests - whether from Australia, New Zealand or across the region, but anyone curious about what's actually happening commercially across the Pacific will find plenty to take away. The listener who gets the most out of it is someone who knows the Pacific is worth paying attention to, and wants intelligence they can act on rather than headlines they've already seen. Pisinisi, by the way, is the Samoan and Tongan word for "business". Palagi refers to people of European descent in several Pacific cultures. Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod: the name says exactly what it is. New episodes drop weekly. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, or get in touch at two.palagi@gmail.com.

  1. Oct 18

    S01 E44 - Giles Jephcott and The NZ Pacific Business Council - Oct 17 2026

    In this episode, Dave and Glen engage with Giles Jephcott, chair of the New Zealand Pacific Business Council and MD at Astrolabe Shipping, discussing his journey and experiences in the Pacific business landscape. They explore the significance of relationship building, the success of recent business missions, and insights from the Samoan business community, while also reflecting on future improvements and plans for the council. The conversation explores the challenges faced in logistics, and the role of organizations like the New Zealand Pacific Business Council and Astrolabe Shipping. Insights into market strategies, brand loyalty, and the evolving consumer landscape in the Pacific are also discussed. Takeaways Importance of relationship buildingSuccess of recent business mission Importance of relationshipsChallenges in Pacific logistics Chapters 00:06 Introduction to Two Palagi06:45 Introduction to Giles Jephcott and the Pacific Business Council12:21 The Role of the Pacific Business Council15:24 The Council's 2026 Mission to Samoa20:25 Samoan Business Community Perspectives23:26 Reflections and Future Improvements25:03 Council AGM26:11 Pacific Islands Forum 202726:53 Astrolabe Shipping: Focus and Operations29:07 Challenges in Pacific Shipping 31:15 Common Misunderstandings in Pacific Business33:43 Fresha: New Zealand Products to Pacific36:01 Marketing Strategies for Pacific Consumers37:02 Final Thoughts38:23 Talanoa Summary41:53 Recent Developments46:32 Upcoming Conferences and EventsContact Two Palagi www.twopalagi.com - https://twopalagi.com/ Email - talanoa@twopalagi.com Show Resources Astrolabe Shipping - https://astrolabeshipping.com/ New Zealand Pacific Business Council - https://www.nzpbc.co.nz/ Fresha Export - https://www.fresha.co.nz/ Future of Investment and Trade Partnership - https://www.meti.gov.sg/trade-international-economic-relations/regional-and-international-platforms/future-of-investment-and-trade-partnership/ FCEF TOPEX Conference - https://www.fcef.com.fj/topex-2025-ignite-innovation-at-fijis-premier-business-event/ Copyright and Rights The Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod podcast, and all related intellectual property, is owned by 2PP Pacific Commerce Ltd who reserve all rights to publication and copyright.

  2. Oct 12

    S01 E43 - Renewable Energy Transition with Dean Yarrall - Oct 10 2026

    The Two Palagi attended the Oceania Renewable Energy Summit so Dave and Glen discuss the summit itself and have a Talanoa with Cook Island's energy regulator Dean Yarrall. Dean also leads the Office of the Pacific Energy Regulators Alliance (OPERA) so has a unique region-wide view of energy transition and the challenges and opportunities in the Pacific. Dave also ran the Pacific stream of the summit so got to interact with some great speakers! Takeaways Climate and energy focusRegulatory challenges in PacificChapters 00:07 Introduction to Two Palagi07:11 Discussion with Dean Yarrall08:07 The Oceania Renewable Power Summit09:12 Dean Yarrall's Background and Role11:40 Transitioning the Cook Islands Energy System16:43 Innovative Solutions for Energy Management17:10 Complexity of Renewable Energy19:54 Solar Power in the Pacific22:29 Economic Factors24:00 The Role of Regulators25:43 Independent Power Producers38:50 Talanoa Summary41:02 Insights from the Pre-COP Meeting44:10 Prospectus of Renewable Energy Projects45:57 The Week Ahead and OutroResources Two Palagi Website - https://twopalagi.com Contact Two Palagi - talanoa@twopalagi.com Oceania Renewable Power Summit - https://oceaniapowersummit.com/ OPERA - https://gem.spc.int/projects/opera 'Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod' and all related content, trademarks, intellectual property, and copyright are the exclusive property of 2PP Pacific Commerce Ltd, a New Zealand-registered company. All rights reserved.

  3. Oct 5

    S01 E42 - Fantasha Lockington CEO at FHTA - Oct 3 2026

    The conversation focuses on the significance of the tourism industry in Fiji, discussing its economic impact, challenges, and recovery post-COVID. Fantasha Lockington, CEO of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, shares insights on the industry's dynamics, including local ownership, climate challenges, and recent tax changes. The conversation delves into the complexities of tourism development in Fiji, focusing on sustainable growth, community involvement, and the importance of infrastructure. Fantasha Lockington emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to tourism that includes planning for future needs and ensuring local communities benefit from the industry. Good timing ahead of the Hotel and Tourism Expo being held in Nadi October 22 & 23. Takeaways Tourism is Fiji's economic backboneLocal ownership is crucial for sustainability Sustainable tourism growth is essentialCommunity involvement is crucial Chapters 00:06 Introduction to Two Palagi03:22 www.twopalagi.com06:08 Introduction to Fantasha Lockington11:14 Economic Impact of Tourism in Fiji15:02 Recovery from COVID-19 and Current Challenges21:03 The New Tourism Tax and its Implications25:22 Room Availability and Investment30:13 The Importance of Sustainable Planning for Future Growth31:57 Community Engagement and Local Workforce Development34:23 Talanoa Summary41:27 Climate and Energy in the Week Ahead47:34 Outro for the WeekResources Contact Two Palagi - talanoa@twopalagi.com Website - https://twopalagi.com/ Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association - https://fhta.com.fj/ HOTEC 2026 - https://fhta.com.fj/event/hotec-tradeshow-2026/

  4. Sep 27

    S01 E41 - Zane Yoshida and FijiKava - Sept 26 2026

    The conversation delves into the world of Kava, exploring its preparation, varieties, and the journey of Zane Yoshida in the Kava industry. Zane leads the ASX listed Calmer Company that markets the FijiKava brand. We also discuss the invention of instant Kava and its significance in the Western market. The conversation delves into the cultural and regional consumption of Kava, exploring its historical significance and ceremonial aspects. It also touches on the changing dynamics of Kava consumption, including the inclusion of women and the emergence of Kava bars. Additionally, the health properties of Kava and its impact on the Pacific region's economy are discussed. Takeaways Kava PreparationKava Varieties Cultural Consumption of KavaHealth Properties of Kava Chapters 00:07 Introduction to Two Palagi05:58 Introduction to Zane Yoshida and FijiKava13:18 Zane's Journey23:01 Challenges of Running a Public Company24:26 Market Expansion and Consumer Demographics28:03 Kava Varieties and Cultivation34:06 Kava Across Cultures37:00 Health Benefits and Safety of Kava Consumption40:02 The Future of Kava in Global Markets43:24 Intellectual Property and Kava's Cultural Heritage47:05 Building Relationships Through Kava Traditions50:00 Talanoa Summary53:49 Tax Officers' Meeting56:47 Media Meet in Savu Savu57:41 Close For The WeekResources Contact Two Palagi - talanoa@twopalagi.com The Calmer Company - https://thecalmerco.com/ FijiKava - https://fijikava.com.au/

  5. Sep 21

    S01 E40 - Lukbo Food Group - Sept 19 2026

    The conversation with owners, Qiuchee and Qiujing Wong, explores the journey of Lukbo, a business specializing in the importation and wholesaling of Pacific Island and Asian food. It delves into the challenges of sourcing, processing, and distributing products from the Pacific region to New Zealand, as well as the family history and legacy of the business. The conversation covers topics such as the impact of automation on quality and scalability, end-to-end processing capability, target consumer market, advertising strategies, sourcing dynamics, and staff retention. Qiuchee and Qiujing also discuss the challenges and opportunities for Pacific Island exporters in the New Zealand and Australian markets. Takeaways Family legacy and community serviceChallenges of sourcing and processingInvestment in processing capabilities Automation enhances quality and scalabilityUnderstanding the target consumer market is crucial for growth Chapters 00:07 Introduction to Two Palagi 03:59 Introduction to the Lukbo Business06:08 The Wong Family Legacy in Food Processing10:31 Challenges of Sourcing and Supply Chain12:47 Investment in Processing Capabilities14:46 Building Relationships with Farmers17:30 The Future of Lukbo21:19 Automation and Scalability 22:09 Understanding the Target Consumer26:56 Supply Challanges32:12 Advice for Pacific Island Exporters33:46 Talanoa Summary37:26 Maritime Safety and Recent Tragedy38:31 US Investment Announcement40:13 Green Climate Fund41:32 Aviation Developments42:54 Pacific Media Summit44:19 Arson and Chocolate in Bougaineville45:50 Two Palagi Sign Out Resources Contact Two Palagi - talanoa@twopalagi.com Lukbo Food Group - https://lukbo.co.nz

  6. Sep 14

    S01 E39 - Glynis Miller and Pacific Trade & Invest - Sept 12 2026

    The conversation introduces Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) and Glynis Miller, the Trade Commissioner for PTI based in Auckland. Glynis shares her journey to PTI, highlighting the organization's role as a regional trade and investment promotion agency. The discussion explores PTI's impact on trade and investment in the Pacific, emphasizing its influence on changing the narrative for Pacific exporters and influencing trade policies. The conversation covers the desire for information and connection in the Pacific, insights from the Pacific Island Export Survey, challenges with investment and finance in the Pacific, Pacific exporters going global, freight and logistics challenges for Pacific exporters, and understanding the New Zealand market. Key takeaways include the increasing global reach of Pacific exporters and the ongoing challenges around freight and logistics for Pacific exporters. Takeaways Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) supports exporters and businesses in the Pacific regionPTI's unique role as a regional trade and investment promotion agencyInfluence of PTI on changing the narrative for Pacific exporters and influencing trade policies Pacific exporters are increasingly going globalChallenges around freight and logistics for Pacific exporters Chapters 00:07 Introduction to Two Palagi07:00 Introduction to Glynis Miller11:30 Pacific Trade and Invest14:58 PTI's Operations and Initiatives19:36 New Zealand Market Dynamics22:46 Recent Trade Mission to Samoa23:14 Insights from the Pacific Islands Export Survey25:04 Investment Challenges in the Pacific31:12 Talanoa Conclusion32:01 Ocean of Flavours Event35:04 Talanoa Takeouts39:08 Developments in the Solomon Islands41:16 Papua LNG Pending Announcement42:43 Fiji Airways Record and Aviation Announcements45:01 Upcoming Events46:35 Listener Feedback and Two Palagi Outro Resources Two Palagi - talanoa@twopalagi.com Pacific Trade and Invest - https://pacifictradeinvest.com/ Ocean of Flavours - https://www.aut.ac.nz/events/ocean-of-flavours Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters - https://samesamoa.ws/

About

The Pacific is one of the most commercially underestimated places on the planet. Its business stories rarely get told. That's what we're here for. Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod is a weekly business podcast hosted by Dave Dewar, based in Rarotonga Cook Islands (previously in Fiji), and Glen Murphy, based in Auckland New Zealand. Between them they've spent years working across the Pacific: building businesses, opening markets, and getting to know the people, trends and organisations that make this region tick. Now they've got a microphone and a lot of questions. Each week Dave and Glen dig into the business stories, news, and trends shaping the Pacific. Sometimes a conversation with an operator or investor with skin in the game; sometimes unravelling and explaining stories and trends that deserve more commercial attention than it's getting. Always, it means thirty minutes of straight talk with no development-sector framing. The show is made for businesspeople, investors, and professionals with Pacific interests - whether from Australia, New Zealand or across the region, but anyone curious about what's actually happening commercially across the Pacific will find plenty to take away. The listener who gets the most out of it is someone who knows the Pacific is worth paying attention to, and wants intelligence they can act on rather than headlines they've already seen. Pisinisi, by the way, is the Samoan and Tongan word for "business". Palagi refers to people of European descent in several Pacific cultures. Two Palagi in a Pisinisi Pod: the name says exactly what it is. New episodes drop weekly. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, or get in touch at two.palagi@gmail.com.