The first ever Air New Zealand Return to Roots Mission to Niue hosted by the Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission NZ (PITIC NZ) and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs (MPIA) is already producing a positive impact on the tiny island nation’s economy
Overseas investors have struggled to make an impact on the rocky volcanic land that makes up the island of Niue. But hopes are high that the Return to Roots Mission undertaken by PITIC and MPIA in mid-November 2009 will have a stronger more positive economic impact.
The Mission, supported by the Niue Chamber of Commerce with support of the Niue government, attracted 10 business people from New Zealand. All but one were of Niuean descent. It is hoped that reconnection of those who returned, or in some cases, had never been to Niue, will result in a deeper, more sustainable economic and social impact.
Alex Talopau of Breakthrough Accounting and Pacific Foodtown Limited says the mission was the opportunity to “meet the right people”.
There has been an immediate impact from his visit to Niue with stronger relationships built with the Avatele Village Council with a view to importing coconuts, papaya and possibly cooked foods. Alex owns a retail takeaway and food retail outlet in Glendene and he and wife Alva are looking forward to expanding into south Auckland. He is also able to work with Niue on providing financial advice and has set up Breakthrough Financial Services Limited in Niue with a local business partner.
“There is great potential in Niue and it’s time for those of us in New Zealand to give something back.” Simon Jackson has had a long background in Marketing and Tourism and has identified a Niue Business partner to set up tourism accommodation of holiday units on family land in Alofi.
Brother and sister Monique and Edward Nee Nee are New Zealandborn entrepreneurs. Monique is the director of sPacific Landscapes and Gardening Ltd. Edward owns several companies, including One Degree Pure (NZ) Ltd and Draintech, established in 1991. He recently bought the Rekareka brewery in the Cook Islands. For the Nee Nees it was a case of searching for business opportunities and the personal journey of reconnecting to their family heritage in Niue.
Ivan Ramsey of HJ Coopers Ltd in Avondale was the only non-Niue person on the Return to Roots Mission. He is, however, a strong advocate for Niue and says the Mission was a success for him.
“There is an opportunity for Niue people in New Zealand to be a greater part of the rebuilding of Niue. The assets of Niue are its people.”
The delegates were special guests at the Niue Chamber of Commerce, Niue Business Awards at the Matavai Hotel, which were revived after several years
