July 2016| Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

July 2016 | Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

NIUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT

Niue Chamber of Commerce held its first business networking event 22nd June 2016, where the President of NCOC, Michael Jackson formally introduced the Business Development Manager, Peggy Veen. Peggy was able to greet and meet the business community for the first time since taking on the role in April of this year. The event also provided a time for the travellers of a private jet that landed on Niue to make connections to

businesses as they were

travellers described as

entrepreneurs and innovators. This connection being through

Commodore Keith Vial and First Mate - Sue Vial.

With the smooth sounds being played by Sonny Hekesi (J'Love) and a beautiful cool tropical evening there was no other better place to be than Vaiolama bar and cafe to catch the sunsetting before the hard work of networking. Guest speaker - Dr. Jack Wheeler, owns and operates an adventure travel company based in USA. The trip to the Pacific is the second expedition led by Jack and aptly named "Hidden Pacific II". He has travelled to over 135

countries and has been doing this for over 35 years. Each trip is a journey rich in culture, geography, history and fun. Niue according to Jack holds a special part in these expeditions. Its

isolation and unspoilt landscape is a true world wonder, it has no lakes or rivers and yet there is cool clean drinkable water that comes flowing from the taps. In years to come

clean water will be a much sought after commodity and extremely valuable. Those present got a chance to talk with the elite travellers and hopefully achieved some on going connections. Peggy outlined that one of the main focus of chamber was to reconnect with the business community face to face in order to know what their reality was for in having a business on Niue and their needs to help not only strengthen their business but also to generate more revenue. An enjoyable evening was had by all in this first of many to look forward to where guest speakers will be invited to share motivating stories, or to update businesses with new changes to be proposed by the Government of Niue. So if your business is not yet a member of the Niue

Chamber of Commerce, now is the time to look at joining. The next event will be in August with the AGM and the voting of a new or ongoing Board of Directors .

BUSINESS QUOTE

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together

is progress. Working together is success...Henry

Ford.

July 2016| Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

July 2016 | Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS

Future Workshop Looking forward to the following

First Aid

Asset Maintenance for Food & Beverage Outlets Social Media for Business Promotion

Basic Book Keeping

Future Events October - Business Expo

If you think of workshops that you would like to see happen to assist your business or industry then please let

us know.

Email: catherine@niuechamber.com ; Phone 4399

NIUE'S OWN SECRET BOTANICAL GARDEN

Niue's own Garden of Eden is alive and thriving, lush,

green and mesmerising. God's creation truly presented

at its best in this haven of plant life. With over thirty eight

species of plant life in the form of flowers, fruits and

trees one would be assured that this is Niue's Botanical

Garden in the making.

The garden is a showcase of sheer hard work but truly a

labour of love. In Niue when you drive up a dirt track you

are accustomed to seeing a plantation of taro. Engaging is

the word to describe what you see when you stroll into

the garden, it makes you just ...........sigh.......with a sense

of peace. The garden is affectionately named Vaipouli

Garden, as this is the family name of the land that it lies

on. Vaipouli can be translated as "Dark Water". Whilst

the translated name may not evoke lush green scenery it

definitely evokes something mysterious and mystical.

One is in awe when walking around the garden how

much work has gone into developing the landscape. We

all know Niue is the "Rock" of Polynesia but this is hard to

see when you are standing in the middle of purity and

beauty of plant life. So how did Vaipouli come to be?

To understand the development of Vaipouli Garden one

needs to see a little of the personal side of its owners. So

it was indeed a privilege to get to see a little piece of the

life of the couple who owns it, John and Doris Ranfurly.

John is the Niuean

connection of this

partnership, born

on Niue and

schooled right up

to the tender age

of 15 years, upon

which he became

Dux of Halavai

Primary School in

the beautiful

village of Liku. He left Niue alone to join his parents who

were already in the land of the long white cloud, and like

many of our people before we had an airport, travelled

on top of the deck of the Shipping Vessel Tofua, going

through Pago Pago,

Samoa and Fiji,

before arriving in

New Zealand.

Several years later,

John met Doris

through sporting

events and various

sports associations in

Auckland. Both with

very sporty

backgrounds as athletes and continuing as coaches and

founders of a few of the Niuean sporting bodies in Auckland.

John also played an integral role in establishing the first ever

Touch Football World Cup in 1991. Definitely something

that he is proud of. Touch football is now of course

known as "Touch Rugby". Three children followed, Mali,

Mark and Lee. The sporting genes continued in the family

as their daughter Lee also captained the 1999 Niue

July 2016| Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

July 2016 | Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Netball team that played in the World Cup in

Christchurch.

1979 John and Doris were able to purchase a section on

Waiheke Island. Now a very much sought after place to

reside in New Zealand. 1989 they built their home which

is now the family homestead and a haven for the family

to reunite throughout the year. So a home on Waiheke

Island and one on Niue allows them to maintain an island

lifestyle wherever their feet are placed. It is obvious that

the family keeps a strong connection to Niue and the

passion to live here and contribute to the economy of

Niue is their approach to life and living on Niue.

The garden interest has always been in both John and

Doris's fingers. Yes they definitely both have "green

thumbs" . Their love of gardening is taken seriously and

are both members of the Papatoetoe Garden & Floral

Society. Doris has even won both New Zealand and

International garden competitions. One of her favourite

things to do are garden sculptures .. so yes if anyone

remembers "Edward Scissor hands" with his work of art

with hedges. :)

Vaipouli Garden holds many species that are becoming

rare on Niue and this is a concern. With the garden

holding such species it will indeed be important that

these are kept to ensure they do not become extinct.

After all these are our Taoga Niue. The following is but a

small listing of what you will find when you make the

visit:

* Olive Trees * All Spice Shrubs* Guava *Fig Trees

*Tuitui *Japanese Puzzle Plant * Passionfruit

*Tamarillo * Teuila * Limes * Kumara * Frangipani

* Talapo - Custard Apple * Teuila * Chilly

* Macadamia Trees * Pawpaw * Birds of Paradise

* Coffee Beans * Grapes * Chestnut

These are just a few - but if you are now interested to see

what more this garden holds, then you definitely must

call John and Doris and make a visit. It will be a "must do"

before you leave the island that's for sure. The garden

has been developed to create a "Garden Tour" where you

are guaranteed that you will not be disappointed, as it is

truly a miracle that this Rock - our Niue is extremely

fertile. One simply just has to marvel at the wonder of it

all.

BUSINESS PROFILES:

BEAUTY & THE BUSINESS - PART 2 We take a look at what Niue has to offer all of us who want some professional personal grooming, luxurious pampering, and rejuvenation of our body, mind and soul. Believe it or not there are quite a few businesses that make up the "Health and Wellness" industry on Niue.

NAMUKULU DAY SPA Sitting on the top tier of the beautiful village Namukulu is Namukulu Cottages & Spa.

Owned and operated by Brian and Teressa Scott. They came to Niue to escape the concrete jungle and the rat race that comes with it when you work in the corporate world. Teressa was an Accountant and Brian, a Systems Analyst. Before Niue they were living and working in Melbourne, Australia. Now why would one think that with a background such as theirs that somewhere they found time to obtain qualifications from the Australian College of Massage and the school of beauty therapies, and then bring all this to Niue. There are even more hidden talents behind the mysterious two; Brian is also a qualified Diving Instructor and Teressa has a private pilot's licence to fly a single engine Cessna. Life changing simplicity is how I would define their perspective and way of living. The move to Niue was a lifestyle change and both agree that it was a simple decision, it had the good feel to it and in their own words it has been a journey of "No Regrets - No Surrender". Initially their plan was to establish a diving business, but this somehow changed to the accommodation, and after a thorough audit of other potential destinations such as Queensland, Philippines', Trinidad Tobago, Vanuatu,

July 2016| Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

July 2016 | Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Samoa and even Tonga, NIUE was top of the list. Yes , Niue met all the checks and balances in that it was an unique destination, safe environment, and it offered a comfortable lifestyle change. They both stress that Niue is definitely special because they both "Want to Be Here". We who have made Niue home know how that feels and what that means.:) With one treatment room the couple are able to divide the Spa services between them. With a range of treatments specialising in Relaxation Massages, Deep Tissue Massages, Facials and Body Treatments. The aim is to give their clients a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, whether you are a local or visiting Niue. Listed are the services provided which will only tempt you to want to try it out in order to relax and feel rejuvenated: Massage: - Relaxation Massage - Full Body (1 hour) ; here all they want you to do is lie back and relax while your whole body is relieved of built up stress and tension. Aim here is for you to picture yourself floating away. - Back of Body (half an hour); if you are short on time and you want to focus on tension relief of the back, neck, shoulders and legs - Deep Tissue (half an hour) ; it is considered to be the ultimate relief for built up tension. Variety of techniques is used to locate the spots that need attention and this firm massage relieves and soothes aching muscles at a deep level - Essential Foot Treatment (half an hour) ; a part of the body so easily forgotten gets star treatment. Feet are softened in a bath of essential oils. A gentle exfoliation is then carried out followed by a relaxing foot massage.

Body Treatments: - Sun Kissed Body Treatment

Hydrating treatment combining peppermint and aloe vera. Full body peppermint scrub followed by an aloe vera gel which when applied soothes and cools the skin.

- Harmony Body Treatment

The ultimate treatment to refresh and rehydrate dry or mature skin. An intoxicating blend of essential oils are used in the Harmony body wash, Harmony body scrub and Harmony body mask

Facials: - Basic Facial

Classic treatment to cleanse and moisturise your skin, including clay mask to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin for a glowing complexion.

- Deluxe Aromatherapy Facial

A basic facial with the addition of an aromatherapy blend facial scrub and neck, shoulder, décolletage and face masse. This facial using specially formulated aromatherapy oils for individual skin types will leave your skin looking and feeling better than ever before.

So if you are needing some pampering bookings are required 24 hours in advance. Always best to ring: (683) 4533 or email: relax@namukulu-cottages.nu

COCONUT GRAPEVINE "Whisperings " within the walls of Government, on the footpath, at the market and or those "over coffee" gossip, rumours, or truth that will have a direct or indirect impact on our Businesses. UNCLE SIONE'S DIARY If you want to stay in tune with other Niue news and the little happenings on our island then a must read Blogger is Uncle Sione. I am sure many Niuean families have in their midst an Uncle Sione - aka Uncle John. He keeps abreast of events on Niue and provides a blog that gives you nothing but food for thought. NIUE WATER TO BE EXPORTED Work is in progress to export our very own bottled clean, pristine, fresh water for export to the USA. We just need the ROCK (aka Dwayne Johnson) to help us market this, as one may not be able to draw blood from stone but we certainly can draw "Water from ROCK!"

July 2016| Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

July 2016 | Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

PREPAID POWER From the Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport we hear that the introduction and installation of prepaid systems for power will commence before end of the year. A selective group of residential and commercial properties will be identified for this latest development. POWER MOVES No - not some cross fit burpee or plank or jump squats, but Niue Power is now a subsidiary of Niue Philatelic. CUSTOMS WORKSHOPS GoN consultations with stakeholders continue required as part of implementing the Harmonised customs system (2012 Version) - so it will all be computerised to ensure Customs office will receive an electronic copy of the manifests for freight prior to ship and airplane arriving. The new system will allow Customs to be linked to Quarantine and Immigration at border as to other regional countries (OCO i.e. Oceania Customs Organisation Members). All this linking and holding hands will hopefully support trade. PROJECT MANAGEMENT COORDINATION UNIT (PMCU) Projects that are work in progress

Niue Cultural Heritage Building

Wharf Maintenance

Waste Management

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN NIUEAN BUSINESSES ON NIUE AND NIUEANS WITH BUSINESSES OVERSEAS

What better way to do this then have a presence in NZ when the first inaugural Niue NZ Business Network Event. So when the stars align and all is well with the world, it was definitely great timing that NCOC, Business Development Manager, Peggy Veen was at the right place at the right time to help bridge the gap.

NIUE BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENTS IN NEW ZEALAND

It has definitely been about networking for the month of June. Our Business Development Manager (BDM) Peggy Veen was fortunate to have been in NZ on an invite from the Pacific Corporation Foundation (PCF) to attend the Pacific Wave Conference which also enabled her to also attend the Niue NZ Business Network Event.

The theme of the Pacific Wave Conference was

“Prosperous Futures Through Technology” and there was

a long list of inspirational speakers from a range of

backgrounds. Niuean, Colin Talamahina an IT

Infrastructure expert was also one of the panel guest

speakers. Colin is the director of TX/RX Limited, which

specialises in fibre optic solutions, cable placement,

fusion splicing and OTDR testing. Colin is also the son of

a well respected and much loved Toa of Niue, Mr Ezra

Talamahina who passed away in the month of July. (Rest

in Love Ezra).

July 2016| Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

July 2016 | Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Another interesting speaker of the event was “nano girl”

who as a senior lecturer in science and engineering at

Auckland University actively promotes the career choice

of science and engineering to young women, Pacifica and

Maori youth in particular. Her passion for solving

problems and working out how things work was inspiring

and motivating.

Technology for future development was also very much

the theme. High speed broadband and having affordable

modern telecommunications stood out as a leading

opportunity for businesses and individuals alike.

The first inaugural Niue NZ Business Networking event

was also held the same week with support from

Manukau Institute of Technology, Ministry of Pacific

Peoples and the hard work from Coconut Wireless. This

was a standout event that brought more than a 100

people with a wide array of businesses and organisations

showcasing the talents and aspirations of Niuean's in NZ.

The opportunities that exist for building connections,

sharing ideas and knowledge and feeling and being a

strong business community are endless.

Photo: Marie Taueva (middle), Maricific and wholesale agent for Buy Pacific

Made, Peggy Veen, Business Development Manager of Niue Chamber of

Commerce and fellow YES alumni Keith Toma - managing director of Matai

Nonu at the Niue Business Network Evening.

Coconut Wireless are doing a great job on Facebook in

bringing people and ideas together, showcasing events

and providing helpful and useful information on a wide

range of topics.

It is worth a look and a like for those that haven’t done so

and for any businesses that are wishing to create a

Facebook page or dip their toe into social media, please

contact the Chamber as we can assist in setting it up,

managing content and updating for a period of time.

Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops: Social Media

and digital technology will be one of the upcoming

workshops before the end of the year.

NIUE CHAMBER AT WORK Niue Chamber of Commerce (NCOC) main focus is to

make a positive difference to your business, to assist

where we can, to provide opportunities for training, for

increasing your business revenue, for product

development and marketing, for attending workshops

local and overseas, to hear your concerns, to hear your

joys. Let us get to know you and your business, so that

together we can make your business journey just a little

bit easier.

AUGUST IS NCOC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NCOC will be holding its Annual General Meeting before

the end of August of this year. This meeting will also be

the elections of a new Board for Chamber.

The work of the Board is all voluntary and time is taken

away from their own businesses to provide governance

to the work undertaken by the secretariat - the office of

Chamber managed by Peggy Veen, Business

Development Manager. Being a board member is not an

easy role to take on as the position is a working one and

not a position to hold for the sheer point of a "Title".

The work gives a great sense of achievement in seeing

the positive impact Chamber has for businesses and that

the business community on Niue has a sheer resilience

that comes from the passion of its owners and operators

as they want to live and work on Niue - as simply it is now

HOME to many.

Nominations for the Board will soon be sought. Just

remember you need to be a member of NCOC in order to

be nominated and in order to have a vote on the night of

elections.

Membership Fees are now due. $25 for a business and if

you have more than one business it is $10 for each of the

July 2016| Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

July 2016 | Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

different enterprises. Our Administration and Finance

Officer - Nise-Marie Jackson is the go to person regarding

payment of your membership. Email Nise :

info@niuechamber.com or phone: (683) 4399.

We are open to have NZ based Niuean Business members

as well.

WORKSHOPS

In partnership with Scenic Matavai Resort, several

workshops in the Hospitality and the Food & Beverage

sector, was conducted in the month of June. NCOC

appreciated the eagerness of the General Manager of

Scenic Matavai Resort, Mr Simon Jackson, in

collaborating with chamber to provide these

opportunities for businesses as the trainers were brought

in to train Matavai's own staff. We all know, sharing is

caring. So thank you Simon.

Even if you think you know it all, it is always good to take

up the opportunity and keep up to date with what is

happening beyond our ocean or simply just for

networking and sharing the ups and the downs in your

respective business sector.

HOUSEKEEPING

Those who were able to attend the Housekeeping

workshop learnt how important a role they play in

ensuring that those booked in accommodation

businesses on Niue received a room which gave them a

feeling of star quality regardless of whether their stay

was a budget style or 4 Star. The very first impression

that customers get when they step into their room

should be a positive lasting impression. Therefore it

should set the tone of their stay on island and the

services that is provided.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

You can never know enough about giving good customer

service. It simply starts with a genuine smile :).

A business's most vital asset is its customers. Without

them, we would not and could not exist in business.

When you satisfy your customers, they not only help you

to grow by continuing to do business with you but also

recommend you to friends and associates.

Remember customers pay your wages.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Ideal training for those in the restaurant, bar and cafe

business. Focus was on ensuring you always deliver to

your customer the right service they expect from your

establishment.

This starts at the door when they walk in, the ambience

of the environment, the setting of the table, the timing of

the service and the personal attention. So if I was to

summarise it is simply: "The right way to set the table,

the right way to serve the food to the table at the right

time and the right amount of attention given to ensure

that all is right.

If you just remember to do all things right - then you just

can't go wrong.........right! :)

July 2016| Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

July 2016 | Niue Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

FOOD HANDLING & FOOD HYGIENE : UNIT 167

Training essential for those in the food business. It was a

course that ended with an assessment in which achieved

gave you credits under the New Zealand Qualification

Authority to use in Hospitality course work.

Whilst to many it was somewhat nerving to find out that

there was an exam at the end. It was not all so serious.

Using ice breaker games got participants up and laughing

but also put them in relaxed

mode for the assessment.

This pre-entry unit standard is for people training to work

in a food business and includes a basic understanding of

practices that result in safe food.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:

maintain effective personal hygiene when working with

food; prevent cross contamination; and measure, record,

and act on temperature of high risk food, in a food

business.

PIPSO AGM - NADI FIJI

The regional meeting of all National Private Sector

Organisations (NPSOs) who are members of PIPSO

(Pacific Island Private Sector Organisation) settled to a

week of strategic planning, capacity building training

sessions as well as to attend the AGM of PIPSO. This also

being an election year for the Board of PIPSO.

NCOC was represented by Peggy Veen (BDM) and

Michael Jackson (President). Catherine Etuata Papani was

also in attendance as a Board member of PIPSO for which

she stepped down from the position and did not go in for

another term due to other commitments. It is pleasing to

note that Niue still maintains a position on the PIPSO

Board with Mark Blumsky as an Alternate Board Member.

At the end of the PIPSO meeting was a Private Sector

Dialogue (PSD) organised by the Pacific Island Secretariat,

where discussion turned to common key issues affecting

the development and growth of the private sector in the

region. The aim is to ensure the presentation of these

issues is presented with a strong voice to the Pacific

Leaders meeting which will be held later in the year, 9

September 2016, in Pohnpei - Federated States of

Micronesia.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FUNDING (BDF) CALL FOR APPLICATIONS NOW ON As part of the Government of Niue’s drive to support small to medium businesses on the island, applications are now open for all businesses, whether formally or informally trading, to apply for funding assistance from the Niue Chamber of Commerce using funds allocated by the Government of Niue. Funding can be sought to a maximum of $4,000 and can be used for any business purpose deemed important by the applicant in improving their business. All applicants will need to complete a simple two page application form which the Niue Chamber of Commerce can help with. Applications will be assessed on an ‘as received’ basis so businesses are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible as the fund is limited. Please contact the Niue Chamber of Commerce on 4399 or email gabriel@niuechamber.com for the application form and further information. NCOC Newsletter is produced bi-monthly. Next issue is in

September. Feel free to contribute anything business.