Circle Cook Islands evolved out of Sabine Janneck’s unwavering commitment to protecting the environment.

A self-described eco-warrior, Janneck turned to upcycling during the COVID-19 pandemic when tourism dried up, transforming waste into art and sustainability into a thriving business.

Janneck doesn’t just see rubbish—she sees potential.

Whether picking up debris from beaches or partnering with hotels to repurpose recyclables, her craft turns discarded materials into beautiful, functional creations.

Even the entrance to her Rarotonga studio is a testament to her vision, adorned with recycled materials that breathe new life into waste.

A must-visit for visitors

Her studio has become a surprise stop for hotel mystery tours, offering guests a hands-on experience in sustainable art.

Visitors can craft their own earrings using recycled plastics and tyres, with proceeds donated to Te Ipukarea Society—the only non-governmental environmental organisation in Rarotonga.

Circle Cook Islands gained international attention in 2019 when a local art gallery showcased Sabine’s work in her first solo exhibition. That success led to worldwide sales of her distinctive bags and jewellery, all created from repurposed materials.

Global recognition for a local cause

She was recently honoured among 20 global winners for Global Recycling Day 2025, receiving a $500 USD award from the Global Recycling Foundation for her efforts in sustainability.

She sees this recognition not just as a personal milestone but also as a celebration of the Cook Islands’ collective environmental commitment—proof that small island communities can have a global impact.

Expanding her reach with business support

With the backing of Business Link Pacific (BLP), a program funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Sabine has been able to grow Circle Cook Islands further. With subsidized marketing advice from BLP, her business now has an international e-commerce platform, allowing direct payments from customers outside the Cook Islands. Janneck praises BLP’s approach, saying, “They see the people behind the business. They understand the vision and genuinely want to help.”

Innovating with online training

Beyond her upcycled creations, she teaches weaving techniques for basketware. However, demand has outpaced her ability to teach in person. To solve this, she applied for a Business Support Grant to develop an online course—allowing students worldwide to learn weaving at their own pace.

“The weaving technique is complex, and this course allows students to stop, rewatch, and practice as much as they need,” she explains.

“It removes the challenge of filling a classroom while ensuring students have the guidance they need.”

The grant has funded the course’s filming, editing, and online setup, with support from BLP. “BLP saw the uniqueness of this project. When we made it through the various application phases, I was so excited!”

Circle Cook Islands’ Future looks bright

The online training course is now live, offering different learning packages at varied price points. BLP Partner Esther led Marketing and website development from Haus of Skai (hausofskai.com). 

Looking ahead, the passive income from online training will allow Janneck to focus on creating more unique, upcycled designs—spreading sustainable art even further across the globe.

For more information on Circle Cook Islands' handmade products or to enrol in an online course, visit www.circlecookislands.com.

Business Link Pacific facilitates access to business advisory services and financial support for small and medium-sized enterprises. To learn how BLP can help your business, visit www.businesslinkpacific.com or contact the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, In-Country Manager Angela Kennedy at ci@businesslinkpacific.com

Business Link Pacific / Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce