The Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity (PPfP) Pavilion was hailed a success, with 55 food and crafts vendors and exhibitors participating at the three-day event this week.

Moeroa Puna-Viniki has had a remarkable week at the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity (PPfP) Pavilion event at the Punanga Nui Market.

The Pavilion was a side event to the 52^nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands vendors had a successful week showcasing and selling their diverse products, including handmade rito jewelry, hats, necklaces, and food items, all of which highlight the country’s culture.

Puna-Viniki expressed her satisfaction with the outcome of the week’s market events, particularly the positive sales they achieved.

“We had a lot of sales and a good number of customers this week. It was beneficial to all the vendors,” she stated.

Hailing from Penrhyn Island, Puna-Viniki explained that weaving rito crafts and jewelry is an integral part of their culture, passed down through generations. “We are taught from a young age to make all these crafts. It’s hard work, taking three days to make ... and a week or two weeks to clean it,” she elaborated.

She learned the skill at the age of eight and intends to pass it on to her children. “Back home, most of our young kids learn how to do that, every child; this is their living.”

Puna-Viniki’s brother, Teremoana Viniki, was also part of the Pavilion, selling rito handicrafts and jewelry. Teremoana was delighted to be part of the event. He travelled from Brisbane to spend time with his family in Rarotonga, stepping in for his mother who was unable to attend due to illness.

Meanwhile, a team from the Ombudsman Office and Ministry of Internal Affairs set up a booth this week under the theme “Our Choices, Our Voices: Human Rights in the Cook Islands”.

Representative Jean Nootai described the booth as a dynamic and interactive display that underscores the importance of human rights in shaping progress and prosperity in the Cook Islands.

Nootai explained that the booth aims to raise awareness about the roles and responsibilities of their respective offices.

The booth emphasised the significance of individual choices and the power of community voices in championing and protecting human rights within the unique context of Cook Islands culture. It also highlighted the available resources for the people of the Cook Islands.

Nootai stated, “The booth mirrors the theme’s emphasis on the Pacific way of life and the importance of preserving Pacific identity and culture. It underlines the role of human rights as a fundamental aspect of this identity and a catalyst for promoting the region's unique values.”

She added that the expo booth serves as a platform for promoting collaboration and partnerships in the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific region.

“It showcases the collaborative efforts between the Ombudsman's Office and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, demonstrating how partnerships are essential to achieving the goals of the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy.”