Much to Celebrate – Pacific Islands (Year in Review)

The past year has been one of strong connection, practical action, and shared purpose across the Pacific. While it included moments of deep sadness, it also showed what is possible when business, government, and community come together.

Standing Together After the Vanuatu Earthquake

The Vanuatu earthquake was devastating. Our thoughts remain with the families of the 14 people who lost their lives and with those whose homes, businesses, and communities were badly damaged.

Out of this tragedy came an extraordinary response. Business leaders, Rotary, Flightdec, and Blue Star worked together to support recovery efforts. A recovery website was established by Flightdec, and Starlink units were supplied through the generosity of Wellington-based businesses, helping restore vital communications.

Blue Star also donated textbooks to support schools and students as they rebuilt. The earthquake highlighted the critical need for stronger, more resilient communications across the Pacific – a message that was clearly reinforced at the Blue Forum. Flightdec is championing this initiative.

Leadership and the Blue Forum

The Blue Forum was a standout moment during the year. It was led with clarity and commitment by His Excellency Jimmy Nipo, Vanuatu High Commissioner, in partnership with Fraser Carson as Convenor. The forum has created a strong platform for open discussion, collaboration, and practical outcomes focused on Pacific resilience, cultural understanding and opportunity.

Trade, Recovery, and Real Outcomes

In July, a highly successful trade mission to Vanuatu took place facilitated admirably by the New Zealand Pacific Business Council , with Rob Cranna -  Blue Star’s Group Pacific Lead along with representatives of 18 companies. The mission delivered strong connections and positive commercial outcomes, with momentum continuing well beyond the visit.

Another highlight was the Earthquake Recovery Voucher Project providing 400 Port Vila families with vital assistance, delivered by Blue Star in partnership with Ricoh South Pacific, Rotary New Zealand, Rotary Port Vila Stanley Imports (Vanuatu) and Port Vila Hardware. This initiative provides practical, on-the-ground support to communities during recovery.

 Supporting Farmers and Building Resilient Supply Chains

Another exciting development is the Earthquake Recovery Project focused on root crop producers across Vanuatu. This initiative is designed to enable local farmers to supply produce to a central processing hub, where crops will be refined, beneficiated, and packed for commercial markets.

The project opens a pathway for Vanuatu-grown root crops to reach retail outlets in Australia and New Zealand, creating sustainable, long-term revenue for local farmers while strengthening food supply chains and post-earthquake recovery.

Education, Food Security, and the Next Generation

A follow-on project is a healthy school lunch programme Nourish the Future, funded by Rotary New Zealand and Australia. Blue Star partners on both projects with Field ready, Rotary Australia World Community Services ( Funder) , Rotary New Zealand World Community Services, Rotary Port Vila and Fine Foods (Vanuatu). This programme  will commence in early 2026 and represents an important step toward improving student wellbeing and long-term outcomes and a project that can be repeated in other Pacific Island countries. 

In the meantime, funded projects supporting school materials have been delivered across Tonga, Solomon Islands, and Niue, ensuring continued support for education throughout the region.

Showcasing Pacific Enterprise

Blue Star partnered with the Vanuatu High Commission and Flightdec in Wellington to host a first-ever consumer tasting event featuring products from The 83 Islands Distillery in Port Vila. With our Blue Star client, owner Pierre-Luc Chabot present, the event attracted members of the hospitality sector, business leaders, and friends of Vanuatu, celebrating Pacific enterprise and innovation. An awesome evening was had by all!

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

A successful visit by the Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, included an event attended by representatives from 20 companies. Follow-up work is underway, with several opportunities progressing into 2026. The event was superbly hosted by Excellency Avui, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, June Rofeta Solomon Islands 2^nd Secretary and members of the Wellington business community.

Currently, around half a dozen opportunities are being actively pursued across Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Timber, Biofuels, Organic Waste Reduction, and Fisheries. This work is being progressed in partnership with His Excellency Avui, Solomon Islands High Commissioner in Wellington.

Blue Star supporting Print in PNG

Papua New Guinea has also presented encouraging opportunities. A recent trade visit by one of our associates, along with a promising print consultancy opportunity in Port Moresby, has been supported by Blue Star. The initiative is being championed by Papua New Guinea’s Deputy High Commissioner Excellency Pyale with local businessmen who have a company has established with marketing materials currently being prepared for the team on the ground.

Looking Ahead

From loss to generosity, from recovery to new opportunity, the past year has shown the strength of Pacific partnerships. Due to our willingness to engage reciprocally, we have been the preferred choice of many Pacific Island clients who see our relationships not as a supplier/client but as friend and partner.  There is much to celebrate – and strong momentum to carry forward into 2026 as we continue working together for sustainable, inclusive growth across the region.