Close to 100 vendors, including some from the Pa Enua, showcased and sold a variety of crafts and food at the Punanga Nui Market on the first day of the Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) sponsored Trade Days yesterday.

Eirangi Marsters Insimo, chairperson of the event organiser Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB), says it has always been the government’s intention to increase trade between the Pa Enua and Rarotonga.

Insimo said the Trade Days were initiated to coincide with Te Maeva Nui celebrations, so families from the outer island could showcase and sell their products during the weeklong celebrations in Rarotonga.

“Through BTIB we have been able to support the Pa Enua through the payment of freight costs and running business training in Rarotonga and Pa Enua, in our efforts to ensure business continuity and longevity.”

Insimo says the event is a platform that showcases the resilience, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of the people.

KMD ukuleles stall at the BCI Trade Days yesterday. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/24073111

“It is a celebration of the hard work of our local businesses, artists and innovators who contribute significantly to our economy.”

She congratulated vendors who participated in the Trade Days from the initial years, as well as the new vendors.

BCI chief executive Jennifer Henry said the bank was proud to sponsor the 59^th Constitution Celebrations to promote and elevate Cook Islands culture on and between the islands.

“BCI started over a decade ago. Starting back in 2013, the BCI Trade Days started as a way for our Pa Enua and Te Maeva Nui teams from the Pae Tokerau (North) and Pae Tonga (South) to showcase and sell their unique crafts and delicacies during the constitution celebration,” Henry said.

It has expanded to promote small businesses within the Cook Islands community.

“We have now more than doubled in vendors registered this year from our humble beginnings.”

Terima Rave stall at the BCI Trade Day. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/24073112

Henry added that they hope the Trade Days would provide an environment for businesses to thrive through networking, collaboration and being able to display what they have to offer.

Highlighting the theme “Grow Local, Buy Local”, she added that it was always a pleasure to see the number of registered vendors grow during the BCI Trade Days.

Vendor Eileen Vakapora, who set up a stall with her mum Teina and sister Ashley Chaloner, is hoping the Trade Days will help launch their business plans for the future.

At their Tavake Studio stall, they are selling fresh eis, plastic eis, tie-dye t-shirts and pareus and custom bags.

Eileen said they design the items themselves. She and her sister work on the art while their mum works on the tie-dye items and eis.

“We do this on and off, but started taking it seriously this year and hope this will help kick us off for the future.”

Nakura Maretu and Kaukare Teaurere at their Nakura stall. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/24073114

Kaukare Teaurere and Nakura Maretu feature at the Trade Days every year, selling rito made earrings and fans.

They operate in Rarotonga under the brand name Nukura.

Toa Mahana stall owners Noele Varia and Mata tou Rani are also regulars, selling fresh fruits, nu, oil and handicrafts.

From Mauke, a group of women representing Tearoa Kaokao, said they are looking forward to next year’s celebration, where they expect a team to come from the Pa Enua.

Four women from the group arrived on Monday with items that included baskets made from pandanus leaves, baskets made from coconut leaves and coloured leaves, plain pandanus leaves, fans, coconut oil, maire head eis and long neck eis.

The 2024 Trade Days ends on Friday. There will be more entertainment today, with food and crafts on display.