The sting of the Covid-19 pandemic is still being felt by businesses around Rarotonga, but hopes are high for 2024 as the market surges through the holiday season.

CIPS Electronics general manager Abiel Tuumaga says though 2023 was steady, the business has fallen short of projected results.

“There’s a lot of competition from overseas retailers. We encourage all customers including other businesses and government to support as we hire local staff and pay taxes here.”

Tuumaga says an increase in visitor numbers is beneficial for more than just the tourism industry.

“If it stays high there’s more income for other businesses then they have more to spend locally.”

Armin Schwander is the owner of The Lucky Rooster Eatery, running the restaurant since 2016. Earlier in 2023 he took on the eatery as the sole shareholder.

“The first six months of the year were difficult for hospitality. For me, a small independent owner, it was tough due to inflation and the higher cost of produce. It was very hard to make ends meet.”

During the pandemic Schwander focused on quality, building a loyal local customer base, and a healthy work culture. 

“It pays off. Together we are stronger. Word of mouth is the best. We’re only still here because the locals like what we do.”

Schwander has enjoyed hosting large groups of Cook Islanders returning home from overseas for the holidays, and hopes that the weather is “kind to us moving into cyclone season”.

Fletcher Melvin, owner of Island Craft, moved into 2023 with newly acquired businesses – IDCK and Perfumes of Rarotonga.

“It made sense for our portfolio and experience. The move post-Covid is paying off and projections are positive for 2024. If Covid has taught us anything it’s that businesses need to diversify.”

Melvin says his staff have settled into more clearly defined roles, and business processes are tightening.

He seeks to export in the near future, but is mindful that it will be a costly activity.

“The main barrier to export is the cost. And with perfume making in Rarotonga the tariffs on imported ingredients are high. We import ethanol to make perfumes. We aren’t using it to make alcohol.”

Melvin hopes the tariffs on ethanol imports can be reduced for Cook Islands perfume production.

Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce president Addrienne Hosking-Tinirau looks back on 2023 post-Covid: “It’s been a year of navigating through a new landscape within the private sector. From a Chamber perspective, supporting small businesses, re-engaging with regional organisations and with local government have been our main focus points in 2023.”

“Following the AGM September this year the Chamber elected new directors to the board and chairlady. This move has restrengthened our foundation as a Chamber to ensure we deliver on our strategic plan and remain a united voice for our members and the private sector as we welcome the new year 2024.”

To wrap up the year of local business, Melvin shares a message with budding entrepreneurs of the Cook Islands: “The new year is a great time to start a business. Don’t wait. Don’t over analyse or over complicate it. Take your product to the market, test it out. There’s no secret to success in business. Just do it. Start in 2024.”