Small business big dreams: Market stall owners reflects on a year of challenges and celebrations.

Small businesses in the Punanga Nui Market have had a mixed year, with some doing well and others struggling. Cook Islands News reporter Candice Luke spoke to a number of market stall owners, asking them to reflect on their year and share their aspirations for 2024.  

Husband and wife duo Walter and Tara Tuara-White run two businesses out of the Punanga Nui Market.

Walter, who hails from Aitutaki, opened Rawfish in June selling tee-shirts, tanks and accessories.

“It’s been a good year. Can’t complain. We mainly rely on visitors and the uptick in visitors correlates with our numbers.”

On the opposite end of the market the newspaper found Tara, manning (or womanning) her boutique, Manini, “Pacific Island wear for modern living”.

Tara has over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry.

“We design all of the prints and shapes ourselves, catering to all shapes and sizes.”

Walter Tuara-White opened Rawfish in June, selling tee-shirts, tanks and accessories. Candice Luke/23122805

Last year Manini was open three days a week, but in 2023 Tara has been able to sustain the business over a six day working week.

“Next year we want to pivot towards online, creating beautiful products for people to wear and feel good in.”

In 2024 Manini will celebrate its sixth year in Pacific Island fashion for all ages and sizes. Candice Luke/23122806

At Michelles Café, owner Michelle Cathleen Finn hopes that 2024 sees more environmentally conscious fishing practises by large operators. Her café specialises in raw fish delicacies.

When asked how this year went for her business she says: “No good. Because there wasn’t enough fish to keep me going. Maybe climate change, different kinds of weather and tides mean the fishermen can’t go out.”

“And the purse seining. They’re scooping all the fish! Even the baby ones. We have the biggest ocean in the world. How come there’s no fish?”

Low to no stocks force her to buy Tahitian fish to continue running her business.

Finn protested in 2013 and 2014, but says “the government did nothing to stop purse seining”.

“We aren’t saying to stop fishing, just change how it’s done. Go for the long line to save the baby fish.”

Though her year had it’s ups and downs, Finn shared well wishes for her fellow stall operators.

“I hope all businesses do better than this year and good luck to everyone and happy new year.”

Michelle Cathleen Finn relys on Tahitian fish for her cafe specialties as local stocks dwindle. Candice Luke/23122807

Funjis Takeaway owner Reuben Barere says: “This year is on the right track. Most of our customers are local regulars, sometimes we get people on holiday.”

He doesn’t have plans to expand the business, preferring to maintain it and keep the work within the family.

“I hope it gets busier next year but just enough for me and my partner to handle.”

Over at Manihiki Pearl Techs, seamstress Arliza Karaponga is fronting the shop for her mum.

With over 30 years in pearl farming, the Karaponga family have used the success of their business to support higher education and teach valuable life and business skills.

“Growing up within a family business you get a little resentful because you don’t have free time but as an adult, you’re grateful to see the benefit of the families hard work,” says Arliza.

“I’m looking forward to 2024. I enjoy working for our family business because I love being able to cater to others. Financially it’s been pretty good considering I’ve travelled a little this year.”

Around the corner Cook Islands News spoke to Kura Purea under the shade of a tree with a large array of Aitutaki pineapples in various sizes.

Her grandmother Haumata Manavaroa “started this spot”, opposite CITC Supermarket where you’ll find the family selling $10 and $12 pineapples if the hotels don’t clean them out of stock first.

Purea reminisced on not only 2023, but the last five years of selling pineapples all year-round.

“We sent my brother to study IT but he decided to do horticulture instead. A friend of his from Hawai’i asked why we don’t have pineapples all year like they do back at his home.

“We didn’t know we could just use the shoot. We needed to break them apart and grow them over different seasons. Before that pineapples were a Christmas time fruit.”

Arliza Karaponga looks forward to serving the market with beautiful pearls and fashion in 2024. Candice Luke/23122809

The overarching feeling across the market stalls was that of gratitude to loyal, local patrons, and well wishes to fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners in the new year.

Back at Rawfish, Walter says: “We want to wish everyone here on the island a merry Christmas and safe and wonderful new year. Thank you for the incredible support this year. We’re very, very grateful for the patronage to us small businesses. Kia orana and kia manuia everybody.”