Cyclones play havoc with Pasifika 2005 trade team

The Cook Islands trade delegation to Pasifika 2005 in Auckland this week has been cut back after the four cyclones that hit the area.

Three exhibitors who were due to attend the festival were so badly affected by the storms that they will now be staying away.

They include Jack Cooper, whose Trader Jacks bar and restaurant in Rarotonga was washed out a few weeks ago by Cyclone Meena.

Since then, Mr Cooper has not been able to gather enough product for the festival.

Hugh Baker, a papaya vendor, will have none to sell at Pasifika because 90 per cent of the Cooks' pawpaw produce was lost in the cyclones.

The Rama Nui Performing Group, traditional performers of Cook Islands song and dance, will also not attend.

Teremoana Mato, from the Small Business Enterprise Centre Te Mato Tupuranga, said they had been forced to make significant changes to their marketing plans for Pasifika 2005.

The trade delegation had hoped to have 10 exhibitors.

The Cook Islands Development and Investment Board and the Small Business Enterprise Centre support the Pasifika festivals, which are seen as an important marketing vehicle.

The development and investment board's team leader, Justine Cook, said Pasifika was useful for making long- term trade contacts.

Pacific Island Trade & Investment Commissioner Chris Cocker praised the spirit of the Cook Islands.

"Although the Pacific is prone to cyclones, Pacific people are resilient and find ways to continue with their lives."

Four cyclones have hit the region in the past month.