About Us
The products that you find on Pasifika Markethere are created by artists whose work is a continuation of tradition, using skills they have been taught by their elders and passed on from generation to generation.
In providing an outlet for these artists to sell and showcase their work, Pasifika Market aims to bring positive exposure to Pacific Island artists and their cultures; a small contribution to the maintenance of these essential aspects of the rich and vibrant Pacific cultures.
Pasifika Market is also proud to announce its collaboration with the Pacific Arts Alliance who have a strong passion and focus on promoting the development of Pacific Island Artists. We will work closely with the Arts
Founder of Pasifika Market
Pauline Benson is a part Fijian* /New Zealander who grew up in Fiji where she studied Journalism and History /Politics at the University of the South Pacific before coming to New Zealand to further her studies.
She graduated with a Communication Studies degree majoring in Multimedia at the Auckland University of Technology and upon graduating formed the company, Tabua^ Communications. She then took on the role as the web developer for Genetic Pasifika working alongside Letila Mitchell, a very passionate individual involved in promoting the development of Pacific Island artists. It was this experience that planted the seed of what is now Pasifika Market.
“Growing up in Fiji, you take for granted the beautiful and rich cultures that surround you which take many forms. It was only when I came to live in New Zealand that I realised what a luxury it was being exposed to this every day".
“I wanted to provide a place, a market place, where everyone from around the world could learn about and put into their homes a bit of Island Culture while also giving these artists an avenue to share and sell their work. I also want Pacific Islanders everywhere to have easy access to their heritage and proudly showcase who they are and where they come from.”* Pauline's Fijian heritage is in the Lau Group of Fiji, whose mother is from a small, one-village island, Vanua Vatu while she also has close ties to Matuku, her grandfather's home island in Lau. ^The “Tabua” is a whale’s tooth and considered very sacred in Fiji.
A special thank you to my family for their love and support.