Market Day brings Pacific joy to Otago

*(L to R) Paula Suguturaga, Rose McFelin and her daughter.*

Rose McFelin, an active member of the vibrant Cook Island community in Dunedin, is also a talented artist skilled in screen printing. Paula Suguturaga, Disability Coordinator for Vaka Tautua’s Otago office, recently supported Rose to exhibit and sell her creations at a Pacific Market Day.

Put on for the first time by Pacific Trust Otago (PTO), a local charitable organisation supporting the Otago Pacific community, the November Makete was a great success.

Vendors set up tables in the PTO office carpark early in the morning, ready to sell delicious island food and beautiful handicrafts to excited visitors.

The event was a great opportunity for Pacific business start-ups and budding entrepreneurs to showcase their unique products.

*Rose and Paula with Rose’s repurposed storage unit.*

Rose displayed and sold her handmade pareu, necklaces, tie-dyed bedding and clothing to happy customers throughout the day and was pleased to make some extra revenue.

Rose, who is an independent mother of two diagnosed with an intellectual disability, is supported by Community Care Trust a few days a week to assist with her day-to-day routine.

To help with storing Rose’s art and craft supplies securely, Paula organised the transport and installation of a large lockable cupboard in Rose’s home. The storage unit was kindly donated by Dunedin City Council as part of an initiative to redistribute office furniture to local families in need.

Rose now has peace of mind knowing that her crafting materials are safely stored, and feels fortunate to receive that support from her community.