Vanuatu’s first entrepreneurial reality TV Show now in production
February 11, 2025 8:55 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Ezra Toara.
The Canoe Race, a new reality TV show aimed at inspiring and showcasing local entrepreneurs, officially launched on November 21, 2024, is currently in production.
The filming team has completed the first two episodes and is now working on the remaining episodes, with a total of six episodes scheduled for this season.
The show is co-produced by V-Lab and Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC) with funding from the Australian Government
According to Emma Hivo, Communication and Project Officer at V-Lab, the show features nine contestants, all of whom are local entrepreneurs from Vanuatu.
“These contestants will face various challenges in their quest for the title of the ultimate entrepreneur,” she said.
Hivo explained that nine contestants appeared in the first episode. However, following the initial challenge, three participants will be eliminated, leaving six to continue to the final episode.
The concept of The Canoe Race was first developed four years ago when V-Lab was established. However, securing funding took time, and it was only last year that the necessary resources were successfully secured from Australian Aid, allowing production to begin in 2025.
“We want this to be a truly Vanuatu and Melanesian-owned show,” Hivo emphasised. “Everything in the programme will reflect our culture, and the show will be in Bislama so that our communities can fully understand and engage with it.”
The show features a panel of three judges (George Regenvanu, Wilma Vocor, and Serah Tari) who score the contestants based on their performance in each challenge. Two coaches, Velenie Jacob and Joel David, provide mentorship and guidance throughout the competition, helping participants navigate challenges in areas such as marketing, communication, and business strategy.
The production team plans to release the first episode before the end of February, with filming expected to continue through March. However, the recent earthquake in Vanuatu has caused setbacks, damaging some of the originally planned filming locations, including Warwick Le Lagon. As a result, alternative locations are being arranged to ensure production continues smoothly.
Hivo voiced excitement about the project, saying that seeing the concept come to life has been “mind-blowing.”
“We are witnessing our contestants in action, wearing their uniforms, and participating in real challenges. It’s an incredible experience to see a reality show of this caliber happening in Vanuatu,” she said. “Not only are we showcasing local talent, but we are also promoting our resorts, hotels, and small businesses across the Pacific.”
The Canoe Race is a joint initiative with Australian Aid as the primary funder. Additional sponsors include: Platinum Sponsor: Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV), supporting financial literacy and business management education; Gold Sponsors: Vodafone Vanuatu and the New Zealand High Commission; Silver Sponsors: Colorite Graphics and Vanuatu Ferry.
