SOUTH PACIFIC TRADEWINDS

Those who know the South Pacific know the affinity that exists between its peoples. Locals, diaspora, visitors. Everything is relative. Everyone is connected.

Vaione’s journey began late last century with a Niuean living in New Zealand. His family, culture, history, abundant (quirky & real) tales sowed the seeds for Vaione.

DUTY-FREE INFLUENCES

Founder John Sexton’s pre-distillery life involved regular air travel. Every airport duty-free offered a veritable buffet of spirits. His fondness for gin encouraged him to gather different brands on each trip.

When he sold his business, the prospect of less travel sparked a DIY gin journey. He built his own amazing still. A recipe was obtained, purported to have found its way to Niue from post-war Britain.

Batch-by-batch a cunning plan for a brilliant new gin was hatched.

FAMILY INSPIRATIONS

‘Fanau’ is the famous South Pacific mega-extended grouping of family and friends. John’s gin test ‘n’ taste hub was the Sexton family dining table in Auckland. Here, a collective of palates was regularly corralled to hone his gin’s signature notes.

Soon his son Anthony would become his still master, a deft distiller. Extended time spent in Niue further firmed John’s aspirations. And a name. “Vaione” combines ”Vai” (Niuean for water), and “One” (from John’s mother ‘Siatone’).

Then a major win at a NZ distillery competition sealed his intent for Vaione.

SOUTH SEAS DESTINY

John and Anthony set about designing, building, and setting up their distillery. With gin’s popularity on the rise, Vaione’s taste immediately became a hit.

Fanau from across the Pacific quickly became fans, and duty-free sales quickly grew. Just as the business found its feet, tragedy struck when John fell ill and passed away.

Slowly a continuity plan evolved through the Niue Premier at the time, Sir Toke Talagi. He had long admired the Vaione initiative and formed a vision for its future. With Niue’s Crown Solicitor, Penina Hekau, he worked to acquire Vaione for Niue.

MODERN NAVIGATORS

Sir Toke, Penina, and Poi Kapaga formed a board to steer Vaione’s continued journey. By now, all around the world, new gin brands were hatching at breakneck speed. Vaione’s vision was to set a course to preserve its quality and unique positioning. A handcrafted, small batch gin with an exceptional taste profile. Anthony continued distilling, with steadfast consistency, the signature that is Vaione. Then along came the Covid era. To protect its tiny population, Niue sealed its borders. Sadly, the loss of both Sir Toke and Penina occurred during the same period.

ISLAND TREASURE

Vaione’s next-era stewardship is assured by its current board. Prime Minister Hon. Dalton Tagalagi, Hon. Crossley Tatui, Doreen Siatag, and Justin Kamupala. CEO Poi Kapanga and distiller Anthony Sexton are focused on furthering the Vaione difference.

The Rock of Polynesia remains core to Vaione’s ambitions.

Its feisty spirit. Its unique place in the world. Its ability to handcraft the exquisite. Vaione’s horizon brims with treasure and opportunity.

‍Watch this space.