From Pate Creatives to Vaka Tara Co: a name that speaks to creation, connection, and movement.
After years of capturing stories through film, photography, and storytelling, Pate Creatives has evolved into Vaka Tara Co, a creative collective born of the Pacific, guided by culture, craft, and connection.
Rooted in who we are and where we come from, Vaka Tara Co. represents more than a rebrand, it’s a reflection of growth, intention, and the spirit of the Pacific that shapes every frame we create.
The Name: Vaka Tara
Each word in Vaka Tara speaks to creation, connection, and movement — a philosophy of making with purpose and heart.
- VAKA — a way, a vessel, a movement.
Though rooted in wider Oceanic language, vaka resonates with the spirit of journey; of carrying forward culture, story, and intention. It represents the act of movement and progress: the vessel that carries ideas through time and tide.
- TARA — to touch, to build, to connect.
In Fijian, tara means to touch, but it also means to build or construct - to bring form to what is imagined. It speaks to the hands-on nature of creation, where care and contact give life to something meaningful.
- VAKATARA — to allow, to give voice, to guide creation.
Vakatara means to allow, to let - to give permission for something to begin, to move, to grow. It also refers to the singers who give rhythm and voice to meke performers, carrying the heartbeat of tradition and storytelling.
Together, these meanings shape our foundation. A brand built on creation, connection, and movement. Each story we tell carries these intentions forward.
Our Philosophy
Vaka Tara is both a philosophy and a direction. It is a way of being that reminds us always:
to move with purpose,
to create with meaning,
and to connect with heart.
The Collective in Motion
“This rebrand is not just a new name. It’s a reflection of growth, connection, and culture.” — Alipate Laveti, Creative Director, Vaka Tara Co.
When Pate began Pate Creatives, it was about capturing moments that connected people to Fiji. Over time, those moments became something larger; collaborations, friendships, and shared purpose.
Today, Vaka Tara Co. represents that evolution: a collective of Pacific storytellers, filmmakers, and photographers grounded in culture, guided by connection, and crafted with heart.
Created to Inspire. Grounded to Connect.
This transformation could not have taken shape without the creativity, insight, and heart of Nakita Russell of Cannibal Isles & Co., who brought our new brand identity, story, and voice to life.
Her work shows a deep understanding of both the creative space and the Pacific context, capturing the balance of modern design and cultural depth with care, intention, and intuition.
What you see today began as her idea. Thoughtfully gathered and developed through long conversations with Pate, and shaped by an instinctive understanding of what drives him personally and professionally.
Vinaka vakalevu, Nakita. Your vision has given form and voice to who we are and what we stand for.
Join the Voyage
This is who we’ve become... and where we’re headed.
Vinaka vakalevu to everyone who has been part of our journey so far.
Join us as we continue to build, move, and create with purpose across the Pacific.
