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A Pacific Island Christmas film – Mama’s Music Box, made from Scratch in 30 Days will go down to the wire with 15th November deadline.  Writer & Director & Camera Operator Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa with lead actors Sieni Leo’o Olo playing the role of Sam and Unaloto Funaki playing the role of Matai The deadline to finish editing the new feature film, Mama’s Music Box is set for 15th November at 7.00pm. Five days out and one quarter of the film is still yet to be shot. If Producer Abba Rose Vaiaoga-Ioasa is nervous, she isn’t showing it. “It was always going to be a challenging production, feature films take a long time to plan and film, but we have to do all that at lightning speed, while maintaining the quality that made our past films successful – every day is stressful and intense but knowing that we’re making an awesome film, keeps me motivated and the team morale high.” The tight schedule is self-inflicted, as it is part of the Feature 30 Challenge; a challenge that Abba Rose and her brother Writer Director Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa have set themselves to make a feature film in 30 days from scratch. Every part of the creative process is done within the 30 days, from conceiving the story idea, to scriptwriting, casting, filming, editing and music composing. The whole thing being funded by themselves. The film-making siblings are no stranger to film-making with their previous films, Take Home Pay and Three Wise Cousins being hugely successful. But this time round they are being pushed to their creative and physical limits. Abba Rose admits “Its tough but our crew have been amazing and have risen to the challenge. The film is called Mama’s Music Box, it’s a Pacific Islands Xmas film, I think our audience is really going to love what we’re making, we just have to finish it first." And if the film is good enough, it will be in cinemas by early December 2020. For any enquiries/further information please contact:
Abba-Rose Dinah Vaiaoga-Ioasa | Producer | abba@cadnessstreet.com | 021 071 7454
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 Tahimana Fire Dancers Mangere, AKL 2:45PM - A first of its kind Polynesian Night Market event held at the Mangere Arts Centre on Friday 21 August went off with hiss and a roar! It was estimated 2000+ people walked through the doors of the Mangere Arts Centre with early arrivals from 5pm! The doors were to open at 6pm. It was a rainy night but it did not dampen people's mood and enthusiasm to witness this first ever display of island shopping, food, culture and entertainment all under one roof at night. It was overall a spectacular experience! The success of the evening was not just in the numbers of attendees but it was also for the vendors and exhibitors that showcased on the night. The initiative was a pilot for the PolyX Ltd’s Polynesian Experience Cultural Tours that was originally intended for overseas tourists. Due to Covid-19 and the closure of our borders, the PolyX team needed to shift gears quickly or face an abrupt death for the business. “The turnout, gave us confirmation that the locals, both Pacific and non-Pacific are keen for our Pacific kai, entertainment and its traditions being displayed for all to enjoy which created an atmosphere of being at home, in the islands, which is in line with the theme of the Markets of Bringing the Islands to you”, says Zeprina Fale, CEO of PolyX. “People travelled from across Auckland, and as far as Hamilton to attend the markets which shows the strength of our product and brand, as well as the marketing reach. Messages of support from other regions eager to have the PolyX team bring the market to their regions”, Zeprina continues. Tuiloma Gayle Pec "Even in the pouring rain, our Pasifika community have come out to support our Pasifika businesses...thank you for an amazing event". Andrew Waipouri "Awesome night, Tino pai rawa atu…need more of this in Tamaki Makaurau". Teena Enoka "I love that my beautiful bag was woven by a blind man". Le-Ata "When is the next one? We look forward to it". The promotional posted on social media were viewed by over 30,000 and the event page reached over 60,000 in a space of 3 weeks leading up to the event! PolyX Ltd would like to thank its partners, collaborators and volunteers who helped bring the initiative to life. “Thank you for believing in us, we could not have done this without your support and prayers”. Pacific Media Network – Major Media Sponsor The Pacific Business Hub – Strategic Partner/Social Media Marketing Bluwave Galumoana – Promotional Videos Wowza Digital Marketing – Digital Marketing The Generator – Contributor Radio Samoa, Base FM, Niche Medie – Promoters Pacific Business Trust – Sponsor LifeChurch Manurewa, Encounter Church Avondale, PIC Manukau – Helpers & Volunteers MBrace Dance Group, Tahimana Fire Dancers, TeMana Performing Arts – Performers Tulau'ega Mareko (Traditional Samoan Tattooing), Tautua INK (Contemporary Tattooing), Weaving Mamas; Miriama Siitia, Tapi Ah Leong, Tolo & Gese – Exhibitors Food & Market Vendors – Chefs on Wheels, Kozi Kais (Niue), Hebrew Cafe (Fijian Indian), Samaori Coffee, Nations Fundraising, WulfFale, Kelston AOG, Leaosiitia, LIt Candy, Sam's Pop Corn, Te Wanagana Aotearoa, Sei Oriana, Domoni, Grace’s Handmade Blessings, Under the Bird, Manuia Creations & Travel, Ota Eight, Made in the Neighborhood, Le-Ata, Nesian Phresh Designs, Koloa & TAMA. PolyX looks forward to celebrating with you and bringing you all new experiences to showcase our melting pot of Polynesian cultures in Aotearoa. Their next event is scheduled to take place on 21 August at the Mangere Arts Centre.  A Polynesian Night Market and Exhibition is scheduled to take place tomorrow Friday 17 July from 6PM-10PM at the Mangere Arts Centre.
Local Tourism Operator PolyX Ltd are excited to present a new tourist attraction and cultural experience right here in Tamaki Makaurau. A family friendly, free entry event during the school holidays. It is a Polynesian Night Market that promises an exhibition to delight all the senses. "We have brought together a talent of local creatives, surrounded them with the sights, sounds and delicacies of the Pacific for everyone to enjoy under the stars", says Zeprina. PolyX Ltd is adapting to the challenges brought about by the Covid19 pandemic, and the overwhelming impact to tourism here by creating other opportunities for domestic tourists, all the while keeping on brand with live cultural entertainment. The night market is the first of its kind. Make sure you head on down to the epicentre of Auckland’s thriving creative community at the Mangere Arts Centre tomorrow evening. What you can expect to experience
For more details about this event, contact Zeprina Fale on 021963301 or zeprina@polyx.co.nz By Tupe Crawley  As New Zealand continues to battle the deadly COVID-19, the Government response has been the saving grace for many of us. According to the New Zealand Herald, the Government’s economic package takes the total amount Government has and is planning to spend, to more than 23 billion. This is to support businesses, essential workers, employees, the health and social services sector, most vulnerable families and groups, caregivers etc during the nation-wide lockdown period. In the grand scheme of things, New Zealanders are fortunate to have had early government intervention and financial support throughout this unprecedented crisis. But, as the lockdown for New Zealand begins to relax to level 2 and hopefully soon after to level 1, many of us will be wondering what the rest of 2020 will look like. How will we guarantee we are COVID-19 free? What are the implications of that on the way we conduct business, schools, public areas? How will our economy cope with the setbacks? How have Pacific and Maori businesses coped and what is the future for us? THE LOOM OF A GLOBAL RECESSION & OUR MOST VULNERABLE INDUSTRIES  The International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook highlights that the global economy is expected to shrink by 3% this year. The impact of the pandemic has and is expected to cause economic disruption at a scale not experienced since the Great Depression in the 1930s. Economists are somewhat optimistic that New Zealand will bounce back. However, with a staggering level of debt to assist the economy during the lockdown period, significant changes to economic policies and government spending in the next year is to be expected. The New Zealand economy is expected to shrink by 0.4%. As of now, our recovery depends largely on our ability to contain and eliminate the virus. According to an analysis by Auckland University’s Mike Lee, businesses who are expected to thrive are those who are location independent and provide an asynchronous service; Correspondence School, VR Tourism, Entertainment, Streaming Services, Online Retail. Those who are expected to take a dive, are Live Events, Sports, Film and Television and Tourism and Hospitality (Accommodation and Food), Services, Retail, Education, Airline. Businesses have had to close their doors, and job losses are only just beginning. The Spinoff reports that economists have predicted a New Zealand unemployment rate of between 10% and 30% as a result of this lockdown. MAORI & PACIFIC BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT As for the Maori and Pacific economies in New Zealand, key Maori industries that include tourism, seafood, forestry and international share market are being heavily impacted. The Spinoff highlights that during the last recession Pakeha employment rate rose from 2% to 5% between 2008-2012 while Maori unemployment went from 7.4% to 14.6%. Maori unemployment rates, already at crises levels prior to the lockdown will increase at a more severe rate this time around, with an estimated spike to 25%. As reported by RNZ, the Maori Council estimates that the Maori economy has been hit by between $100-$200 million. Others say those figures are conservative. The domino effect of these losses will have implications on the livelihoods of our Maori communities.  Pacific businesses and peoples are also expected to be significantly impacted. Based on the New Zealand Treasury’s most recent report on the Pacific Economy, there are around 5,600 pacific businesses in New Zealand. As the majority of Pacific businesses operate at a small scale, with a small or narrow customer base, they do not have the capacity and financial assets or security to secure financial assistance to withstand a recession. Businesses with low assets are operating in the tourism and accommodation, health, construction and manufacturing industries. In addition, the Report on the Pacific Economy highlights that Pacific People are often employed in low-skilled and low-paid occupations and are therefore most at risk of job cuts over the next few months.  As our essential workers emerge as the true heroes of this pandemic, we are reminded that our essential industries will be our most significant in the recovery period. Statistics show that around 20% of Pacific people who are employed are employed in essential services. But let’s be optimistic, not all hope is lost. There has been an evident rise in new and diversified business activities and business models. Furthermore, the revival of older business models. These include delivery services and transportation, entertainment and online digital media, virtual education and online fitness classes/programs, online cooking and culinary blogging etc.  Falute Vaauli Lene, of Pacific40, shared that COVID-19 launched their business – their business model and online platform enables New Zealanders (and overseas customers) to purchase Talofa shopping vouchers for their families in Samoa. Families in Samoa receive notification that they have received a voucher from families in New Zealand (or overseas), which they can use to purchase goods. With the country on lockdown, families in New Zealand saw another option of providing for their families without having to leave their homes. Retail businesses who mostly relied on physical sales in-store are now utilising their online platforms to sell their products. Despite the circumstances, Pacific businesses remain positive and hopeful that the economy will recover. Pacific businesses are now looking to tap into their mainstream industries to attract a bigger customer base. BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER Based on the latest update from our Government, things are looking brighter for New Zealand. However, the risk of Covid19 spreading (again) is undeniably shaping the way we conduct business. While a recession to the local and global economy is expected, only time will tell. For now, our local businesses and domestic industries are doing their best to keep their heads above the water. As consumers, we should be all in to support them the best way we can. **We commend the efforts and hard work of all our essential workers who are at the frontline of this crisis. More importantly, we acknowledge and offer our condolences to our fellow Kiwis who have been affected by this pandemic. ORIGINAL SOURCE: Bluwave
Link to original article: LINK PRESS RELEASE  Manukau, AKL 1:45PM - The Pacific Business Hub based in Manukau City is opening its doors this Saturday 14 March (tomorrow) to provide some relief and support for the Pacific vendors who are left stranded with the announcement of the cancellation of the 2020 Pasifika Festival earlier this morning. The organisers of Pop-Up Pasifika have released this statement; "We are all aware of the outbreak of the new disease called COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). With continued vigilance the chance of widespread community outbreak is expected to remain low. With that in mind the Pacific Business Hub will open up its premises to hold a Pasifika Pop-Up Market to allow our communities the opportunity to have stalls. But please note, our disclaimer below. We open our doors on the understanding that we are all responsible for our own health and safety at all times. If you have developed symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath seek medical advice and stay home." DISCLAIMER: Guests and visitors enter and use these premises at their own risk. Neither the owner of the Pacific Business Hub or their representatives or agents are liable for loss or damage to guests or visitors, nor for any injury or death of any guests or visitors whether or not such loss, damage, injury or death is as a result of the negligence of the owner and/or their representatives. If you're a Pacific vendor that has been affected by the Pasifika Festival cancellation please get in contact with the organisers as they have limited spaces available. A small fee is being charged to cover the costs of the event.
Contact: Laura Keil-Hall Email: laura@pacificbizhub.co.nz Mobile: 021659072 Office: 9 Sharkey Street, Manukau City PRESS RELEASE by The Pacific Business Hub - Monday 24 Feb, 2020  Manukau, AKL - The location is perfect. It’s smack in the heart of bustling Manukau City, close to the mall but on a parking-friendly side street. The bold signage is unmissable. Its huge lettering, sprawled across a glass-encased shopfront, welcomes you into The Pacific Business Hub. Last Friday 21 February, The Pacific Business Hub was officially launched! The event also marked a milestone for the establishment as it celebrates its 1-year anniversary since opening its doors. For founder, Laura Keil-Hall, the Hub is the fulfillment of “a passion and a dream”. It started with a bit of inspiration from her years as a Bank of New Zealand business manager. The concept of The Pacific Business Hub is based on the existing model of co-working and shared office space. A base for small and new start-up businesses to collaborate resources and share space. Laura remembers: “The first time I walked into [BNZ’s] Highbrook Partner Centre, I immediately said to myself, ‘I would like to one day offer a space like this for…the Pacific.’” Laura envisioned a professional yet nurturing hub for Pacific entrepreneurs, an affordable place for startups and small businesses to set up office, meet with clients, get creative, collaborate and be inspired by other ambitious like-minded thinkers. The difference is, the Hub is not your average traditional shared office co-working space. In its core essence it incorporates Pacific cultural values and strengths in how it operates. What Laura’s achieved so far is certainly appealing. Through the main doors, a lovely fragrance beckons you into a tastefully furnished foyer bordered by a trio of meeting rooms. A large reception desk acts as a gatekeeper for the rest of the space, and on the wall above it is a gallant declaration of the Hub’s mission to, “Enable, Empower and Enrich”. Laura elaborates that the Hub itself is an enabling space where they provide practical business solutions to help and support businesses that are owned and operated by Pacific peoples. One of the solutions is providing affordable office space. “You don’t have to worry about overheads [here],” Laura says. “You don’t have to worry about paying a separate bill for your Wi-Fi, a separate bill for the power, a separate bill for cleaning… you’ve got all of that included in that [tenancy] package. The office packages vary and are tailored to the needs and budget of the business so basically we try and make things work.” Laura believes that by providing solutions enables people and when you enable people, you also empower them. “When people feel empowered they gain the confidence to pursue whatever aspirations they may have. The end goal we want from being enabled and feeling empowered, is enriching our lives, not just ours but everyone else around us.” She also brings her vast network of connections to the Hub, as well as a wealth of corporate and financial experience. But Laura also knows – firsthand – the struggles of building your own business from scratch. For her, the entrepreneurial life comes with its own set of challenges and learnings. Just over 12 months ago, her first major task in setting up the Hub was to find a space for it. “I got to go out and have a look at properties and understand how that system works and how agents work and what’s involved, and when I finally found the place…I got scared,” she says. “The commitment and the responsibility was huge.” But after she passed on the building, she couldn’t get it out of her mind. “I prayed a lot… and the actual building kept popping up in my head. I literally couldn’t get to sleep thinking about it.” She had a chat with her husband, reviewed all her research, was prompted to calculate the figures again and eventually concluded that the Hub really is a viable business opportunity. “It was a no-brainer. So I said, Okay. I’m going to do this.” As she continues to pray, asking God for help and support, she felt like her focus sharpened and, “everything kinda fell into place.” Laura has since thrown her heart, determination and personal finances into this venture, she’s always the first to acknowledge the encouragement of her family and close friends and colleagues. “I have a really good support system…through my brothers and sisters, the Samoa Business Network, the women of PACIFICA where I am a part of the Exec for the Manukau branch as well as the businesses themselves that are based at the Hub. But my biggest and most loyal supporters are my husband and my kids. I am so grateful to them for enabling my dreams and my aspirations because it certainly hasn’t been easy.” Laura continues “above all else, it has been my strong faith and belief in God that has enabled me to take the leap and continue persevering and I honour and glorify HIM by doing this work.” The Pacific Business Hub is now fully outfitted and beautifully furnished. Its website and social media have grown rapidly. The Hub in its short 12 months of operations has had successful business activity under its belt with interest in tenancy continuing to increase. The entrepreneurs who’ve moved into the Hub – usually from their kitchen tables or garages – have also gained a proper commercial business address as well as a clean, professional work environment that’s free from the many distractions of home. Kristy Morgan, of Cook Island descend and one of the businesses based at the Hub says “When I first saw this place, I instantly fell in love with the décor and set up. It felt very Pacific and professional at the same time, a perfect blend of the two worlds.” Kristy shares that the environment at the hub is supportive, where everyone celebrates each other’s successes and pushes each other to reach their own goals and aspiration. This is a change from the corporate environment in her line of work, where it can get competitive. “The Pacific Business Hub is empowering and uplifting. People genuinely want to see you succeed and that’s the best kind of place to start your business”, says Kristy. Niuean Emani Lui of MakaNet shares, “Our customers have grown since we linked up with the hub, most of them have come to us through our networks here.” The ISP entrepreneur shares that the hub enables collaboration, sharing, mentoring and networking amongst pacific businesses and entrepreneurs. “Working with them every day, side by side inspires me and my team. We all share the same vision for our pacific people and strive towards creating opportunities for them and our communities.” But it’s not just the on-going tenants who are benefitting from this space. The breakout area’s modular furniture can easily be reconfigured into temporary retail stalls. In fact, the Hub has already hosted several Pacific themed Pop-Up stores, most notably providing a last-minute outlet for vendors who were stranded by the cancellation of 2019's Pasifika festival. Soon, Laura will be offering individually tailored business mentoring for patrons of the Hub under her consultancy business LKH Consulting. How this service will work is, let’s say someone comes in with an idea for a new venture. “I will sit down and have a quality conversation with them…” Laura explains, “It’s basically just understanding their needs then putting some plans in place to make it happen, and I will open up my networks and connections to actually be able to do that. I will also be checking in on a regular basis to make sure that they are on the right track.” There will be a range of other services that will be provided under this new service, i.e. personal budgeting, pathways to home ownership etc. Looking at the Hub’s 1 year in review; they currently house 18 businesses, hosted 3 successful pop up markets supporting 20+ businesses, delivered 8 pop up shops that enabled individual businesses to have a shop front, hosted 2 large visiting groups of 40+ officials from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment as well as 30+ students from New York University Stern Business School earlier this year. Hosted a number of business networking events & community events, launched a number of businesses, have done a multitude of business consultations and hub tours and to top it off to mark its exact 1 year anniversary on 1 February, it launched a new initiative called ‘The Pacific Business Journal’, a platform dedicated to telling the stories of Pacific peoples in business. 1 Year Review in Photos The official launch was also a tribute and a celebration of the Hub’s patrons as much as it was for the Hub. Laura acknowledges all of them for believing in the vision and the desire to work together and collaboratively to support one another to reach a common goal of supporting our wider Pacific community. The event was attended by stakeholders, clients of the businesses at the Hub, family and friends. The Honorable Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito Su’a William Sio was also in attendance and posted on his Facebook Page saying “Members of the Pacific Hub represent a fast growing number of Pacific peoples of Aotearoa who are leading in innovation and exploring new income-generating pathways. When Pacific peoples succeed, thrive and prosper we are also contributing to enriching Aotearoa New Zealand.” On the night, he acknowledged Laura’s hard work with the community and her drive to see Pacific peoples succeed in business. He says she is firm but loving. Businesses and organisations based at the Hub; Elemai Therapeutic Clinic, Bluwave Galumoana, AP Civil Construction/Workforce Connect, MakaNet, JV Life, Pacific40 Ltd, Kristy Morgan Barrister, Timaloa Law, Bluespur Consulting, PolyX NZ, AGNIU Accounting, Talanoa Media, APS58 Productions, Le-Ata, Staavias, Wulf Publishing, Samoa Business Network, Good Samaritan Church. Special mention of the Pacific businesses that put together the launch event; Marie & Pauline Decorators Ltd, Bloomed NZ, L&T Elegant Prop Hire, Up Café, MBrace Dance Group and Tui Eddie Taualapini & band. PRESS RELEASE ENDS. More photos of the Launch!  The CEO of The Pacific Business Hub, Laura Keil-Hall today made an address on Facebook about the launch of its new platform called The Pacific Business Journal. "It with great pleasure that I introduce this new platform. An initiative dedicated to showcasing & highlighting Pacific stories of Pacific peoples in business." The CEO writes Laura goes on to say that to start off the journal, they will be producing articles with the businesses based and affiliated with The Pacific Business Hub. She mentions they already have a database of businesses that they have been working with so there is already a pipeline of stories to come but at the same time they will continue to scope and build relationships with other businesses who are not yet within their reach. "It is our hope to go around NZ first and then go global." says Laura The writers for the newly established platform are as follows; Tupe Crawley Tupe is currently studying International Business at the University of Auckland. Her experience and background is in policy but is also an aspiring entrepreneur. More recently she is finding her niche in writing and has been doing some work with one of our In-Hub businesses who recommended her to us. Melania Gafatasi Wulf Melania known as Mel recently became a stay at home mom. She is married with 3 beautiful children. A couple of months ago, she approached us about starting a business to pursue her passion in writing and communications. It was very timely she came to see us because we hired her on the spot to give her the opportunity to do what she is passionate about. Mel will be operating under her newly established business name 'Wulf Publishing'. Cecilia Sagote Cecilia is a full time working solo mom of one & runs a publishing business on the side called 'Seki Media'. She founded and is the former Editor in Chief of her own magazine SUGA. She will be overseeing some of the work and also be providing insights and support in publishing a magazine for The Pacific Business Journal. Laura says, their intention is for readers to feel inspired, motivated and be invigorated when reading about these stories to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners to take the leap and start their own businesses. Laura acknowledges the support of the U.S. Embassy, NZ. She mentions that during her visit to Fiji on one of their programmes in 2019, she got the opportunity to pitch this idea to them and was able to secure a small funding to start this initiative up. If you are interested in being a contributor to The Pacific Business Journal as a Writer, please contact Laura on 09 218 8273 or laura@pacificbizhub.co.nz
PRESS RELEASE 28/01/20 - Seki Media  Concern for the health of his people lands Samoan boy on the Weet-Bix cereal box and Christian Sagote is his name. 11-year-old Christian Sagote of Melbourne, Australia is a Weet-Bix TRYathlon star. The energetic youngster whose family originates from the village of Leauva'a, is one of eight children in Australia chosen to feature on the Weet-Bix cereal box. Participation in previous tryathlons was a prerequisite for the exciting accolade but it was his interview with the Weet-Bix marketing team that impressed them the most. "I want to encourage more of our Samoan and Pacific kids especially to enter the tryathlon because it's fun and it's important to be active," he said. "Our people have high rates of diabetes and obesity issues so it's important to have a healthy mindset early when you're a kid." Last year Samoa was listed sixth in the top 10 obese countries of the world according to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The child obesity statistics are alarming and at least 20 percent of children between 5-19 years are obese. In New Zealand, the Ministry of Health also reported last year that Pacific Island children made up the largest group (28.4 percent) of obese children in the country. Children living in socio economically deprived areas were more likely to be obese as children living in the least deprived. A lack of education around nutrition and physical activity were also contributing factors. Christian says that the irony of these numbers is that Samoans are also strong and athletic people too and boast some of the world's biggest sporting icons. "It doesn't have to be like this. We can all achieve anything when we put our mind to it. “The best part of the tryathlon for me was crossing that finish line. My mum says it's always important to 'finish' things in life, even when it gets hard." Sanitarium marketing brand manager Tyler Van der Veer says that Christian's desire to make a difference in his community is what struck a chord with Weet-Bix. "Christian realised how much of a positive impact his actions could have on his community," he explained. "He used his experience at the Weet-Bix kids tryathlon to help encourage so many others like him to live an active, confident and healthy lifestyle." Van der Veer adds that for 22 years, the Sanitarium Weet-Bix kids tryathlon has been passionate about encouraging every kid to give it a go and that over the years the tryathlon has attracted more ethnic groups. "We have seen a huge increase in the diversity of kids attending the tryathlon, something we are very pleased about. Celebration of diversity has always been deeply ingrained in our event and this diversity grows each year."  Christian also a soccer enthusiast pictured here with another talented Samoan, the dynamic former Socceroo midfielder Tim Cahill & a former Weet-Bix Kid! Christian who is raised by his mother Lia Sagote, moved with his mum to Melbourne in 2015 from West Auckland New Zealand in search of a better life. And they haven't looked back. Christian also excels in soccer and basketball playing for elite Melbourne clubs. He enjoys school, computer coding, building apps and hanging out with his friends. He will participate in his third Weet-Bix tryathlon in March and says that this year's event will be even more special as he won't be doing it by himself anymore after helping to register 10 of his cousins for the event. He is proud to be a Samoan Boy featured on a Weet-Bix cereal box in Australasia. The Weet-Bix boxes will be distributed from January to April in Australia and the Pacific Islands including Samoa.    What is a Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids Tryathlon?
The Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is a non-competitive event. It is a community engagement program that assists kids to develop self esteem. Australia’s largest Kids TRYathlon series aims to encourage kids to get fit & active while having fun with their friends. The TRYathon is conducted along the lines of an adult triathlon, i.e: swim, ride and run in one event. The Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is for kids aged 7 – 15 years of age. It doesn’t matter if you have participated in the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon Series before or not. The Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is all about TRY-ing your best and having a go! Manukau, AKL – Thursday 12 of September is a day to be etched in memory and New Zealand’s history, when 30+ people arrived from Samoa and received by the Pacific Settlement Support Services team. PSSS provides settlement support services for Pacific newcomers to New Zealand which includes those who have been successful through the Samoan quota or the Pacific Access Category (PAC). The Pacific Business Hub in Manukau City where PSSS is located was abuzz with activity with it’s 2-day Kiwi Life programme as they received individuals and families from Samoa who had been successful with the quota. The day was opened with a prayer by Pastor Lui Ponifasio to bless and encourage our newcomers about life in New Zealand. “Aua le faalogologo tiga, galue malosi ma le faamaoni, aua le ma e fesili mo se fesoasoani ma aua nei galo Iesu” – Don’t give up easily when things start to get difficult, work hard and be committed, don’t be shy to ask for help and never forget Jesus. “E le o toe tafe le susu ma le meli i Niu Sila.” - Milk and honey doesn’t flow freely in NZ anymore. He ended by encouraging everyone to be involved in their new communities, enjoy the many opportunities that NZ has to offer and to be prosperous. This was followed by refreshments for our newcomers to NZ and their families, which were about 50 in total on Thursday. There was a resounding echo of gratefulness by our newcomers from Samoa and their NZ families alike. “Faafetai lava mo lenei feasoasoani, e ese le aoga toe taua, manaia o lea ua iloa mai le ofisa e toomaga iai pea fia maua le fesoasoani.” - Thank you for this service, it is very useful and important and it is nice to know there is an office to go to when help is needed. It was followed by a presentation by the New Zealand Police, delivered in the Samoan language, informing and educating the people about Law & Order as well as a presentation from Inland Revenue Department who helped the team with processing IRD numbers. Friday saw the team doing one-on-one sessions with each individual or family to find out what their immediate needs are and what their goals are in the near future with the day ending with the team taking them to the Bank to open bank accounts. Pacific Settlement Support Services, a first of its kind service in New Zealand, was set up 3 months ago by 3 Samoan women, Zeprina Fale, Laura Keil-Hall and Mandy Siitia through a collaboration between their organisations. Zeprina and Mandy through Bluespur Charitable Trust and Laura through LKH Consulting. Laura also owns and runs The Pacific Business Hub. Later they connected with Roberta Tiatia and Sheryl Silitia of Lototau Agency Immigration Services based in Samoa whom they now work closely with and as a partner in Samoa doing pre-migration work.  “We saw the need for this service based on our own shared migration experiences” says Zeprina “Statistics and anecdotal feedback from many of our Pacific people points to the lack of settlement support and a need for a service such as this” she continues Mandy Siitia adds “For us it’s continuing the work that some of our Pacific Island families have been doing since the 1950s” Laura Keil-Hall adds that she has been involved with talks and conversations with some government people and stakeholders in the past and tried to push for something like this but it always fell on deaf ears. She says this is a crucial service that is needed by our people and yet no one wants to do something about it until she met Zeprina and Mandy who were equally passionate about this and now here they are. What PSSS wants to do is to position our Pacific people for prosperity and give them the best start possible with life in New Zealand. Because it’s never been done before, the PSSS team are looking to flex and adjust according to the needs of the people, and the programme to be delivered in a way that is culturally relevant and spiritually sensitive. The service is not funded so a fee is charged for the services. PSSS acknowledges the support of the Community, New Zealand Police, Inland Revenue, the In-Hub businesses at the Pacific Business Hub and the Samoa Business Network. To make contact with Pacific Settlement Support Services, you may visit their office in Auckland, 9 Sharkey Street, Manukau City or contact +64 218 8273 or +64 21 963 301  PRESS RELEASE published by The Pacific Business Hub  Laura Keil-Hall, Managing Director of The Pacific Business Hub & Falute Lene, Director & Operations Manager of Pacific40 Ltd Manukau, AKL- The idea of convenient shopping has a new meaning with Pacific40 Limited launching its Talofa Voucher project in partnership with Ah Liki Wholesale Limited. The tech company born out of The Pacific Business Hub and supported by the Samoa Business Network has established an e-commerce platform that allows customers in NZ and around the world with online banking/credit or debit card access to buy a shopping voucher for their family in Samoa. What is unique about the concept is that the person buying the voucher will select the shop that is closer to where their family reside to redeem their Talofa Voucher. This means customers do not have to travel to Apia or Salelologa to redeem their vouchers but can do their shopping at a partner store that is closer to where they live. This will save money on transport and allow customers longer opening hours as most shops in villages are open until 10 or 11 o’clock at night. “We are launching Talofa Voucher with the 4 Farmer Joe Supermarkets in Upolu to start with and then hopefully expand to other retail stores around Upolu and Savaii,” said Falute Vaauli-Lene, Director and Operations Manager of Pacific40 Limited. She went on to acknowledge that the concept was only possible with a fully established retail infrastructure around Samoa and that is where the partnership with Ah Liki Wholesale Limited was important. Ah Liki Wholesale Limited has a strong network of retail shops around Samoa through their wholesale business and it is a vital component for the Talofa Voucher shopping experience. “Ah Liki Wholesale Limited welcomes the opportunity to work with Pacific40 through the Talofa Voucher service as it will allow retail shops in Samoa access to customers in NZ and around the world to help drive sales” said Taimalieutu Charlie Westerlund owner of Ah Liki Investment Limited. Talofa Voucher is now available for purchase to customers in NZ and around the world with voucher redemption at Farmer Joe Fugalei, Famer Joe Magi at Siusega, Farmer Joe at Vaitele Tai and Farmer Joe Aita at Saleimoa. For more information customers can visit Pacifi40 Limited Facebook page or their website at www.pacific40.com Further Information
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AuthorThe Pacific Business Hub Archives
November 2020
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