​Manukau, AKL – Ladies, Make Time! Was the call to action for the event that was held in Manukau City over the weekend on Saturday. An event that was inspired by women and organized by women for women business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
 
The event was organised by Laura Keil-Hall, owner & founder of The Pacific Business Hub, Nora Swann of Nora Swann Ltd, Dressed in Confidence & Pacific Fusion Fashion Show and Peninatautele Schmidt of Karas Fashion.
 
Laura says, “The event was simply about creating a space where women can come and just take a load off.”
 
“Over the years, I’ve heard our Pacific women mentioning and wishing for something or somewhere they could go to and just be themselves, to be around other like-minded women, where they can share their frustrations & tribulations. Some wanted to have a day of pampering and just focus on themselves. So, this event was trying to accomplish all those things, and we wanted to have an event where we get to celebrate women and our contribution to society as well. I feel women give so much of themselves and most times, the work women do are undervalued and unappreciated so by having these events and being intentional about it is saying to our women ‘you are valued, and you are appreciated’”, Laura continues.
 
Laura then mentioned and discussed this with long time and good friend Nora Swann some time ago who was immediately onboard.
 
Nora adds; “We sat on the idea for a while and about a month ago, we decided to lock in a date and just go for it although we were both quite full on with running our own businesses, being mothers and busy with other demands of life. But we knew we needed this especially at this time.”
 
“Then we brought on Penina. Together, we literally made time to make time for this event because we know it is something that is so needed because it is something that we would want for ourselves too,” says Nora.
 
“I don’t think I had a choice,” Penina laughs. “They just said you’re in and that was that.”
 
Laura says, “We felt this was also an opportune time to hold such an event as we have been in lockdown with the pandemic for over 2 years. It was and still is challenging and tough for some of our women especially us in the business arena. Media and agencies talk about health & wellbeing support for businesses but we’re not really seeing what that support looks like. The three of us just knew what we wanted and needed so we went for it. We knew it was going to contribute to our own wellbeing & we wanted to share it. We want to be motivated again, be inspired, be excited, dress up and go to events again and to rebuild our confidence and businesses."
 
They chose the venue for their first-time event for the ambiance then finding out there was a hotel and a beauty salon on site. The location was perfect! It made facilitating the event so much easier for them.

The day started out with pampering sessions where some women came to get their nails, hair and make-up done throughout the day. The event also offered up complimentary make-up giveaway for any woman who wanted it with a hotel room where they can also relax and enjoy drinks and snacks.
 
The main event was the dinner and networking in the evening, which was filled with so much fun, laughter, confidence, courage, sassiness, honesty, inspiration with women sharing their entrepreneurial and career journeys with other women attendees.
 
Nora mentions that sadly they had to turn away a few ladies as they had sold out with the event hosting 45 women which was originally locked in for 40.
 
Laura, Nora and Penina collectively agree that it was an amazing day and evening shared with amazing women. What they experienced on Saturday was phenomenal and made all the hard work and dedication they put into it so gratifying and rewarding, and they would like to continue creating spaces that allow women to be uplifted, to be vulnerable and not be judged, to celebrate all that they/we are as women. To conclude, they said to look out for their next event and will look to go bigger to accommodate for more women to attend.

Comments from some of the women that attended the Ladies, Make Time event;
 
“We were surrounded by so many successful Pacific Proud women from all walks of life, who spoke and touched on real life experiences in their business journey. We left this special event feeling empowered, motivated, confident and Inspired.” – Lets Cheat Treats
 
"It was a first for me and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. To be amongst so many Pasifika business women/entrepreneurs, it truly is a feeling like no other. I learnt so much about the importance of networking with others as well as self-belief. And while I still have a lot to learn regarding business, I have left the event feeling very inspired and empowered! I have lot of work to do to reach my goals, however, the event has just reiterated the fact that with hard work and time, my goals will be achieved and my dreams will become a reality.” – Anne Ulaula
 
“It was phenomenal! A wonderful night celebrating all things women, entrepreneurs, business, and leadership. The organisers brought soul, energy and sassy style to create a classy occasion and a real space for people to share their lived experiences, the highs and lows, to connect, have fun, learn about each other’s businesses and passions.” – Sina Wendt
 
“We can get caught up in the busyness of life that we really do forget to “make time” for ourselves so being pampered & getting that self-care is so vital to our wairua/laumalie. But wow, learnt a lot from our Pasifika women who are killing it as businesswomen & entrepreneurs. We were spoilt with personal goodie bags, hair & make up, food, drinks, dessert but most importantly, we were blessed with wisdom, encouragement & an awesome night of networking.” – Agnes Tupou
 
“It was such an empowering scene to be a part of as well as being amongst beautiful like-minded Queens. Looking forward to the next.” – Hossana Mateo

Before our next event, Nora’s Pacific Fusion Fashion Show is coming up on the 28th of May so that’s another event not to be missed so book yourself in and go and experience the biggest Pacific platform showcasing Pacific talent in the fashion industry, from designers, to models, make-up artists, hair stylists and more. For more information and to get tickets go to https://fusionfashion.co.nz

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

• Incredible, mouth-watering Pacific kai 
• Pacific inspired fine art, quality crafted and bespoke products, expertly woven natural mats, textiles, and prints
• Cultural inspired homeware, fashion, and accessories 
• Well-being products, fragrances, pure quality oils and so much more
• Live entertainment: fire dancing, the sights and sounds of Aotearoa and the Pacific under the stars

• A rare look into authentic ceremonial practices like the Kava and Tatau (tattooing)

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 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.

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.

​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;

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

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 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

​“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.
​