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PRESS RELEASE by The Pacific Business Hub
Auckland City, AKL – Auckland is about to get its first glimpse of TALA – a new offering from chef Henry Onesemo that showcases traditional Samoan flavours through an innovative, modern dining experience. Two pop-up dinners at Bar Magda on June 13 and 20 will give diners the chance to experience TALA through a three-course menu from Henry (ex-Meredith’s, Apero and East St. Hall), with dishes inspired by his Samoan heritage and childhood, but reimagined and refined to tell a story through modern Samoan cuisine. The pop-ups are a “taster” as Henry and partner Debby look for a space in which to launch TALA as a stand- alone restaurant later in 2023. More pop-up dining events are planned in the coming months. The Samoan word “tala” means “story” or “tale”. For Henry Onesemo, TALA is where he tells his own tales of Samoa through familiar ingredients presented with a fresh twist. “Dishes like ‘raw ramen’ were inspired by my childhood, where eating raw ramen noodles was a beloved treat,” says Henry. “Drawing on that food memory of the crunchy, salty noodles and sweet, chewy dehydrated vegetables has been the inspiration for a fun, modern twist on a childhood favourite. “My goal in showcasing Samoan food is to retain the food memory but refine the dishes and make Samoan food ‘fashionable’,” he says. “I want to remove the stigma that Samoan food belongs in a takeaway container!” TALA at Bar Magda Dates: Tuesday 13 June and Tuesday 20 June Time: Seatings from 5.30pm Price: $90 per person for snacks and 3-course menu. Drinks curated by Bar Magda and sold separately. Bookings: Online reservations at barmagda.co.nz Photo credit: Gia's Grab&Go About Henry Onesemo Henry Onesemo grew up in Samoa and his passion for food started young. He recalls helping out in the kitchen as a child, and early Sunday morning trips to the fish market with his Dad to make the umu before church. Henry trained as a chef in Samoa and after time in Hawaii and Florida he returned home. It was on a visit to New Zealand that he ate at Auckland restaurant Meredith’s. After returning to Samoa, he wrote to chef Michael Meredith hoping for an opportunity in the kitchen. Michael took Henry on in 2014 and under Michael’s mentorship Henry grew his career in Auckland. Henry later spent time in Thailand at Gaa in Bangkok, where traditional Indian food was presented in a Michelin-starred setting. The COVID pandemic prompted his return to New Zealand and he worked as Head Chef at East St. Hall before launching the TALA concept with wife Debby in 2022. The couple are now looking for a suitable space to launch TALA restaurant.
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PRESS RELEASE by The Pacific Business Hub  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 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 | [email protected] | 021 071 7454  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 [email protected] 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: [email protected] 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 [email protected]
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! |
AuthorThe Pacific Business Hub Archives
June 2023
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