"Welcome to the Pacific Business Hub, where we unite to uplift. Anchored in our core vision to Enable, Empower, & Enrich, we are building more than networks—we are nurturing a community of Pacific businesses and entrepreneurs committed to mutual growth and shared success. Join us, and be part of a movement where every step forward is a step upward for all."
Importance of Our History.
At The Pacific Business Hub, we believe that understanding our history is essential to shaping our future. The story of our networks' origins provides invaluable context for our current initiatives and ambitions. It is a testament to the visionary leadership of our Founder and CEO Laura Keil-Hall and the foundational efforts that have enabled the growth and empowerment of Pacific businesses across various communities.
Documenting this history is crucial because it anchors us in our mission and values, reminding us of the challenges we've overcome and the milestones we've achieved. It serves as a guiding light for future strategies and inspires new generations of leaders by illustrating the impact of perseverance, collaboration, and innovative thinking.
Moreover, our history is a reflection of our commitment to the Pacific business community—it highlights our dedication to providing support and creating opportunities that enhance economic growth and cultural enrichment. By preserving and honouring our past, we foster a deeper connection within our community, enhance the sense of identity, and strengthen the resolve to continue building on the legacy that was started over a decade ago.
In essence, our history is not just a record of what we have done; it is a narrative that moves us forward, fuels our passion, and reaffirms our commitment to 'Enable, Empower, & Enrich' the lives of Pacific peoples through sustainable business practices and meaningful connections.
Documenting this history is crucial because it anchors us in our mission and values, reminding us of the challenges we've overcome and the milestones we've achieved. It serves as a guiding light for future strategies and inspires new generations of leaders by illustrating the impact of perseverance, collaboration, and innovative thinking.
Moreover, our history is a reflection of our commitment to the Pacific business community—it highlights our dedication to providing support and creating opportunities that enhance economic growth and cultural enrichment. By preserving and honouring our past, we foster a deeper connection within our community, enhance the sense of identity, and strengthen the resolve to continue building on the legacy that was started over a decade ago.
In essence, our history is not just a record of what we have done; it is a narrative that moves us forward, fuels our passion, and reaffirms our commitment to 'Enable, Empower, & Enrich' the lives of Pacific peoples through sustainable business practices and meaningful connections.
The History of the Pacific Business Networks.
The genesis of the Pacific business networks can be traced back to the visionary efforts of Laura Keil-Hall in 2010. At the time, Laura was serving as a Business Manager at one of New Zealand's major banking institutions. It was there she recognised a significant gap in the support and networking opportunities available to Pacific businesses—a gap that was not only evident but expansive.
Driven by a profound commitment to her community and a clear vision for its potential, Laura saw the urgent need for structured networks that could support and uplift Pacific entrepreneurs. Her observations and experiences within the banking industry highlighted the absence of such networks and propelled her to action.
In 2012, the Samoa Business Network was born. It was co-established by Laura and Rasmus Pereira and it was officially launched at the BNZ Manukau branch where Laura was based at the time. This marked the first of many networks and initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and collaboration among Pacific businesses. This initial network set a precedent and laid the foundational framework for the subsequent creation of similar networks. Following the success of the Samoa Business Network, additional networks were established for Niue, Tuvalu, Tonga, and more recently the Cook Islands, each tailored to meet the unique needs and aspirations of their respective business communities. Added to these networks, and more specific to industry and city location, is the Pacific Tradies Network and the Auckland Pacific Business Network.
A back story and not a widely known fact is that Laura was instrumental in bringing the network to the Waikato—with the establishment of Waikato Samoa Business Network. It's first event was facilitated by Laura under the umbrella of Samoa Business Network with her connection with BNZ and held at the bank's Hamilton branch on November 2012 and officially launched in June 2015 under the leadership of Meleane Burgess. This network later rebranded and relaunched as the Waikato Pacific Business Network in May 2018 and still exists to this day.
The success and impact of these networks were profound, directly contributing to the establishment of The Pacific Business Hub. The Hub was envisioned as a central platform to further expand the support and resources available to Pacific businesses across various sectors and islands. It also aimed to unify the efforts of the individual networks under a single umbrella, enhancing their ability to share resources, knowledge, and opportunities.
Laura Keil-Hall's pioneering work has not only fostered a vibrant ecosystem of business networks but has also been instrumental in advocating for and implementing practical solutions to the challenges faced by Pacific entrepreneurs.
Today, these networks are being revitalised and celebrated as crucial pillars of support and development for Pacific communities, enabling them to thrive both locally and in broader markets.
Driven by a profound commitment to her community and a clear vision for its potential, Laura saw the urgent need for structured networks that could support and uplift Pacific entrepreneurs. Her observations and experiences within the banking industry highlighted the absence of such networks and propelled her to action.
In 2012, the Samoa Business Network was born. It was co-established by Laura and Rasmus Pereira and it was officially launched at the BNZ Manukau branch where Laura was based at the time. This marked the first of many networks and initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and collaboration among Pacific businesses. This initial network set a precedent and laid the foundational framework for the subsequent creation of similar networks. Following the success of the Samoa Business Network, additional networks were established for Niue, Tuvalu, Tonga, and more recently the Cook Islands, each tailored to meet the unique needs and aspirations of their respective business communities. Added to these networks, and more specific to industry and city location, is the Pacific Tradies Network and the Auckland Pacific Business Network.
A back story and not a widely known fact is that Laura was instrumental in bringing the network to the Waikato—with the establishment of Waikato Samoa Business Network. It's first event was facilitated by Laura under the umbrella of Samoa Business Network with her connection with BNZ and held at the bank's Hamilton branch on November 2012 and officially launched in June 2015 under the leadership of Meleane Burgess. This network later rebranded and relaunched as the Waikato Pacific Business Network in May 2018 and still exists to this day.
The success and impact of these networks were profound, directly contributing to the establishment of The Pacific Business Hub. The Hub was envisioned as a central platform to further expand the support and resources available to Pacific businesses across various sectors and islands. It also aimed to unify the efforts of the individual networks under a single umbrella, enhancing their ability to share resources, knowledge, and opportunities.
Laura Keil-Hall's pioneering work has not only fostered a vibrant ecosystem of business networks but has also been instrumental in advocating for and implementing practical solutions to the challenges faced by Pacific entrepreneurs.
Today, these networks are being revitalised and celebrated as crucial pillars of support and development for Pacific communities, enabling them to thrive both locally and in broader markets.
Our New Commitment to the Narrative that goes with the old saying; 'a rising tide lifts all boats'.
With the vast and vibrant expanse of the Pacific, a powerful movement is underway, driven by the spirit of unity and mutual growth. The Pacific Business Hub stands at the forefront of this movement, embodying the principle that 'a rising tide lifts all boats'. This philosophy is not just a metaphor but a call to action for our Pacific business community to unite, collaborate, and elevate each other.
The Hub is dedicated to weaving a network of Pacific-owned businesses, each unique yet bound by shared aspirations and cultural heritage. By fostering connections, the Hub ensures that no business needs to navigate the waters of running a business alone. It is a pillar of collaboration over competition, deeply rooted in the belief that there is enough opportunity for all, and that together, we can generate even greater prospects.
At the heart of this collaborative effort are our specialised networks designed to foster connections and support specific sectors and communities–with this being said we are excited to be reactivating our Samoa, Niue, Tuvalu and Tonga Business Networks with the exception of the Cook Islands. Each business network serves as a cornerstone for entrepreneurs from these islands, providing platforms where business owners can meet, share insights, and create partnerships.
The development of the Pacific Tradies Network is currently underway, aimed at supporting the construction industry, represents a strategic initiative to support our Pacific tradies, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive. This network is crucial, especially as the construction industry plays a significant role in economic growth and infrastructure development and especially during these very challenging economic times we are experiencing.
The reactivation of all the networks and initiatives will be fully resourced and supported by The Pacific Business Hub as part of our unwavering commitment to our business community. We invest in these because we recognise the immense value and mana it brings to all of us.
These networks are vital not just for the economic benefits they provide, but for their role in bringing our people together. They create opportunities for collaboration and innovation, helping each member leverage collective strengths to overcome challenges. It's about creating a space where knowledge and resources are shared openly, where success for one is success for all, underpinned by our shared cultural heritage and mutual goals.
This commitment to collective empowerment is the foundation of what we envision as a Pacific circular economy—an ecosystem where resources are shared, success is communal, and every achievement feeds back into the community. The Hub’s mission is to 'Enable, Empower, & Enrich'—creating spaces that enable growth, empowering entrepreneurs through the exchange of knowledge and information, and enriching the lives of all who are part of the Pacific business community.
Through these efforts, The Pacific Business Hub is not just supporting businesses; it is nurturing a culture of upliftment and prosperity that goes beyond individual success and sows the seeds for a flourishing collective future.
The Hub is dedicated to weaving a network of Pacific-owned businesses, each unique yet bound by shared aspirations and cultural heritage. By fostering connections, the Hub ensures that no business needs to navigate the waters of running a business alone. It is a pillar of collaboration over competition, deeply rooted in the belief that there is enough opportunity for all, and that together, we can generate even greater prospects.
At the heart of this collaborative effort are our specialised networks designed to foster connections and support specific sectors and communities–with this being said we are excited to be reactivating our Samoa, Niue, Tuvalu and Tonga Business Networks with the exception of the Cook Islands. Each business network serves as a cornerstone for entrepreneurs from these islands, providing platforms where business owners can meet, share insights, and create partnerships.
The development of the Pacific Tradies Network is currently underway, aimed at supporting the construction industry, represents a strategic initiative to support our Pacific tradies, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive. This network is crucial, especially as the construction industry plays a significant role in economic growth and infrastructure development and especially during these very challenging economic times we are experiencing.
The reactivation of all the networks and initiatives will be fully resourced and supported by The Pacific Business Hub as part of our unwavering commitment to our business community. We invest in these because we recognise the immense value and mana it brings to all of us.
These networks are vital not just for the economic benefits they provide, but for their role in bringing our people together. They create opportunities for collaboration and innovation, helping each member leverage collective strengths to overcome challenges. It's about creating a space where knowledge and resources are shared openly, where success for one is success for all, underpinned by our shared cultural heritage and mutual goals.
This commitment to collective empowerment is the foundation of what we envision as a Pacific circular economy—an ecosystem where resources are shared, success is communal, and every achievement feeds back into the community. The Hub’s mission is to 'Enable, Empower, & Enrich'—creating spaces that enable growth, empowering entrepreneurs through the exchange of knowledge and information, and enriching the lives of all who are part of the Pacific business community.
Through these efforts, The Pacific Business Hub is not just supporting businesses; it is nurturing a culture of upliftment and prosperity that goes beyond individual success and sows the seeds for a flourishing collective future.
Join Our Movement - Join Our Advisory Groups!
At the Pacific Business Hub, we are on a mission to elevate and unify Pacific businesses through collective action and shared wisdom. As we continue to expand and enrich our Networks, we invite passionate individuals who are dedicated to making a significant impact in the lives of Pacific peoples. Our advisory groups play a crucial role in shaping the future of our business networks, guiding them with expertise, insights, and a deep understanding of our cultural heritage and economic aspirations.
By joining our advisory groups, you become a key part of a transformative movement that not only supports economic growth but also strengthens our cultural bonds across the Pacific. Your contributions will help ensure that our business networks remain responsive to the needs of our communities, fostering environments where entrepreneurs can thrive and create lasting value. Are you ready to make a real difference? We need your vision, your passion, and your leadership. Apply now to join one of our esteemed advisory groups, and help us drive positive change across New Zealand. Together, we can create a future where every business not only succeeds but flourishes. Click on the button below to find out more and to join us in this exciting journey and be a leader of change and prosperity. |
John F. Kennedy is credited with popularising the aphorism “a rising tide lifts all boats,” to suggest that investing in economic development can benefit everyone who participates in the economy. The mental image of many different boats floating in a marina and being lifted equally by a rising tide is elegantly simple.