SBN Inc October Networking Evening with Martin Hautus Institute CEO, Pulotu Selio Solomon30/10/2013 On Wednesday 30th October, the Samoa Business Network held its monthly networking evening, this time hosted by the networks Secretary Tim Baice, at the University of Auckaland’s Faculty of Education.
This was the second Networking Evening hosted outside of the SBN headquarters at BNZ Manukau, and was attended by old and new members alike. Given the location of the venue, we thought it would be appropriate to have a speaker in the field of education, and business. Pulotu Selio Solomon the CEO of Martin Hautus was the perfect candidate to come and share his stories of success, as well as the challenges he has faced in being a strategic part in the development of Martin Hautus. Pulotu Selio Solomon, an old La Sallian boy with a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Auckland, is now CEO of Martin Hautus – the Pacific Peoples Learning Institute, winner of the Pacific Business Trust 'Business of the Year Award in 2007'. Established by Pulotu Arthur & Maretta Solomon in 1990, who saw the divide in education for school leavers (that did not gain university entrance) and also mature learners. They started with five students in Mangere, South Auckland just over 23 years ago and today have two campuses (Mangere & Onehunga) and a student body which annually numbers over 300. MHI is a category 1 establishment and in 2011 was given a "highly confident" rating by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for both self assessment and education outcomes during their Education Evaluation. Pulotu’s passion for the education industry and Pasifika communities is matched by an impressive array of extracurricular commitments, including his roles as the Chairperson of Ministry of Education Pasifika Advisory Group Northern Region, Director of Incredible Angels Early Childcare Centre as well as serving as Deputy Chair on his old high schools’ Board of Trustees. The former Chair Mangere Community board spent most of the evening talking about the journey in which his parents endured in establishing Martin Hautus, as well as his current journey in overseeing the institute and its future development. Pulotu spoke mainly about the need to remember the social commitments business owners have to their communities, working towards advancing Pasifika peoples as a core guiding force to the work that he engages in. He also advised network members to be weary of the Finances, to ensure that they understand how they work in order to maintain control over their affairs.
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Over the Labour Weekend 2013, the MVPFAFF and GLBTI communities in association with the New Zealand Aids Foundation, and the Love Life Fono Organising Committee, came together for the 5th Bi Annual Love Life Fono. Hosted at the University of Auckland’s Waipapa Marae, the theme of the Love Life Fono was the Voice of the Third Spirit:
'Love Life is about acknowledging our cultural heritage and honouring the special people in our communities. MVPFAFF people were an accepted part of Pacific life and culture prior to Western colonisation, but have faced stigma and discrimination in more recent times. Research shows that HIV resilient societies are societies that are safe and supportive of everyone. Because of existing stigma and discrimination, it is vitally important that mainstream communities in Aotearoa and the Pacific develop supportive environments for sexual minorities. Events like Love Life give our communities a voice and strength that at other times is easily marginalised or can go unheard. Love Life is about empowering our MVPFAFF brothers and sisters to believe in themselves and in their place in this world. The goal of every Love Life Fono is that by the end of the event, participants will have the skills to develop programmes that they can lead in eliminating cultural and social barriers to the health and wellbeing of MVPFAFF communities'. In support of the event, the Samoa Business Network helped to promote the Love Life Fono via its social media networks as well as sending their Secretary Tim Baice to attend and be part of the Fono. The attendance at the Fono, over 100 participants of various Pasifika ethnicities over the course of the Fono’s three days, highlighted the significance of the Fono, and the broad based appeal such an opportunity presents to a very diverse Pasifika community. One of the beautiful things about this fono, was the provision of space for this particular grouping in our Pacific community, often the most marginalised and ignored, to come together to speak about issues relating to their often vulnerable places within our community. For many participants, this was the first opportunity to meet other MVPFAFF and GLBTI people, as well as meeting leaders and activists within the group such as Phlyesha Brown-Acton and Cindy of Samoa, to learn about the work these amazing individuals engage in, on a daily basis in advocating for our people. “As the Samoa Business Network is predominantly committed to representing the interests and views of Samoan Businesses, it is only natural that we engage in other work such as this in order to support our people to be the best that they can be, regardless of the domain”. The Samoa Business Network would like to thank and acknowledge the Love Life Fono 5 Committee; Elton Raharaha, Cindy Of Samoa, Frances Anderson, Jaroncye Lole, Tanu Gago, Phlyesha Brown- Acton and all those who supported, for not only their hard work in organising and executing this Fono, but their continued service and dedication to advancing and advocating for the voices of the ‘Third Spirit’. The Samoa Business Network(SBN) Inc kicked off its Network Evening for September, this time in Mangere with over 30 participants in attendance. The evening was hosted by one of the network’s many members, Morry Su’a and her team at Organo Gold in their headquarters on Kirkbride Mangere. Su’a and Co are the first business from the Samoa Business Network who has hosted a network evening. The Organo Headquarters in Mangere is part of a global franchise, which markets its premium coffee using a direct sales business model using independent distributors worldwide. The special ingredient that sets Organo Gold coffee apart from standard coffee brands is an ancient Chinese medicinal herb called Ganoderma Lucidium. The team is led by Sina Hunt, who Su’a explains was one of the main reasons she entered the business. Su’a is 28 yrs of age and is the youngest in the team and has now around 200 plus members in her own team which is still expanding, here in New Zealand and overseas. Su’a is also a very big fan of the company’s products as well as the opportunity to meet and network and to promote their products to a broad range of people. “Our coffee comes in different variants; Hot Chocolate, Black Coffee, Latte, Mocha and Green Tea and all are infused with 100% Ganoderma Lucidim…. Coffee is after all the second most consumed beverage on the planet after water. It’s the second most traded commodity after oil. People drink coffee all day, every day in almost every country around the world, so it’s a wonderful business to be a part of”. All of the SBN Network evenings have to this point taken place at the Bank of New Zealand Manukau (a major sponsor of the Network). However, as part of an initiative to generate more exposure for network members, to highlight and promote their facilities and products, the SBN Executive Committee have given the responsibility of hosting to it’s members. The guest speaker for the evening was Unasa Iuni Saute Sapolu, founder of Sapolu Law. Established in 1989 in Manurewa, South Auckland, Sapolu Law through Iuni has trained over 20 lawyers who have gone on to practice in Samoa, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Tonga and Korea. Some include the Honourable Tongan Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services and Minister for Revenue Services, Siosifa Tu'utafaiva; former New Zealand Families Commissioner and lawyer Sandra Alofivae and Honourable Samoan Associate Minister of Finance and Lawyer Tuisa Tasi Patea.
Iuni spoke wonderfully about the way in which she built Sapolu Law from the ground up. Sapolu’s advice was well received, the crowd being mainly business owners themselves. Sapolu spoke of the key qualities one needs to last in this business, and the sheer hard work and sacrifice people have to make in order to succeed. Being persistent and consistent were the key phrases that stood out. Sapolu has spent 25 years in building the Law Firm, and her family, and her genuine commitment to the people of Samoa has always remained consistent and undeterred. Interestingly Sapolu also spoke of the gender and racial dimensions of being a Samoan Pacific female, in white New Zealand, providing insight into her particular experiences, in the hopes that it would help encourage and push others to pursue their dreams and to work hard. The next Network Evening will take place around the end of October. Keep in touch via the Samoa Business Network website or facebook page or send us an email info@samoabusinessnetwork.com for more information Villages: Vaiala, Fagaloa and Faga.
Qualifications: DipHSc (Otago), LLB (Auckland) Daughter of Saute Sapolu and Maluoaiga Brown Iuni attended Leififi Intermediate and then Samoa College. She obtained a Samoan Government Scholarship to attend school in New Zealand, where she completed her 7th form year (year 13) at Marlborough Girls College, Marlborough. Her scholarship determined her to pursue tertiary education in Home Science as only male students were awarded scholarships for Law. Iuni attended Otago University where she completed her Diploma in Home Science in 1976, qualifying as a New Zealand Registered Dietician. Iuni returned to Samoa working for the South Pacific Commission as a Dietician at Mootootua Hospital. This allowed her to travel the Pacific including New Caledonia, Kiribati, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and others. Iuni moved to New Zealand in 1981. Whilst raising two young children (Eliota and Josefina), she became a full-time student in Law at the University of Auckland. She graduated in 1986 with her LLB and was then admitted to the High Court of New Zealand in 1987. She worked for the late Sanirivi Muliaumaseali'i, who was one of the first Samoans to operate a law firm in New Zealand (on Karangahape Road, Auckland City). In the same year her daughter Suluama was born, she founded her law firm 'Sapolu Law' in 1989 in Manurewa, South Auckland. She has trained over 20 lawyers who have gone on to practice in Samoa, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Tonga and Korea. Some include the Honourable Tongan Minister for Police, Prisons and Fire Services and Minister for Revenue Services, Siosifa Tu'utafaiva; former New Zealand Families Commissioner and lawyer Sandra Alofivae and Honourable Samoan Associate Minister of Finance and Lawyer Tuisa Tasi Patea. She has also provided pro-bono services through the Citizens Advice Bureau, Manurewa, since 1989. She has worked in a range of areas of law particularly criminal law, family law, immigration law, traffic law, property law and intellectual property law. She was also admitted as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of Samoa in 2006 and admitted as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of Queensland, Australia in 2012. She has 7 children, (3 of her own, 4 under her guardianship, all aged between 15 to 32 years) and one grandson. Her children have gone on to pursue law, medicine, carpentry and professional-sports. She is also co-owner of Apaula Heights Lounge Bar and Restaurant in Samoa. South Auckland was on fire last Saturday as a new book in the Telesa Series by Lani Wendt Young, was launched at an event hosted by the Samoa Business Network Incorporated at the BNZ Manukau which was a fun family day/event celebrating Pasifika creativity and artists. ‘The Bone Bearer’ is the third and final book in the trilogy of Leila and Daniel and fans have been eagerly awaiting the fiery conclusion to their epic story. Crowds gathered to watch performances of dance and song and to browse a stunning array of Pacific crafts and a variety of products from various businesses within the Network, as well as to meet the author Australia. Definitely worth the trip,” said Katie Mauga. The launch was an example of how the business world can nurture and promote Pasifika arts and creativity. BNZ Manukau was a main sponsor and generously hosted the event in their bank and outside in the carpark. President of the Samoa Business Network and BNZ Manukau staff-member, Laura Keil-Hall explained, “BNZ is passionate about promoting Samoan entrepreneurs and fostering close networks with the community here in South Auckland. We also feel that literacy and creativity are very important so we were delighted to host the launch because today’s event was about all those things.” Bluesky Samoa was the other key sponsor, proudly showing its commitment to Samoan youth and talent even all the way in South Auckland. The event was organized by the Samoa Business Network and many other businesses, members of the Samoa Business Network themselves, lent their generous support to make it a success. The Telesa series books are all available for purchase online via Shopsamoa.com and have their books signed. The event started at 9am and finished at 2pm. There were activities to entrance young and old alike with everything from face painting to non-stop vibrant dance numbers from groups like Ariki Vaine, the Kelston Kweens, Tatau Dance Group and more. Samoan divas Rosita Vai and Marina Davis wowed the crowd with their powerful performances, along with Tribal State band, youth band Divine Rhythm, Niuean vocalists the Asekona sisters and graduates of the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (P.I.P.A). “It’s important to me that any Telesa book event be a showcase for Pasifika talent and creativity,” explained Lani. “I’m thrilled so many artists and performers were able to share their gifts with us today.” People were able to relax, sample the Pacific food delights, browse the assorted crafts and merchandise and enjoy the show while their children made the most of the bouncy castle and festive balloons. Fans of the Telesa series waited patiently in line for a chance to chat with the author and have their books signed. Many had already purchased the electronic copy of the new book but were insistent on wanting to get signed copies of the paperback for their collections. Angela Lalovao of Auckland said, “I absolutely looooove my Telesa collection, all signed by the lovely Lani Young herself. Just had to get my hands on a copy with the official covers. I’m excited to read the last book of the series , there’s now a Telesa marathon in progress, please do not disturb!” One dedicated fan came all the way from Australia to attend. “Loved the event! Always good to come home for some culture... Awesome casually sitting and talking to some of our famous Pacific people.... You don't get that in "Lani Wendt-Young’s novel has an intriguing story behind a story that I relate to as a Young Pacific Woman. I challenge myself to be different and on my journey I live with fear of that journey…regardless I still travel the road and I am reassured by the stories of the loved ones that came down this road before me.
I cry…I laugh…The emotion drives my passions and this reflects in my music. If there is a story that defines a journey for me, this is it. This is a story of rediscovery and recovery of what has always been within me. …Call me Defined" ROSITA VAI Bio: Rosita Vai is a professional singer and songwriter who combines her classical training with her polynesian heritage creating a unique and individual sound. She has worked alongside many musicians & artists in New Zealand. Was nominated Best Female artist at the Pacific Music Awards in 2006 and won a Tui award for Best selling single the same year after she was crowned NZ Idol in 2005. Currently working on new music and her EP yet to be released. Her recent releases "So High"and "Miss you" are currently playing on Niu FM. Generating new songs to inspire the truths of life, faith, love and her journey to engage and encourage young people the importance of identity and of being yourself. 01/08/2013 PRESS RELEASE The Bone Bearer Book Launch Party, Auckland The much awaited release of Lani Wendt-Young’s third book in the Telesa Trilogy series has finally arrived. THE BONE BEARER is set to be launched in Auckland, on Saturday 17 August 2013 at BNZ Manukau. Thanks to the vital support of major sponsors, the BANK OF NEW ZEALAND at Manukau, BLUESKY SAMOA, 531PI RADIO STATION, TALOFA NEWSPAPER & SHOPSAMOA.COM; the SAMOA BUSINESS NETWORK INC (SBN) invites you to the OFFICIAL Auckland launch of THE BONE BEARER. “It is massively exciting for the Samoa Business Network to host this launch in partnership with the Bank of New Zealand Manukau”, said spokesperson, Rasmus Pereira. “BNZ Manukau have been staunch supporters of the Samoan Business Network right from the beginning and they continue with their support of Pacific entrepreneurship, with the launch of Lani Wendt Young’s third book in the Telesa Trilogy.” The launch is a fun family day out celebrating Pacific literature, art, music, dance, creativity & entrepreneurship and showcasing an array of Pacific and local businesses in South Auckland. Lani Wendt-Young, has made huge waves internationally with the release of her first two books in the Telesa Series in 2011 and 2012. Thanks to the books availability in both print and digital format worldwide, this fiery adventure series has found a global audience. The author’s passion for nurturing literacy in our Pasifika youth and sharing the richness of the unique Samoan culture via her writing, has led to her making the first TELESA e-book free for students, with over 50,000 people grabbing a copy this way. All the TELESA books have featured on the Amazon bestseller listings for Young Adult fiction. This has resulted in an explosion of interest in Pacific literature, particularly from young Pasifika readers - which her uncle, Albert Wendt, would no doubt be proud of. The BONE BEARER is the final chapter of Leila and Daniel’s epic story and one which draws in characters and elements from many other Pacific nations in an explosive and fiery conclusion. All the books in the TELESA Series will be available for purchase on the day and the good news is that Lani will be personally signing copies of the BONE BEARER, with the first 50 customers receiving a complimentary poster as well! When: Saturday 17 August 2013 Time: 9.00am to 1.00pm Where: BNZ Manukau, Cnr of Great South Road and Cavendish Drive, Manukau (across from Manukau McDonalds) Contact: Laura Keil Hall – 021659072 / Rasmus Pereira – 0275161125 Email – info@samoabusinessnetwork.com Website(s) www.thebonebearer.com & www.samoabusinessnetwork.com about lani wendt youngLani is a Samoan/NZ writer who blogs as a (slightly Demented) Domestic Goddess at Sleepless in Samoa,. Her award-winning short fiction has been published in collections in NZ, Australia and the UK. In 2009, Lani was commissioned to research and write her first book, a narrative account of the disaster which devastated the islands of Samoa, American Samoa and Northern Tonga. The printing of ‘Pacific Tsunami – Galu Afi’ was funded by the Australian government and all proceeds from the book go to survivors who shared their stories for the project. A qualified teacher who has taught at the secondary and tertiary level in Samoa, Lani is a frequent guest speaker at schools, libraries and writing events. Lani is married to Darren Young (who is probably the most patient man alive) and when she’s not writing, blogging, Tweeting, Facebooking and living in other worlds of adventure and mythological fantasy ( in her head) - she’s the full-time mother to her five fabulous children. (Who are also very patient people) Lani published her first novel ‘Telesa: The Covenant Keeper’ as an electronic book in October 2011 – a first for a Samoan author. Telesa is the first book in a Young Adult contemporary Fantasy series set in Samoa and within two months, it had reached number one on the Top Rated Fantasy Romance List on Amazon, the world’s largest e-book distributor. On June 10th 2012, the second book in the series, ‘When Water Burns’ was launched on Amazon, making it to Amazon’s ‘Hot New Releases’ listing within the first 24 hours and is an Amazon bestselling Mythology and Children’s Fantasy book. A third book in the series, a novella entitled, ‘I am Daniel Tahi’ was released in December 2012. ‘The Bone Bearer’ will be the concluding book in the series which tells the story of Leila and Daniel. All the Telesa books are available globally in both electronic copy and print from Amazon.com. ‘Telesa: The Covenant Keeper’ is now a required text for Pacific Literature courses in several universities around the world and has been the inspiration for other Pacific creative artists in the fields of fashion, music, art, bone carving and dance. The series has a dedicated global following and it encourages reader engagement via social media. There are Telesa and author fan pages on Facebook with a combined 10,000+ followers. The TELESA audience is a global one with readership divided between the USA, NZ, Australia and Samoa. 80% of her readership is female and between the ages of 18 to 45yrs. The recent cover reveal for the upcoming TELESA book reached over 46,000 engaged Facebook users, with even the author of Fifty Shades of Grey, E.L James – liking and sharing it with her followers.
In NZ, the books are available from Paper Plus stores, Shop Samoa outlets, various University Bookshops and selected retailers. Schools and libraries can acquire Lani’s books from Shop Samoa Books. Worldwide, the books can be purchased in both digital format and print from Amazon. Awards 2011 USP Press Fiction Award, ‘Sleepless in Samoa.’ Short story collection. 2010 Commendation Award, Commonwealth Short Story Competition. ‘The Beast that Came from the Sea.’ Winner of the 2002 Telecom/National Univ of Samoa Short Story Competition. ‘A Sister’s Story.’ In the Media: Lani and her writing has also featured in - · Drive Time with Waleed Aly, ABC Radio National, Australia . ABC Radio Australia with Geraldine Coutts. . Radio NZ . Spasifik Magazine, NZ . TV One NZ The Good Morning Show · Campbell Live, TV3, NZ. . TV3 Samoa . TV1 Samoa . STARCH – NZ Literary Journal · Tagata Pasifika · JAAM Magazine, NZ · Samoa Observer Newspaper. · Samoa News, American Samoa. · School Journal Series, Learning Media, NZ · Newsline, Samoa. · Commonwealth Foundation Short Story Winners. Recorded for worldwide radio broadcast. · Event Polynesia Online News· Various USA and UK Book Blogger Review sites. Talofa lava,
Welcome to our very first Networking Evening for 2013! This is open to all our Samoan business community. A great opportunity to mix and mingle with other business owners, entrepreneurs & community leaders. To RSVP for this event, please email us info@samoabusinessnetwork.com or ph/txt/msg Laura on 021659072 with your details & the details of anyone else you will be bringing along. A gold coin donation will be appreciated on the night to cover the costs of catering. Hope to see you then :) Event Details: SBN Inc Networking Evening From 6pm - 8pm 31st July 2013 @BNZ Manukau 639 Great South Rd, Manukau, Auckland 2104 Thursday, 23 May 2013, 11:24 am
Press Release: Samoa Business Network Business and Community Come Together to Celebrate Samoan Language Week Samoan Language Week has been the catalyst for several Samoan businesses to exhibit not only their wares but to also show their love and support for their mother tongue. This weekend the Pasifika Education Centre (PEC) and the Samoan Business Network will launch a joint promotion to celebrate Samoan Language Week. This year's theme is "Fafaga fanau i upu ma tala. Tautala i lau gagana" which translates to "Feed the children with words and stories. Speak your language." Participating members of the Samoan Business Network are offering product specials including a range of Samoan books and resources, says Samoan Business Network spokesperson Laura Keil-Hall. "As a business community, our Samoan heritage is very much part of our business identity and what inspires us." says Laura. "We believe language is an important business skill and can be the point of difference in business dealings, building relationships or even developing a product. We endorse the work of PEC and celebrating Samoan language week with them is a natural fit." PEC is at the forefront of teaching Pacific language and cultural classes in Auckland. This partnership is an "outside of the box" approach to activate other pockets of the Samoan community to celebrate Samoa Language Week, says CEO Christine Nurminen. "The message of Samoan Language Week celebrations has relevance beyond our families. Our partnership with the Samoan Business Network is our way of exploring different channels and avenues for promoting the premium and place of language in our families, community and business settings." To launch the PEC/SBN Samoan language week celebrations the Ekalesia Fa'apotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa (EFKS) Otahuhu will conduct a special service at 11.00 am this Sunday. Other activities throughout the week include a daily Facebook word challenge, a performance by PEC Samoan language students, and market day promotions and giveaways at the Otara Flea market. ENDS Press Release – Samoa Business Network
The Samoa Business Network, a non-governmental and non-profitable organisation, is calling on businesses within New Zealand and the international community, to contribute to its relief efforts for Samoa. Co-founders of the Samoan Business Network Laura Keil-Hall, Business Manager of the Manukau branch of the Bank of New Zealand, and Rasmus Pereira, Director of ShopSamoa.com, have developed a two stage, strategic approach in response to the calls for assistance. Keil-Hall states that “the Samoa Business Network was created in order to provide a forum of support for small Samoan owned businesses; to inspire our Samoan people within our community to pursue their dreams in business, but also to provide them with strategic advice, guidance and support. Most of which comes from the wealth of knowledge and experience of existing business owners who are already a part of the network”. Pereira thus explains that the strategic response of the Samoan Business Network to the reconstruction efforts, mirrors the aspirations of the Samoan Business network. “Having been set up to support small Samoan owned businesses here in New Zealand, it only makes sense that we as group target our particular assistance (finances and resources) into investing, supporting and developing the capacity of businesses in Samoa to be able to provide core and essential services to our people. The investment of finances raised by buying materials directly from Samoan businesses in Samoa, is part of a strategic approach to stimulate the local economy, and to ensure that the people of Samoa are able to benefit from this in the long term.” The Samoa Business Network will be looking at working with specific NGO’s in Samoa such as the Women in Business and Development, as well as the Chamber of Commerce in Samoa in order to identify what needs are a priority, and where best it can target their efforts. “We are confident that the official response from the New Zealand government and other donor countries will be sufficient in meeting some of the short term immediate needs, such as access to food and water, as well as long term needs, investing and rebuilding the infrastructure of Samoa. We are also aware of the many humanitarian agencies such as the Samoa Red Cross, who are working tirelessly with the support of others, to ensure affected families are given the support and resources needed in order to begin to recover from the devastating impacts of the Cyclone Evan, and so it makes sense to us that our particular approach is more targeted and strategically aimed at Samoan businesses.” The Samoa Business Network has established a bank account the “Cyclone Eveni Relief Fund”, to which businesses and communities are encouraged to make direct donations to. “The first part of our strategic response is ensuring we have finances to be able to respond to the immediate needs within the general community, those who are most vulnerable and whose needs must be urgently met.” Pereira highlights that the Samoa Business Network is currently working with other businesses owners to address the immediate needs of the relief efforts. “ShopSamoa.com is extremely pleased and honoured to be able to participate in this initiative, and we are donating $100.00 to start off our efforts.” ShopSamoa.com is also working with Lani Wendt Young, author of the successful Telesa Trilogy. “We’ve got a special deal with Lani’s Telesa books one for $25.00 or both parts for $49.00. $5.00 from each purchase will go towards our relief efforts.” Tagaloa Fiafia Manase, Director of Five Stars Motors, is also offering to donate to the relief cause. Tagaloa currently has a Christmas fundraising event which will take place Saturday 22nd November, at the EvaEva Paradise bar in Otara. Entry is $15.00 and $5.00 of that fee will go directly to the Samoa Business Network Cyclone Evan relief account. Hall states that the Samoan Business Network has been overwhelmed with the initial response by business owners, but highlights, there is still a long way to go. “We’re calling on all businesses, Samoan or non-Samoan to give generously, so that we can make a real impact”. “With over more than 5000 people left homeless, currently residing in various evacuation centres, it is our desire to get them the help that they need.” The second part of our approach will involve a major fundraising initiative in Auckland at the end of January 2013. The proceeds from this event will benefit the work we have planned once funds are received. “In this second stage of our relief efforts, we have a particular focus on investing in the business community, ensuring they have generators, and also, ensuring their capacity to be able to operate is not compromised, and so through this partnership, critical services and materials such as food, water and medical supplies are able to be delivered to those in need of it most.” It is also important for the economy in general that our small businesses do well, especially those most vulnerable and susceptible to damage from natural events, for long term economic growth and stability within Samoa. The entire process will be transparent. Once the relationships have been formed, and we have a more structured and strategic approach in providing assistance, all these details, as well as any purchases and donations made will be available on our website. “Like in any organisation, transparency is pivotal to our operations. We are however very confident in the working relationships we have, and will do our best to ensure that the focus remains on the people of Samoa, and the role we are playing in supporting and enhancing their efforts in rebuilding their lives. Donations of any amount can be made directly to: Name of Account: Cyclone Eveni Relief Fund Account Number: BNZ 02-0191-0352390-001 Or via ShopSamoa.com (http://www.shopsamoa.co.nz/products/cyclone-eveni-relief-efforts-donate-now) where people may donate $10 minimum through paypal account (with 10% to remain with Shopsamoa.com to pay for transactions fees etc). Funds will be credited into Cyclone Eveni Relief Fund account. http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2012/12/samoa-business-network-response-to-cyclone-evan/ |
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