NEWS AND EVENTS
Browse and register for our upcoming events and read our latest news.
19 Dec
GALLERY – Christmas Photo Booth
NewsCheck out a selection of these fun photo booth pics from Pacific Business Trust’s inaugural HATCH cohort celebrations which was combined with our year-end function. We also welcomed the 2019 intake in style at the spectacular Grounds Eatery in Henderson, West Auckland.
19 Dec
PBT and HATCH End Year in Style
NewsThe Pacific Business Trust’s inaugural HATCH cohort celebrated the first year of the programme while welcoming the 2019 intake in style at the spectacular Grounds Eatery in Henderson, West Auckland. Combining it with the Trust’s Christmas event, guests dressed for the occasion and gave the incoming recipients a glimpse of the opportunities open to them.
30 Nov
Konimaq – Here to S L A Y you with that Island Glow
NewsWoman, Mother, Multi-faceted Entrepreneur. Last week our PBT Team had the privilege of interviewing Koni Rairoa of Konimaq. Check out the article now!
23 Nov
Treasury Paper – The New Zealand Pacific Economy
NewsThe Treasury’s Pacific Strategy (Le Tofa Mamao ma le Fa’autautaga) recognises that the contribution of all New Zealanders in every facet of the economy and society is necessary for New Zealand to enjoy a robust, sustainable and competitive economy, with strong and independent families and communities.
19 Nov
JOIN OUR TEAM: Business Coordinator
NewsPBT Positon Vacancy: Business Coordinator. A unique opportunity for you to join our team, assist Pacific Businesses and expand your horizons!
15 Nov
HATCH Q&A with Karita Siakisini of Sepora Lia
NewsKarita Siakisini (pictured left) of Sepora Lia says she and her business partner applied to join HATCH because they were hungry for help, direction and for their Jewellery business to succeed.
07 Nov
HATCH Q&A with Niko Meredith of No Six
NewsNiko says being in HATCH has been beneficial to No Six as well as them as individuals providing a space and cohort who are supportive and can relate.
02 Nov
HATCH Q&A with Hannah Teipo of No Six
NewsFor Cook Islands/Nagamese Hannah Teipo of No Six, HATCH is an awesome opportunity to grow your business with people already in the know.
31 Oct
3 Things I’ve Learned During My Entrepreneurial Journey
NewsToday our Business Coordinator Kaveinga wants to share 3 key lessons she has learned during her entrepreneurial journey.
25 Oct
HATCH Q&A with Benji Timu of No Six
NewsSamoan-Cook Islander Benji Timu joined HATCH with his business partners to expand their understanding on how business works.
17 Oct
HATCH Q&A with Angel Stowers of Kokiti Ltd
NewsAngel says HATCH has been a driver in pushing her and her business partners to think of different ways to better develop Kokiti with the help of PBT.
03 Oct
Sales & Productivity Workshop – Auckland
NewsCome along to our Sales & Development and see how your business or business idea can benefit from it. For more details, click on the link!
01 Oct
HATCH Q&A with Ana Saulala, founder of Gift One (GO)
NewsAna Saulala, founder of Gift One (GO), wants more Pacific youth to take advantage of the opportunity the Hatch Youth Programme provides.
01 Oct
End of a chapter. Not of the story.
NewsToday our Business Coordinator Jaemen Busby reflects on the moving of our PBT office branch, from Porirua to the Wellington CBD. To the community of Porirua, thank you for all you have done for PBT as we continue on to this new chapter.
27 Sep
HATCH Q&A with John Belford-Lelaulu of MAU Studio
NewsJohn Belford-Lelaulu believes Pasifika, by nature, are entrepreneurs. It’s why he encourages other Pasifika youth to enrol into the HATCH Programme.
20 Sep
HATCH Q&A with Annabelle Ryan of Kokiti Ltd
NewsAnnabelle Ryan (pictured: right) of Kokiti Ltd says she and her business partners applied to join HATCH because it could take them to the next level and provide the essentials to run a sustainable, ethical company.
14 Sep
Hatch Enrolments open now
NewsHatch is a safe space where young Pacific entrepreneurs transform their futures through enterprise.
11 Sep
Validation Workshop – Auckland
NewsCome along to our Business Validation Workshop (Auckland) on Tuesday 25th September! Click to sign up and for more info!
13 Aug
Validation Workshop – Waikato
NewsReady to launch your business idea but in need of insight? Come along to our Validation workshop in Hamilton! Click the link to sign up!
07 Aug
Diversity In Our Workplaces
NewsToday Vahanoa talks about the benefits of diversity in the workplace. How a diverse range of upbringings, expertise and opinions, is beneficial to problem solving and providing quality services.
30 Jul
Business Construction Validation Workshop – Wellington
NewsInterested in gaining the tools and knowledge to develop your Construction business? Come along to our workshop in partnership with Skills NZ!
30 Jul
The Inheritance
NewsCheck out our CEO Kim’s thoughts on finding the right words. A revelation of how “cultural proficiency” is immeasurable. Your cultural understandings do not have to be measured by your proficiency in the language, but rather your ability to feel and understand. A natural inheritance.
26 Jul
R&D Workshop with ATEED
NewsWant to know more about where your Pacific business can go with Research & Development? Sign up now!
25 Jul
Introducing: Lillian Arp
NewsFor this month’s Pacific Women in Business series, our Business Strategist Kaveinga meets up with Manaui Media Limited CEO & Founder Lillian Arp. Check out her story and advice she has for Pacific people wanting to start a business!
23 Jul
Arts, Culture and People
NewsCheck out our Business Strategist Richard’s insight on pacific arts benefiting a tech platform! What are your thoughts?
18 Jul
Be Fearless, says Parris
NewsChoreographer, dancer, director and Pacific businesswoman Parris Goebel, who accepted our inaugural Pacific Business Trust Legacy Award at the 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards on Friday 22 June 2018 at Eden Park, urges upcoming Pacific entrepreneurs to be fearless.
17 Jul
Perfection – My dragon
NewsToday our Programme Manager Eseta ponders the worth of perfection and how it’s ok to ask for help. Can perfection be a hinderance? Is it a stressful value we all strive for? Read more and tell us what you think!
11 Jul
Being Enough
NewsToday our business strategist / hatch – virtual CEO Tim reflects on identity- what it means to be diasporic in our day and age, and the importance of understanding and supporting diasporic youth.
06 Jul
Celebrating Success
NewsToday our Business Strategist David shares his insights on the Pacific Business Trust Awards, the importance of recognizing pacific business success and recognizing all achievements that take you that step further to accomplishing business goals.
03 Jul
Magnitude7 – Dunedin
NewsInterested in attending the Magnitude 7 workshop? click the link for more details!
02 Jul
Support by the Pacific + Recognition for Business = Trust in the Future
NewsThis week, Jaemen reflects on this year’s Pacific Business Trust awards and the importance of Pacific people uniting to celebrate our achievements and success.
23 Jun
GALLERY – 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards
NewsHere are the official images from the 11th National Pacific Business Trust Awards celebrated at Eden Park on Friday 22nd June 2018.
28 Jun
Parris Goebel – 2018 Pacific Legacy
NewsCongratulations to Parris Goebel, winner of the 2018 Pacific Legacy Award at the 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards.
28 Jun
Pacific Biofert – 2018 Pacific Business
NewsCongratulations to Pacific Biofert, winner of the 2018 ATEED Pacific Business Award at the 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards.
28 Jun
Rachel Lewis – 2018 Pacific Woman in Business
NewsCongratulations to Rachel Lewis (Devitise), winner of the 2018 Sisters United Pacific Woman in Business Award at the 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards.
27 Jun
The Food Company NZ – 2018 Pacific Innovation
NewsCongratulations to The Food Company NZ, winner of the 2018 Microsoft NZ Pacific Innovation Award at the 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards.
27 Jun
Moana Research – 2018 Pacific Social Enterprise
NewsCongratulations to Moana Research, winner of the 2018 Pacific Media Network Pacific Social Enterprise Award at the 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards.
26 Jun
Kokiti Workshops – 2018 Pacific Impact
NewsCongratulations to Kokiti Workshops Ltd, winner of the 2018 Panuku Development Pacific Impact Award at the 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards.
25 Jun
Jitel Contracting – 2018 HATCHing Pacific Business
NewsCongratulations to Jitel Contracting, winner of the 2018 Massey University Hatching Pacific Business Award at the 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards.
23 Jun
GALLERY – 2018 Award Winners
NewsHere’s an official gallery of our 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Award Winners. Thank you to our category sponsors Massey University, Panuku Development, Pacific Media Network, Microsoft NZ, Sisters United and ATEED. Congratulations to our winners Jitel Contracting, Kokiti Workshops, Moana Research, The Food Company NZ, Rachel Lewis, Pacific Biofert and Parris Goebel.
23 Jun
GALLERY – Photo Booth
NewsCheck out a selection of these fun photobooth pics from our 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards Photo Booth. The full set of our pics are on our Facebook Page #photobooth #Pacificbusinessawards #selfie #fun
23 Jun
Parris Goebel accepts inaugural Pacific Legacy Award
NewsChoreographer, dancer and Pacific business woman Parris Goebel has accepted the inaugural Pacific Business Trust Legacy Award at the 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards held on Friday 22 June 2018 at Eden Park, ensuring a benchmark of international significance has been created.
22 Jun
Winners named at the 11th National Pacific Business Trust Awards
NewsWinners of the 11th National Pacific Business Trust Awards were celebrated at the historic Eden Park last night (Friday 22nd June 2018) with Pacific businesses and social enterprises recognised.
19 Jun
Introducing: Shaileshni Chand
NewsToday Kaveinga follows through on her series of stories about Pacific Women In Business #PWIB. Meet Shaileshni the Founder/Director of Ganesha Consultancy, Business Advisory Services and Chartered Accountant. Hear what she has to say about being a Pacific Woman in the Business World and be inspired by the advice she has to give!
17 Jun
Building Solid Networks
NewsThis week our Business Strategist Richard, gives insight on the importance of networking and how engaging with people can be useful in improving connections in businesses.
12 Jun
Internships give a career path opportunity!
NewsToday our Executive Assistant Vahanoa, discusses the benefits of completing an Internship, and how her Internship experience has shaped her skills for the better.
10 Jun
A Week In The Heart Of PBT: A Reflection
NewsA look into the taste of employment and a week of working with PBT, written by our newest edition to the team: Elizabeth!
06 Jun
Navigating Business: learning from Pacific wisdom – Exploring the Va
NewsThis week’s insights come from our Business Strategist / Hatch – Virtual CEO Tim Swann. He touches on the complex and sophisticated mindset that our Pasifika people hold towards relationships, how these values can co-exist from a mainstream business lens and the importance of the general public understanding this concept.
05 Jun
Mahuki Product Inspiration Workshop: Wellington
NewsAre you a Pacific Product-Based Business looking to gain inspiration or increase your product design capability? Come along to the Mahuki Workshop in Wellington Thusday 28th – Friday 29th June.
01 Jun
Business Start-Up Workshop
NewsLooking to start a business in Construction? The Business Star-Up Workshop (in partnership with Skills) is a great chance to enhance and develop enterprise opportunities, paving the way for your business journey.
01 Jun
Design Thinking and User Experience (UX) Workshop
NewsCalling all who are interested in learning more about enhancing their designing skills in the Web Platform, to come along to our Technology Workshop.
21 May
Getting behind #PacificProsperity – how your support could change the world
NewsToday our Business Coordinator Jaemen Busby looks at the importance of supporting each other as Pasifika entrpreneurs.
16 May
Finalists named for the 2018 National Pacific Business Trust Awards
NewsFinalists have been named across six award categories for the 11th National Pacific Business Trust Awards, which will be staged on Friday 22 June 2018 at Eden Park.
14 May
Dear Pasifika Women in Business, We Need Your Stories.
NewsIf you’re a woman and your roots go back to the any (or many) of the Pacific Islands, make sure you get in touch with Kaveinga today!
08 May
Business with cultural values in a Western world – whoa?!
NewsBusiness and culture. Can they truly be compatible in a Western world?
07 May
Kiwa Nuanua Pacific Tech Summit
NewsPacific tech entrepreneurs, Research & Development scientists, engineers and emerging innovators were among the many who attended the Pacific Business Trust’s Kiwa Nuanua Pacific Tech Summit at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront.
06 May
Pacific Tech – Let’s Create IT
NewsTech is not just for coders. It is a multi-disciplined sector that is full of promise for so many in our community. It is certainly home for those among us that are self-professed geeks that love to write code and create programmes and apps to solve problems, streamline tasks and entertain, but it also beckons to the DNA of the non-coders that make up the majority of our community.
03 May
Making Connections
NewsFor the past 15 years Siuai and Serena Fiso have owned and operated Connect Global, a multi award-winning outsource contact centre from their home town of Porirua with branches in the towns of Ruatoria and Waverley. Supreme Winners at the 2016 National Pacific Business Trust Awards, the couple reflect on their business journey which includes more than their share of triumphs and tribulations.
22 Apr
#Magnitude 7 | Imagining Pacific Prosperity through Magnitude 7
NewsThe inaugural Magnitude 7 was held inside of Te Papa Museum. A pre-accelerator programme where aspiring entrepreneurs can learn about experiential design and the future of work in technology, culture, heritage, and business, Magnitude 7 is all about enabling Pacific people to see possibility beyond the realm of reality.
19 Apr
Xero Workshop highlights opportunities in Tech
NewsPBT clients were hosted by Xero for an exclusive afternoon of business excellence workshops and networking. Xero opened their doors and shared some of the best minds from within the organisation, as well as upcoming events and opportunities.
19 Apr
Attack the Block
NewsPacific Business Trust is excited to support excellence in Pacific Arts. Attack the Block was a collaboration between FAFSWAG & The Pantograph Punch; supported by PIMPI, Q Theatre, Auckland Council, and of course the Pacific Business Trust.
19 Apr
How will technology impact Pasifika communities?
NewsThe wave of technology is coming. How will it impact our communities? What is our answer to this? Hear from our young people, who have been immersed in technology, to hear what they have to say about this.
13 Apr
Kiwa Nuanua
NewsThe new wave is coming. Are you ready? Save the date: Tuesday 24 April Get your tickets here. Join us!
27 Mar
Validation Workshop: Wednesday 4 April (Wellington)
NewsIs your business idea actually feasible and ready to fly? You don’t want to invest all your money into something that will sink. So, make sure you come and check out our validation workshop on Wednesday 4 April. If you would like to come to this session, make sure you fill out this form.
23 Mar
Friday Forward: Day in the life of an intern
NewsI greatly appreciate the generous offer and support provided by Pacific Business Trust (PBT) to extend my study at the organisation. The time and flexibility to work on the HR system of the organisation is part of my internship programme, to complete my degree.
15 Mar
Pitching Workshop: Wednesday 21 March
NewsPitching Workshop: Wednesday 21 March. Register today!
15 Mar
Friday Forward: Learning how to pitch
News#FridayForward is a new series that explores areas you need to know about as an entrepreneur. Today, Business Strategist Richard Taurima talks about why pitching is an important skill to have to advance your business forward.
14 Mar
Navigating Business: How do we ‘sell’ culture safely?
NewsIn this new series #NavigatingBusiness Business Strategist & Hatch lead Tim Swann asks the uncomfortable questions. Today, he looks at the tension between commercialisation and culture.
08 Mar
Validation Workshop: Tuesday 13 March (Auckland)
NewsIs your business idea actually feasible and ready to fly? You don’t want to invest all your money into something that will sink. So, make sure you come and check out our validation workshop on Tuesday 13 March. If you would like to come to this session, make sure you fill out this form.
07 Mar
Thursday Thoughts: International Women’s Day
NewsToday is International Women’s Day and as only the second woman to lead the Pacific Business Trust as CEO I ought to have something really meaningful to say.
01 Mar
Navigating Business: learning from Pacific wisdom – Reciprocity
NewsMusings of a Polynesian in the ‘uncharted’ waters of commerce 1000’s of years ago my ancestors embarked in trade and mercantilism that spanned the largest body of water on the planet. They were curious and inquisitive, sensitive to the currents around them as they set out in their vaka to cross the vast Pacific Ocean.
22 Feb
PBT CEO’s ‘Aha’ Moment
NewsWith an exciting and successful career spanning more than 25 years across New Zealand, Australia and India, when PBT CEO Kim Tuaine met Michael Moynahan she couldn’t help but want him to be involved in the Hatch Youth Programme supporting young Pacific entrepreneurs to realise their business potential.
08 Feb
Mentoring Pacific Entrepreneurs
NewsAs a corporate finance manager in London, home to one of the world’s largest financial markets, intensity and stress was all part of the job for Scottish-born Kirsty Campbell and her husband Neil Millar. But a trip to New Zealand for what was meant to be a two-year working holiday changed their lives forever.
01 Feb
To be recognised by her Pacific business peers
NewsNalini Baruch, winner of the Pacific Woman in Business category at the 2016 National Pacific Business Trust Awards, reflects on the positive effect winning a PBT Award has had not just for LOT EIGHT but for herself as a Pacific woman in business.
19 Dec
Treasury and Pacific Business Trust to identify New Zealand’s Pacific economy
NewsThe Treasury and the Pacific Business Trust (PBT) have formed a joint project to identify the Pacific economy in New Zealand.
18 Dec
The Way to SimplyFi
NewsBringing a slow-moving industry into today’s fast-paced service delivery environment without compromising quality content, the Busby family are developing an innovative cataloguing application. Called SimplyFi, the app will streamline the lending and borrowing process between institutions and the global culture and heritage sector, aiding the collection and dissemination of possible hidden stories.
18 Dec
Innovative programme launched to help young Pacific entrepreneurs Hatch
NewsThe Hatch Youth Programme officially launched today at Lei Café, Ponsonby. Developed and delivered by the Pacific Business Trust (PBT) in partnership with Massey University, Hatch provides a combination of flexible tertiary education with real-world experience. The programme targets Pacific youth aged 16-26 with entrepreneurial aspirations and starts in early 2018.
04 Dec
Inaugural Hatch Programme participants gather
NewsSix young, innovative and dynamic Pacific business teams have been selected to participate in the inaugural intake of the Hatch Youth Programme.
21 Nov
Inaugural Pasifika Startup Weekend a success
NewsThe first Startup Weekend with an Pacific focus in Wellington was filled with big business ideas, hard work, collaboration and a whole lot of Pacific spirit.
19 Nov
Creating sustainable businesses through validation
NewsThe Pacific Business Trust is taking a validation roadshow to universities and polytechnics, to encourage more young Pacific minds to look at starting their own business.
07 Nov
Health, fitness and family
NewsA truly grassroots social enterprise, Hiko Health & Fitness (HHF) is the embodiment of Yanetta Hiko and Helen Te’o’s combined will to make healthy lifestyle changes for their loved ones.
08 Oct
Attend Startup Weekend Pasifika with PBT promotional code
NewsWe are proud to support Startup Weekend Pasifika 2017, happening November 3 – 5 in Porirua, Wellington. Launch your Pasifika (P.I. / Māori) startup in this weekend-long entrepreneurship journey.Pasifika in Porirua – a Startup Weekend like no other. Quick! Grab your $10 tickets
20 Sep
Startup Weekend Pasifika 2017
NewsWe are proud to support Startup Weekend Pasifika 2017, happening November 3 – 5 in Porirua, Wellington. Launch your Pasifika (P.I. / Māori) startup in this weekend-long entrepreneurship journey
14 Sep
Hatch by Pacific Business Trust – Creating the commercial leaders of tomorrow
NewsThe Hatch Youth Programme was launched today by the Pacific Business Trust, providing a combination of flexible tertiary education with real-world experience. The programme targets Pacific youth aged 16-26 with entrepreneurial aspirations.
04 Sep
Mahuki Vlog – Tide Talk Vlog 2
NewsTide Talk’s CEO Lillian talks about her favourite moments while she has been at Mahuki – Innovation Hub of Te Papa so far! If you have an idea to do with technology and think you can benefit from being part of Mahuki, please get in touch with us today!
01 Sep
Mahuki Vlog – Vaka Interactiv Vlog 1
NewsIn this Mahuki – Innovation Hub of Te Papa Vlog, Vaka Interactiv is developing interactive portrait technology that will enable museum visitors to connect to culture. The team at Vaka Interactiv recognise the cultural sector is aimed at helping people understand and appreciate culture in a way that changes lives for the better.
30 Aug
Mahuki Vlog – SimplyFi Vlog 1
NewsIn this Mahuki – Innovation Hub of Te Papa Vlog, the Busby Family have started SimplyFi to create a digital market place built to streamline the lending process between institutions and the global culture and heritage sector.
29 Aug
Mahuki Vlog – Tide Talk Vlog 1
NewsIn this Mahuki – Innovation Hub of Te Papa Vlog, the awesome TideTalk team is creating a language learning tool to preserve our Oceanic languages. CEO Lillian explains in a bit more detail what they do. To follow their journey more closely, you can find @TideTalking on twitter and Instagram too.
25 Aug
A place to call home
NewsHome Ownership Pathway Director Andrew Lavulavu wants the dream of more Pacific families owning their own homes to become reality. As a child who was part of a first significant wave of Tongan families migrating to New Zealand during the 1970s, Andrew Lavulavu is familiar with the pathway stories, struggles, and sacrifices that came with it.
28 Jul
Pacific teams join Te Papa innovation hub
NewsThree Pacific entrepreneurial teams started a four-month residency at Te Papa’s Mahuki innovation accelerator today.
27 Jul
Connecting with culture
NewsSt Marys College Year 13 students Annabelle Ryan, Fangafua Po’oi, Taualofa Totua and Angel Stowers run cultural workshops through social enterprise Meraki. It’s a solution to the cultural disconnect experienced by many second and third generation Pacific students in New Zealand. The Pacific Business Trust are happy to nurture the new social enterprise as they work towards expanding.
22 Jun
Making Money Matter
NewsCombating the lack of financial literacy skills among the Pacific community motivated Brittany Teei and her mother Teri (Tereapii) to launch Kids Coin, an online tool that empowers students from years 3 to 10 to teach themselves about money, learning to save in the classroom and the rewards it brings.
21 Jun
Pacific Business Trust reconnects in the regions
NewsPacific Business Trust is making connections around the country, developing key regional relationships and resources with various stakeholders and clients as part of a broader national network over New Zealand, including the Waikato, Northland, Bay of Plenty, Central North Island, Wellington, Christchurch and the Deep South.
29 May
Pasifika businesses forging new digital frontiers
NewsPromising Pasifika businesses are being supported as they take on commercial opportunities in the global culture and heritage sector by Te Papa and the Pacific Business Trust. A three-day pre-accelerator workshop is being held at Te Papa’s innovation hub Mahuki for five selected teams from May 25 to 27.
24 May
Opportunities aplenty for Pacific people in the Bay
NewsThe Hawke’s Bay region’s brand is ‘Great Things Grow Here’. And following the Pacific Business Trust’s visit to the Bay in mid-May, locals are looking to a growing number of Pacific people to make the region their home.
09 May
A language of discovery
NewsA desire to learn her native Cook Islands language is driving Koni Rairoa and her friend Lillian Arp to partner to create a language preservation app.
01 May
Best by Peers
NewsHaving been part of the economic boom in London in the mid-2000s before suffering the storm of the 2007-08 Global Financial Crisis that followed, entrepreneur Janet MacFarlane has experienced the ultimate highs and lows in the tech business.
28 Apr
Ticking all the right boxes
NewsFrom numerous jobs involving packaging, Samoan Josephine Hale has designed and made a cardboard box that is re-useable, simple to use and perfect for supermarket owners who want to avoid staff injuries when cutting boxes in the rush to get products on the shelves.
19 Apr
Christchurch: Social enterprise forum showcases Pacific leadership
NewsThe Social Enterprise World Forum is an international event where social enterprises all over the world come together to share wisdom and discuss how to create a more sustainable future.