In this newsletter,

• Happy Tuvaluan Language Week

• Peter Lee - Radio 5.31PI interview

• Pacific Business Trust bids farewell to long serving Board Member

• PBT celebrates Cook Island community    

• Young Enterprise Navigator Programme

• Join Us at Porirua Funding Expo & Night Market

Happy Tuvaluan Language Week

Tuvalu consists of 9 inhabited islands with a population of approximately 11,000, making it the fourth-smallest nation in the world. 

Our Wellington-based Pacific Business Trust team attended the flag-raising ceremony to mark the start of Tuvalu Language week, joining Minister for Pacific Peoples, Barbara Edmonds, Tuvalu High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Fueu Tipu, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker and representatives from the Tuvaluan communities across the wider Wellington region.

PBT Business Advisor, Seiuli Verona Parker listened as His Excellency expressed the challenges his people face in accessing services like PBT for their economic development. Seiuli shared insights on PBT's aspirations for fostering economic development within the Tuvalu community. 

Throughout the week, our team will actively participate in Tuvaluan pop-up events connecting with diverse communities about how they can access our services as part of our ongoing commitment to empower and strengthen Pacific communities. 

Our goal is to ensure that everyone is aware of the benefits they can gain by utilising our services and resources.

If you or someone you know is seeking support for their business don't hesitate to reach out to our team today at 0800 287 7526. We are here to provide support and assistance.

Peter Lee – Radio 5.31PI Interview  

Click here to watch

In this week's edition PBT client Peter Lee shares his experience in business. Peter hails from Samoa and was raised in Auckland, and is not only a proud family man, but a successful businessman with a rich entrepreneurial background tied to the founding of Polynesian Airlines in New Zealand. With a finance background and a family legacy in accounting, Peter's journey from aspiring pilot to financial expert is captivating.

Tune in to hear how he started his accounting firm during the COVID-19 pandemic and where it stands today. If you're interested in connecting with Peter and his firm, you can reach him at peter@pnc.co.nz or visit www.pnc.co.nz.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from his story and explore his services.

Pacific Business Trust bids farewell to long serving Board Member

Sam Sefuiva, a long serving board member of the Pacific Business Trust (PBT) since its inception in 1985 has bid farewell after a 38-year tenure. His departure marks the end of an era, as he played a role in shaping PBT into what it is today. Sam's dedication and passion for the Pacific business community have been instrumental in fostering growth.

PBT also welcomes four new board members this year: Arti Chand, Dain Guttenbeil, Dana Youngman, and Luke Meredith. They join the mission to continue supporting and empowering the Pacific business community. Chairman Paul Retimanu expressed gratitude for Sam's leadership and vision, acknowledging his contributions to PBT's success over the years. Mr Sefuiva with a history of public service spanning four decades leaves behind memories of his time with PBT. Click here to read more.

PBT celebrates Cook Island community   

PBT had the honor of attending the Tu Rangatira Awards—a momentous occasion celebratin Cook Island communities. We were proud to be a part of this uplifting event.

We were joined by PBT clients  Aereem Environmental, Ezi Traffic and Siatua from Samoan Imported Goodness as part of the celebrations, which was followed by 2 days of festivities that our team had the privilege of participating in. Meitaki Maata to Duane and the team for orchestrating a beautiful celebration of the Cook Island communities. 

Young Enterprise Navigator Programme 

PBT hosted 21 promising young leaders from the Young Enterprise Navigators programme filling our space with life and energy. Special fa'afetai to Ian and the team for inviting us on this journey and sharing your visionary spirit. This moment is a treasure for our PBT team and we anticipate the future together.

Join Us at Porirua Funding Expo & Night Market

Get ready for an exciting double-header this week! Our Wellington team will be at the Pasifika Funding Expo and Pasifika Night Market on Thursday and Friday and we're thrilled to meet our Porirua business communities. We will be there for both sessions tomorrow so whether you're dreaming of starting your own business or need a boost for your existing venture, come and talanoa with us.

There will be goodie bags up for grabs and we'll share insights about our services. We're passionate about fuelling your entrepreneurial journey and can't wait to chat with you.

Pasifika Funding Expo Thurs, 5 October 11AM - 8PM Performing Arts Studio, Pataka (corner of Norie and Parumoana streets)

Pasifika Night Markets Friday 6 October 5PM - 8PM The Hub, Kelburn Campus

Don't miss and make sure to join us at these events. 

'Ofa ke mou ma'u ha uike ngaue lelei.