In this newsletter

• Memorandum of Understanding with Downer NZ

• Happy Niuean Language Week

• Greg Traill - Radio 5.31PI interview

• PBT celebrates Fiji Day

• Build your Procurement capability with our Professional Services

• Tulī Takes Flight Scholarships 2024 

• Pasifika Festival in the Bay

• South Auckland Future Fest

Memorandum of Understanding with Downer NZ

PBT proudly signed our very first Memorandum of Understanding with Downer NZ the leading engineering, infrastructure management and construction company in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. This milestone reinforces our partnership, marking the beginning of a new journey set to create a positive impact of Pacific businesses in construction now and into the future. 

The Pacific Business Trust has a long history of supporting Pacific small to medium enterprises and communities. This MoU is a testament to our collective efforts to develop capability, build capacity and elevate business skills. 

We're excited about this partnership and look forward to working with Downer NZ. Together we will impact the economic landscape. E So'o le Fau I le Fau - Together, we are stronger.

Happy Niuean Language Week

WATCH HERE

This year’s theme for Faahi Tapu he Vagahau Niue – Niue Language Week is Fakatūleva e Vagahau Niue mo e Tau Aga Fakamotu ma e Tau Atuhau which means - Sustain Niue Language and Culture for Future Generations.

In celebration of the Vagahau Niue here are 5 facts about Niue.

• Niue, one of the world's largest upraised coral atolls is situated in the South Pacific within a triangle formed by Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands. From New Zealand, it is located towards the north eastern side of the International Date Line and is 11 hours behind the Greenwich Mean Time.

• In Aotearoa, there are over 30,000 Niueans, with more than 23,000 residing in Tamaki Makaurau.

• Niuean hair cutting ceremonies are a cherished tradition. These ceremonies symbolise a boy's transition to manhood and typically occur around age 5. They are passed down through generations expressing family love and unity.

• Niueans proudly showcase their unique culture through exquisite bags and hats. These items are often seen at local markets and show days. Crafted using traditional methods and locally sourced materials, they serve as a beautiful reflection of the island's rich culture.

• The Niue people have reached a crossroads where the status of the Vagahau Niue is considered most vulnerable. Vagahau Niue has been registered with UNESCO as an endangered language, so one of the challenges we face is the preservation of Vagahau Niue and Niue culture.

At Pacific Business Trust, we encourage our staff to speak their native languages which helps us better understand how business works in our community. Our team includes experts who can speak Niuean and many other Pacific languages which we're really proud of. Get in touch with our team today on 0800 287 7526 to see how we can assist you and your business needs.

Greg Traill – Radio 5.31PI Interview  

WATCH HERE

Greg Traill is the dedicated owner of Pineapple Hut Fiji, a family business that has been thriving for nearly two decades. Born to a Fijian mother from Savusavu and a father from Levuka, his business journey started with his family a few years ago. It all began as an experiment at the Pasifika Festival and has since evolved into a thriving enterprise.

Greg's commitment to his business is evident in his consistent presence at Fiji Day celebrations and his participation in every Pasifika Festival since it first started. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is "Don't hold back, go for it, discover your strengths, nurture them and take the necessary steps without fear." To find out how you can book Greg's awesome food truck for your event get in touch directly with him on 021928551.

During Fiji Language Week, our team had the pleasure of attending the Fiji Day - a celebration of Fiji's 53 years of independence where we had the opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with familiar faces.

PBT celebrates Fiji Day

PBT celebrated Fijian Language Week with our Community Engagement Advisor, Tuala Victor Vaauli and Customer Service Manager, Marcheta Cocker by setting up an information booth at Mangere Centre Park. During the event we introduced a PBT survey to improve our services for the Pacific communities we serve.

We connected with and learned from community members and their enthusiasm was evident with 77% showing interest in building connections with us.

The survey program became a valuable tool for understanding the community's needs. Among the insights gathered, 25% expressed a desire for more help with financial literacy, an area where PBT can have a positive impact.

The day was a successful celebration filled with a variety of Fijian delicacies and the beats of traditional Fijian music. This event provided a great opportunity to reconnect with our community, to listen and learn how we can better serve the diverse needs of our people. Fakaaue lahi oue tulou to everyone who participated.

Fiji Day is the culmination of Fiji Week, a period celebrating the Fijian people’s culture, religion and history. It’s a time for happiness and festivities but it’s also a time for introspection and remembrance.

Build your Procurement capability with our Professional Services

Calling all Professional Services business owners! Are you looking to navigate the complexities of government procurement? Perhaps you've contemplated joining the prestigious All of Government panel or are simply curious about supplying services to government entities.

Did you know that here at PBT, we specialise in helping businesses like yours build their procurement capabilities within the Professional Services sector?

Fa'afeso'ota'i mai to our friendly team on 0800 287 7526 to find out how we can support your journey towards success! Don't miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level.

Tulī Takes Flight Scholarships 2024

Are you ready to elevate your future? The Tulī Scholarship is designed to recognise and uplift Aotearoa Pacific families and communities through the power of education.The scholarship is intended to support Pacific people to reach their potential by reducing some financial barriers to study or training. There are 15 scholarships up for grabs with values ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per year.

Award value: $10,000 - $30,000 per year Number available; 15 Provider: Ministry of Education Contact Email: tuli.scholarships@education.govt.nz

Applications for 2024 are open 9 October 2023 and closes 7 November 2023  

In 2024, the Tulī Takes Flight scholarships Fund Board will award: 

• Four Vocational Scholarships valued from $10,000 - $15,000 each year 

• Two Academic undergraduate scholarships valued at $10,000 each year 

• Two Academic postgraduate scholarships valued at $15,000 each year 

• Seven Career changer scholarships valued at $30,000 each year  

To be eligible for these scholarships, you must be

• of Pacific descent 

• a domestic student, i.e. a New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident

• have lived in New Zealand for the last three years at the time of the closing date of the application 

• you must be accepted into the course of study, for the scholarship you are applying for before the course starts 

For more information, additional requirements specific to each scholarship, and the online application form, please visit the Tulī Takes Flight scholarships page on the Ministry of Education website. Before applying please have a look at the 2024 Tulī applicant Guide for instructions.

Pasifika Festival in the Bay

Bay of Plenty Pasifika teachers have formed a Pasifika group to support and acknowledge  Pasifika learners with the aim to strengthen relationships and build cultural awareness with our fanau and the wider community.

The group, who feature in the Pasifika Festival in the Bay this weekend, is keen to provide a platform that will support the Pasifika Education Plan’s vision to see “five out of five Pasifika learners participating, engaging and achieving in education through building identity, languages and culture.”

Their objectives include:

• To recognise and celebrate the diversity of our Pasifika cultures.

• To support and encourage the cultural identity of our tamaiti.

• To promote and build the awareness of our Pasifika cultures in the wider community.

When: Saturday 28th October 2023

Where: Mount Maunganui College

Time: 10am

South Auckland Future Fest

Come explore your vocational pathway, apprenticeship, and career opportunities at the South Auckland Future Fest!

• Thursday 19th October

• 10am to 3pm

• Due Drop Events Centre (770 Great South Road, Manukau)

Don't know what you want to do after high school? Don't know what you want to study at university? Want a job for the summer?

Come and meet employers, training providers, and tertiary institutions attending the South Auckland Future Fest! Proudly supported by the Manurewa Local Board, the New Zealand Government, MSD Jobs and Skills Hub, Connected, Due Drop Events Centre, & Auckland Business Chamber Education to Employment.

Monuina e aho (Have a great day).