Pacific Business Trust

04/09/2026

Friday drop: A small grant making a big difference for Pivot Support Services

For some men, having the right support at the right time can make a significant difference to what comes next.

Pivot Support Services is a registered charitable trust working with Pasifika and Māori men on remand who may otherwise remain in custody because they don't have a suitable, stable bail address.

Founded in 2023 by Tautali Cleo Chan Boon, Kalem Chan Boon and Psalms Masame, Pivot provides safe accommodation alongside practical, cultural and relational support, helping men meet their bail conditions while staying connected to their families, communities and future goals.

At Pacific Business Trust, our mission is to create opportunities that leave a lasting impact. We invest in people and organisations that help build skills, confidence, and pathways to brighter futures.

In April, PBT provided a grant to help Pivot purchase new laptops for the men in its programme. While the laptops may seem like a simple investment, they are already making a real difference.

The laptops mean men can now work in pairs and groups on their CVs, prepare applications for Court, communicate with their legal counsel and access online learning and tuition.

The new technology has also helped Pivot improve the way it delivers support. . Instead of working with one person at a time, the team can facilitate group and paired activities, creating more opportunities for men to learn from one another and develop new skills.

One client described the new laptops as an “absolute game changer.”

For many of the men, learning how to use technology and access information builds confidence and opens new possibilities. These are skills they can continue to use long after they leave the programme.

For Pivot, the laptops are more than just equipment. They have opened up new ways for the team to work with the men in their care, while giving those men greater opportunities to learn, prepare and stay connected.

They are helping create lasting outcomes by building knowledge, confidence, digital capability and opportunities for the future.

This is what Leave Behind Results look like. A small investment today is helping create skills, connections, and opportunities that can make a difference for years to come.

Learn more at Pivot support services here: https://www.pivotsupportservices.org.nz/aboutus

26/08/2026

Meet Andrew

At 21, Andrew bought his first business. He had plenty of enthusiasm, but not exactly a business mentor on speed dial. A lot of what he learnt, he had to figure out himself.

These days, that experience is a big part of what he brings to PBT. “It was a lonely crusade which I had to figure out myself.” That experience has stayed with him and is a big part of why he does what he does today.

Born in Dunedin and now living in Māori Hill, a suburb that overlooks the city, Andrew is PBT’s Business Partner for Otago & Southland.

He works alongside Pasifika business owners to help them build their skills, tackle challenges and grow their businesses. “I want to use my skills, knowledge and experience to help our people be successful in their business journey.”

Andrew loves getting to know the different industries our people work in. He’s constantly researching, learning and keeping an eye on what’s happening in the wider world so he can bring a bigger picture to conversations with his clients.

He also knows what it’s like to run a business himself. Andrew and his wife Rochelle own a barber shop in South Dunedin that’s been operating for more than 100 years. Their approach? “Look after your people so they in turn look after the customers.”

At home, Andrew and Rochelle have three teenagers, Emerson, Louie and Evie, plus Emerson’s partner Toby. It’s a busy household, and according to Andrew, “everyone seems to have something to say…. mostly, ‘Dad, can I borrow some money!’”.

For Andrew, one of the best things about PBT is the people and the different experiences they bring to the team. “Having a strong connection with others and building sustainable relationships is a real strength of our people.”

It’s that combination of lived experience, business knowledge and genuine connection that Andrew brings to his work every day.

21/08/2026

Happy Tongan Language Week 🇹🇴

For our Friday drop, we’re proud to support TROW Group, a Tongan owned business creating positive change in Tonga through sustainability, employment and community development.

TROW Group gives new life to salvaged furniture and building materials from Aotearoa, using them to support schools, churches and communities while helping build a more sustainable, circular economy in Tonga.

Mālō ‘aupito, TROW Group 🇹🇴

18/08/2026

Meet Monica

For Monica, working in finance has always been about more than numbers. Her interest in the field began back in Year 9 in Samoa, when she discovered Business Studies and found herself enjoying it. “I really enjoyed it because unlike other subjects this one was really challenging me.”

That early interest led Monica to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Economics, at the National University of Samoa. She spent her school years at St Mary’s Primary School in Savalalo before attending St Mary’s College in Vaimoso.

From there, Monica began building a career in finance and auditing. She spent seven years working in Internal Audit at the Samoa Ministry of Finance before joining the Samoa Shipping Corporation, where she worked as an Internal Auditor for another four years.

Then, in November 2024, Monica moved to New Zealand with her husband and their three children to begin a new chapter for her family. “I was born and raised in Samoa, where I spent most of my childhood. I come from a big family with nine siblings, and I am the second eldest.”

After arriving in Aotearoa, Monica continued her career in finance, joining Pacific Business Trust as an Accounts Assistant in January 2025. In that role, she handled the day-to-day accounts work that helps keep PBT running smoothly, including processing postings, completing bank reconciliations and preparing payments.

Then, in March 2026, Monica took on her current role as Service Delivery Coordinator (Operational). The move has given her a broader insight into PBT's operational processes and how financial systems support the organisation's wider service delivery.

“This role has shown me how financial processes support service delivery and has helped me grow professionally beyond my usual accounting duties.” It's a progression that reflects Monica's desire to continue learning and developing. She also looks forward to furthering her studies here in New Zealand.

While Monica's professional journey has taken her from Samoa's Ministry of Finance to PBT in Aotearoa, family remains at the heart of her life. “One thing about me is that I always make time for my children.”

For Monica, that strong sense of family and community also connects closely with why she enjoys working at PBT. “I want to support the growth of Pacific businesses, which in turn strengthens local communities and economies.”

It's a purpose she sees through her work every day, and one of the things she values most about being part of the PBT team “The best thing about working at PBT is being able to support Pacific-owned businesses and see the real impact of my work on their growth and success.”

For Monica, her journey is continuing. From discovering a passion for business in a classroom in Samoa, to building a career in finance, moving her family to Aotearoa and taking on a new role at PBT, she is continuing to learn, grow and contribute to the success of Pacific businesses.

31/07/2026

Friday Drop: Elite Passive Fire

This week's Friday feature showcases Elite Passive Fire. They're a proudly Pacific owned business helping to keep New Zealand's buildings safe with fire resistant materials.

Elite Passive Fire was started by an amazing couple who are a great example of Pacific entrepreneurship in action, building not only successful businesses but also creating work opportunities for many others.

Watch their story below and see the passion, expertise, and purpose driving their work.

At Pacific Business Trust, we're proud to support Pacific businesses like Elite Passive Fire and wish them the very best. Elite Passive Fire

28/07/2026

Meet the team: Elizabeth

Congratulations to Elizabeth who offically graduates this week from AUT with a Bachelors of Business, majoring in Management and minoring in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Elizabeth was born in Samoa after her father moved from New Zealand to work as a diesel mechanic. Her father is of New Zealand European heritage and her mother is of Samoan, German, Chinese and Scottish heritage, giving Elizabeth a rich cultural foundation. Her parents met when her father moved to Samoa for work.

Elizabeth describes her family as “beautifully blended”. As one of seven siblings, her upbringing was shaped by a wide circle of parents, step parents and siblings, each playing a part in the family she is proud of today. For Elizabeth, family has never been defined by biology alone, but by love, connection and people supporting one another.

Growing up, Elizabeth dreamed of becoming a forensic accountant. “I've always been interested in the way businesses operate and how financial information can tell a story,” she says. That interest eventually led her into business studies and a career in finance.

Elizabeth attended Robert Louis Stevenson School in Samoa before moving to New Zealand in 2019 to complete Years 11 to 13. She has just finished her Bachelors of Business at AUT.

Today, Elizabeth works as an Accounts Assistant at Pacific Business Trust. Her role helps keep the organisation running smoothly behind the scenes, from data entry and preparing supplier payments, to following up invoices and assisting with financial records.

While much of her work happens away from the spotlight, Elizabeth understands the important role it plays in supporting the wider team and the businesses PBT serves. “Every part of the organisation contributes to helping Pacific businesses succeed,” she says.

As a young Pasifika woman beginning her career, Elizabeth is passionate about creating opportunities for others. “Having seen the challenges and opportunities within our Pacific communities, I'm passionate about helping our people access the knowledge and resources they need to succeed,” she says.

Her why at PBT is centred on contributing to the growth, resilience, and economic success of Pacific people. “I want to contribute to the growth, resilience, and economic success of our people while inspiring others to pursue their goals with confidence.”

One of the things Elizabeth enjoys most about working at PBT is the culture. “The culture within the organisation and the impact they have made,” she says.

Being surrounded by people who are committed to supporting Pacific businesses has given her the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference in communities across Aotearoa.

Elizabeth is proud to identify as Samoan and speaks the language fluently. It's a skill that occasionally catches people off guard when they assume her blonde hair and blue eyes mean she
won't understand a bit of faitatala. 😅

30/06/2026

A proud moment for Samoa the Pacific and Aotearoa 👏

Pacific excellence. Global recognition. 🇼🇸✨

Congratulations to Henry Onesemo and the incredible team at TALA on earning a MICHELIN Star a milestone that places Samoan cuisine among the world's finest and marks TALA as the first Pacific Island restaurant to receive this prestigious honour.

History has been made and this is only the first of many. Malo lava! 🇼🇸

29/06/2026

Pacific Business Trust was recently featured in Pacific Media Network Business News.

“Pacific Business Trust board chair Ulu Aiono says they have a new office and new focus for the year ahead.”

Check out the full article below;

The Pacific Business Trust board chair acknowledges the organisation’s staffing issues, as business leaders call for greater accountability.

26/06/2026

Today marked an exciting new chapter for Pacific Business Trust, as we officially opened the doors to our new fale in Manukau.

Previously based in Penrose, we were honoured to celebrate this milestone with a special opening ceremony alongside our Board, staff, invited guests, and members of the local community.

The ribbon was proudly cut by our Chairman, Dr Uluomato'otua Saulaulu Aiono ONZM, followed by a procession and karakia led by Matua Beazley.

Father Endermann then blessed our new offices, acknowledging this important new beginning and the journey ahead.

Fa’afetai to everyone who joined us to celebrate this special occasion and helped make the day so memorable.

As we settle into Manukau, we look forward to building new connections, creating new opportunities for Pasifika business owners, and continuing to serve our community for many years to come.

Thank you to the following for attending today's opening.

Ministry for Pacific Peoples
The Pacific Business Hub
Aupito William Sio
Whitecliffe College
Cook Islands Development Agency NZ
Centre for Pacific Languages
The Engine Limited
Inailau Pacific Business Women's Network
PMN News

16/06/2026

🗣 Join three practical workshops designed to help Pacific business women confidently explore AI and discover tools you can start using straight away.

➡️ AI for Digital Marketing, Content Creation & Productivity Tools
🗣 Ali Latu | Ali Latu | Digital
💻 Wed 17 June | 12–1pm Online via Zoom

➡️ AI for Reporting, Systems & Automations for Your Business
🗣 Salā Laura Keil-Hall | The Pacific Business Hub
📅 Thu 18 June | 12–1:30pm
📍The Pacific Business Hub, Manukau

➡️ AI Wayfinding Tools & Frameworks for Your Business
🗣Lautalie Schmidt-Geen | Va'a Collective
💻 Fri 19 June | 10–11am | Online via Zoom

Learn. Explore. Experiment. Future-proof your business. These workshops are FREE for eligible Pacific business women who are self-employed and based in New Zealand.

👉 Register here:
https://forms.gle/ecKRmpyf7CWvhFou9