Pacific Business Trust

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Pacific Business Trust The Pacific Business Trust PBT is the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Aotearoa New Zealand. Pacific Business Trust - Auckland


F: 09 270 1004
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Were in the business of supporting Pasifika businesses to grow and succeed.

09/10/2026

Friday Drop: Aunty Tommy’s Koko 🇼🇸

From a West Auckland roastery to your favourite cup of Koko, Aunty Tommy's is sharing a taste of the Samoa with the world.

This Samoan owned business makes Koko Samoa using Pacific cacao (Koko Mata), bringing family heritage and traditional methods into a product made right here in Aotearoa.

Their name honours Aunty Tommy, the matriarch of their family from Vaiala, Samoa. That connection to family and home sits at the heart of the business.

In simple terms, here’s what they do:

Create authentic koko. Small batches of roasted cacao are stone ground into blocks and pods for drinking, cooking and baking, with no added sugar, dairy or fillers. Just like back home in the islands.

Aunty Tommy’s also supports Samoan language education in Auckland, helping the next generation stay connected to their language and culture.

Pacific Business Trust is proud to celebrate Aunty Tommy’s, a PBT client showing how cultural heritage, quality products and community values can create opportunities for Pacific business.

Discover their story and try their koko:
https://auntytommys.co.nz/

This video was produced by the Pacific Business Trust

Meet the team: NickBorn in Takapuna, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and now based in Te Kamo, Whangārei, Nick is one of our ...
07/10/2026

Meet the team: Nick

Born in Takapuna, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and now based in Te Kamo, Whangārei, Nick is one of our Business Development Officers here at PBT.

Growing up, Nick never had one particular career in mind. What he did know was that he loved helping people. “I’ve always enjoyed encouraging others and seeing people win, whether that’s achieving something they have worked hard for or reaching a goal they have set for themselves. I think I always knew I wanted to work with people in some way.”

That passion has followed Nick throughout his career. He has owned his own property maintenance business, helped Pasifika people move into higher learning and employment through Tupu Aotearoa , and worked at Fale Pasifika, where his role gave him the opportunity to support Pasifika businesses and the wider community.

“Working at Fale Pasifika was never just about businesses. Because I was based right there, I had the opportunity to help wherever I could and serve our wider Pasifika community in different ways.”

Today, Nick continues that work at PBT, supporting Pacific owned businesses in Northland. “My role is about working alongside businesses, understanding where they are at and where they want to go, and helping them identify practical steps to move forward.”

That could mean sitting down for a business health check, talking through finances or strategy, connecting a business with the right support, exploring funding pathways or simply helping an owner work out what their next step should be.

For Nick, one of the best parts of the job is bringing the right people together. “Sometimes my role is less about having all the answers myself and more about understanding what a business needs and finding the right person, service or opportunity to connect them with.”

Outside of work, family is a huge part of Nick’s life. “I’m a dad, and family is a big part of who I am. A lot of what drives me personally comes from wanting to provide, support and be there for my family.”

Having previously owned his own business, Nick also understands some of the realities that come with running one. Nick is continuing to build his skills in business advisory, coaching, strategic planning, financial capability, marketing, systems and AI.

His reason for doing the work at PBT is pretty simple. “For me, it’s about seeing people and businesses grow. I enjoy being able to sit down with a business owner, hear their story, understand what they’re trying to achieve and help them find a way forward.”

“If I can play even a small part in helping someone take their business to the next level, that’s rewarding for me.”

And after a career centred around helping people into employment, education and business, Nick sees his role at PBT as a continuation of something he has always valued. “There’s always been that same heart of serving our people.”

For Nick, that is also what makes PBT a great place to work. “Every day is different. You can be talking with one business about their finances in the morning, then helping another with strategy, connections or their next opportunity in the afternoon.”

“I get to continue serving our Pasifika people and businesses here in our region, and that means a lot to me.”

Pacific elders were celebrated in Ōtautahi Christchurch this weekend at the first ever 360 Tautua Pacific Matua Gala. Th...
28/09/2026

Pacific elders were celebrated in Ōtautahi Christchurch this weekend at the first ever 360 Tautua Pacific Matua Gala.

The incredible evening brought together families, community leaders and organisations to honour our Pacific matua and recognise the generations who have given so much to our families, churches and communities.

360 Tautua Trust was founded to serve Pacific seniors and their families across Aotearoa. In Samoan, “tautua” means to serve, reflecting the Trust’s commitment to supporting matua with love, respect, dignity and strong cultural connection.

PBT was proud to be represented by Deputy Chair Tuifaasisina Lanuola, Recruitment Committee Chair Lealiifanovalevale
Erolia, CEO Tracey Alenepi and team member Andrew Rouvi.

Fa’afetai to 360 Tautua Trust for creating such a beautiful space to celebrate our matua, and to everyone who helped make the night so special.

Meet the team: Ariki Born in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and lives in Porirua, bred in both cities, Ariki is PBT’s Community Del...
17/09/2026

Meet the team: Ariki

Born in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and lives in Porirua, bred in both cities, Ariki is PBT’s Community Delivery Partner for the Wellington-central region. Ariki’s parents came to Aotearoa, New Zealand from the Cook Islands; the islands of Enuamanu (Atiu) and Tumutevarovaro (Rarotonga), in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Ariki has spent her life learning, from growing up and being educated in Porirua, to studying at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington as an adult student. Along the way, she’s built knowledge across both the public and private sectors, working closely with iwi, Pacific communities, and partners. “I value the connections I have.”

At PBT, Ariki is all about people. From helping someone turn a business idea into a reality, to supporting a side hustle, start-up, or established business. She brings experience, leadership, and plenty of heart to her work. “For me, it’s all about relationships, relationships, relationships.”

This same passion extends beyond PBT. Ariki helps her husband run his flooring business and runs her own sole trading business, Ariki Consultancy. She co-facilitates workshops under Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou, one arm of Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Inc. These workshops explore the history of Porirua, from the 1800s to current day - healthy awa, healthy people. Focussed also on the three most disadvantaged ethnicities in Porirua city - Māori, Pacific, and Refugees.

For Ariki, her “why?” is about creating opportunities for Pacific peoples primarily and strengthening their ambitions. “When Pacific people are able to succeed in business, employment, education, or life for that matter; then they, their families, their communities do well.”

When asked what makes PBT special, Ariki shared this Māori Kūki ‘Āirani tākiato/proverb – ‘Mou te kō, mou te ‘ere kia pukuroa o vaevae, kia mokora o kaki.’ – translates for her as, ‘Hold fast to your principles and hard work but remain connected to your community. Be grounded and ready to stand your ground but remain flexible enough to listen to others.’

Ariki wanted to finish referencing a well-known Māori whakataukī (proverb) which she absolutely loves – ‘He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.’ - What is the most important thing in this world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

“For me, this Māori proverb really resonates with my heart. It places human value, our relationships, our peoples, our community care at the centre of our thinking, our decisions.”

Friday drop: A small grant making a big difference for Pivot Support ServicesFor some men, having the right support at t...
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

Meet AndrewAt 21, Andrew bought his first business. He had plenty of enthusiasm, but not exactly a business mentor on sp...
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 🇹🇴

Meet MonicaFor Monica, working in finance has always been about more than numbers. Her interest in the field began back ...
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

Meet the team: ElizabethCongratulations to Elizabeth who offically graduates this week from AUT with a Bachelors of Busi...
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. 😅

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Level 2, 3 Osterley Way, Manukau
Auckland
2104

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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