Tauranga hosted the Minister of Pacific Peoples, Hon Aupito William Sio and members of the Pacific Caucus at the TECT Arena last week, as he announced the economic development model of the Pacific Business Village.  Supported by the Tauola Business Fund, it aims to support Pacific businesses outside of Auckland with up to $100,000 of capital investment, helping to create employment pathways for Pacific peoples, increase regional productivity and participate in economic development projects.

This event created a timely opportunity for the launch of a new business, Pacific Growth Services (PG Services), headed by Aifai Esera.  PG Services will provide a bridge to connect Pacific businesses in the Bay of Plenty, building a Pacific village network. The aim is to create an ecosystem that works in “the Pacific way” of doing business, effecting positive benefits for the wider Pacific community. They will also connect local businesses with local government and government agencies to provide funding opportunities which will stimulate growth and create employment in their business.

Aifai is of Samoan descent and has lived in Tauranga for the last 16 years with his locally born wife and children.  His energy and passion for the growth of Pacific business is inspiring – with 411 identified Pacific businesses in the Bay of Plenty, he has already connected with and provided support for 105 diverse businesses.