Stories & articles of our work & our people
Manukau, AKL – Thursday 12 of September is a day to be etched in memory and New Zealand’s history, when 30+ people arrived from Samoa and received by the Pacific Settlement Support Services team. PSSS provides settlement support services for Pacific newcomers to New Zealand which includes those who have been successful through the Samoan quota or the Pacific Access Category (PAC). The Pacific Business Hub in Manukau City where PSSS is located was abuzz with activity with it’s 2-day Kiwi Life programme as they received individuals and families from Samoa who had been successful with the quota. The day was opened with a prayer by Pastor Lui Ponifasio to bless and encourage our newcomers about life in New Zealand. “Aua le faalogologo tiga, galue malosi ma le faamaoni, aua le ma e fesili mo se fesoasoani ma aua nei galo Iesu” – Don’t give up easily when things start to get difficult, work hard and be committed, don’t be shy to ask for help and never forget Jesus. “E le o toe tafe le susu ma le meli i Niu Sila.” - Milk and honey doesn’t flow freely in NZ anymore. He ended by encouraging everyone to be involved in their new communities, enjoy the many opportunities that NZ has to offer and to be prosperous. This was followed by refreshments for our new comers to NZ and their families, which were about 50 in total on Thursday. There was a resounding echo of gratefulness by our new comers from Samoa and their NZ families alike. “Faafetai lava mo lenei feasoasoani, e ese le aoga toe taua, manaia o lea ua iloa mai le ofisa e toomaga iai pea fia maua le fesoasoani.” - Thank you for this service, it is very useful and important and it is nice to know there is an office to go to when help is needed. It was followed by a presentation by the New Zealand Police, delivered in the Samoan language, informing and educating the people about Law & Order as well as a presentation from Inland Revenue Department who helped the team with processing IRD numbers. Friday saw the team doing one-on-one sessions with each individual or family to find out what their immediate needs are and what their goals are in the near future with the day ending with the team taking them to the Bank to open bank accounts. Pacific Settlement Support Services, a first of its kind service in New Zealand, was set up 3 months ago by 3 Samoan women, Zeprina Fale, Laura Keil-Hall and Mandy Siitia through a collaboration between their organisations. Zeprina and Mandy through Bluespur Charitable Trust and Laura through LKH Consulting. Laura also owns and runs The Pacific Business Hub. Later they connected with Roberta Tiatia and Sheryl Silitia of Lototau Agency Immigration Services based in Samoa whom they now work closely with and as a partner in Samoa doing pre-migration work. “We saw the need for this service based on our own shared migration experiences” says
Zeprina “Statistics and anecdotal feedback from many of our Pacific people points to the lack of settlement support and a need for a service such as this” she continues Mandy Siitia adds “For us it’s continuing the work that some of our Pacific Island families have been doing since the 1950s” Laura Keil-Hall adds that she has been involved with talks and conversations with some government people and stakeholders in the past and tried to push for something like this but it was always an uphill battle. She says this is a crucial service that is needed by our people and yet no one wants to do something about it until she met Zeprina and Mandy who were equally passionate about this and now here they are. What PSSS wants to do is to position our Pacific people for prosperity and give them the best start possible with life in New Zealand. Because it’s never been done before, the PSSS team are looking to flex and adjust according to the needs of the people, and the programme to be delivered in a way that is culturally relevant and spiritually sensitive. The service is not funded so a fee is charged for the services. PSSS acknowledges the support of the Community, New Zealand Police, Inland Revenue, the In-Hub businesses at the Pacific Business Hub and the Samoa Business Network. To make contact with Pacific Settlement Support Services, you may visit their office in Auckland, 9 Sharkey Street, Manukau City or contact +64 218 8273 or +64 21 963 301.
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PRESS RELEASE ![]() Manukau, AUCKLAND - The Samoa Business Network (SBN) & AUT University South Campus presents PolyPolitics - The Business of Pacific, Auckland Mayoral Debate to be held on Thursday 26, September 2019 from 5PM-9PM. SBN is glad to announce the candidates for this debate, attending are: His Worship Hon. Phil Goff, current first term Auckland Mayor seeking re-election to the top job in the city after his retirement from Parliament and becoming Mayor last election cycle. Businessman & engineer Mr. Craig Lord, seeking his first public office has made bold strides in capturing the attention of Aucklanders and rising in his support amongst Aucklanders. Honourable John Tamihere, former government minister, media personality and business leader has been a force during the campaign for Mayor, as he seeks the top job. This unique opportunity is spearheaded by the Samoan and Pacific Business Communities, seeking answers and clarity from candidates seeking the office of Auckland Mayor. SBN Members and our community have identified the local election as an important and vital moment to hold candidates to account and to understand their vision and plans for Pacific. Our moderators for the evening are Tauiliili Alpha Maiava and Tofilau Yolande Ah Chong, and they will no doubt keep these candidates on their toes as they cover all the important issues facing Pacific businesses, and Pacific communities in Auckland. Join us and secure your seat(s) now. This event, without a doubt will be at capacity, so you don't want to miss out. You can purchase your tickets via this LINK! All press attending the event must register with SBN. Please contact Board Secretary Laura Keil-Hall at info@samoabussinessnetwork.org or at 09 218 8273 or 021 659 072 For further infromation, please contact Board Chair John Loau at info@samoabusinessnetwork.org. Summary: Event: PolyPolitics The Business of Pacific - Auckland Mayoral Debate Date: Thursday 26, 2019 Time: 5PM-9PM Location: AUT South Campus, 640 Great South Road, Manukau Auckland, NZ - SBN proudly supported the efforts by the Samoa Barbarians Sports Club to fundraise for the Manu Samoa team with their fundraising dinner which was held last week at the Ellerslie Convention Centre.
In addition to purchasing tables and marketing of the fundraiser, SBN business members really turned out in force for the evening. Special mention of SBN members and friends of the network who provided gifts for raffles and auctions on the night; Danika Cooper Jewellery, Ala'ileula Flowers & Things, Elemai's Therapeutic Clinic, Andreassend Design. The SBN Board are very grateful to its members for supporting our call to support Manu Samoa on their Road to Japan, Rugby World Cup 2019 and playing a part in raising over $22,000 on the night! SBN wishes Manu Samoa good luck in the Rugby World Cup 2019! |
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September 2019
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