In this newsletter:

• Get Ready now for Cyclone Gabrielle

• Emergency Services

• Business Services

• PBT welcomes CEO, Mary Los’e

Get Ready now for Cyclone Gabrielle

The MetService has forecast Cyclone Gabrielle as a severe category three storm. Heavy rain warnings are expected on Sunday, starting in the north and spreading to other parts of northern and central New Zealand early next week.

This significant weather is expected to cause further widespread damage with heavy rain and strong winds forecast, surface flooding and slips possible and strong wind gusts that could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.

Use this time now to get ready. Take steps to be prepared both as a household and with your business. Make a plan and work through what you need.

Visit the ‘Get Ready’ website for easy steps you can take now to look after your family and staff to get thru, visit here.

Learn more about getting your business ready here and see Business.govt.nzfor continuity and contingency planning for businesses here.

Emergency Services

If life, health, or property is in danger, call 111 immediately.

If you and/or your aiga need emergency accommodation help, please phone the Auckland Emergency Management (Civil Defence) team on 0800 22 22 00.

If you and/or your aiga need emergency welfare help, please phone the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100.

Business Services

Pacific businesses affected by flooding damage can contact PBT during weekdays for details the wraparound flood response services and next steps on recovery support on 0800 287 7526.

The Pacific Response Hub will be open tomorrow, Saturday, and again next week from 9am to 12pm to help Pacific peoples in South Auckland affected by the Auckland flooding. Note the Hub has moved The People's Place, 5 Otāra Road, Otāra.

PBT welcomes CEO, Mary Los’e

PBT’s new CEO, Mary Los’e was formally welcomed on Tuesday 7 February at an event with Pasifika community leaders, Mana Whenua and Whānau, the PBT Board and staff in Auckland. 

Mary shared her aspiration for the Pacific Business Trust in Aotearoa, “There is so much that we can do together, and it will take the hearts, minds, and ancestry of each of us to do that now.” 

“As a Pacific Economic Development Agency, we have the license to include, connect and engage with all businesses and to integrate our inherent capabilities to serve in the best interests of all people.” Read more

Catch the talanoa with John Pulu, from 531pi PMN Tonga, and Mary on PMN’s Facebook page, link here.

Get ready, make a plan, and stay safe.

The PBT team Pacific Business Trust www.pacificbusiness.co.nz