Small Business Minister Ginny Andersen visited the Pacific Business Trust (PBT) in Auckland today and met with Pasifika businesses affected by the recent severe weather events.

PBT hosted the Flood Recovery Support Open Day to help support businesses with their applications for the Back to Work grants providing translation services, answering questions, scanning documents required for their application, and providing access to the internet. The Back to Work grants is part of a $5m package of emergency support from the Government for businesses across Tāmaki Makaurau as they recover from the Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding.

PBT CEO, Mary Los’e, met with the Minister and introduced her to local businesses affected by the flooding who were visibly upset when sharing their experiences about the damage to homes, business premises, tools, equipment, and vehicles as well as loss of income.

A caterer who operated her business using her home kitchen could not work as her house had been yellow stickered. Although insurance had paid $2,000, this was used to support the family’s immediate needs. The caterer is now looking for temporary accommodation for her family with a suitable kitchen so she can start cooking again and return back to work selling her food.

30 Pasifika businesses attended the Flood Support Recovery Open Day meeting with PBT’s Business Advisors.

Pacific businesses affected by the Auckland Anniversary flooding can contact PBT for support with their Back to Work grant applications, call freephone 0800 287 7526 or email info@pacificbusiness.co.nz.