In this newsletter:

• Help MSD better understand your workforce challenges

• Advise young entrepreneurs through Volunteer Service Abroad

• Participate in the Canterbury Polyfest March 2023

• Pasifika Women in Construction

Help MSD to better understand your workforce challenges

The Ministry of Social Development is working across the motu with partners to help understand businesses with their workforce challenges by identifying the skills employers need from new employees, tailor programmes and services to upskill New Zealanders to create independence through sustainable employment.

You are invited to complete a short survey to help gather business insights. Responses are anonymous, and only summarised information will be published. Take 5 minutes to have your challenges and requirements heard. Please feel free to share the survey with other Pacific businesses. The survey will be open until Saturday 24 December 2022.

Click here to fill out survey

Advise young entrepreneurs through Volunteer Service Abroad

Volunteer Service Abroad - Te Tūao Tāwāhi (VSA) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest and most experienced volunteer agency, connecting people across the moana between New Zealand and other countries in the Pacific Region.

Volunteers live abroad or connect remotely from their homes in Aotearoa to share experience, knowledge and cultures. Working with business, government and organisations located abroad, VSA collectively transform lives of many, provide greater cultural understanding, and create a fair future for all.

Find out how you can support VSA’s young entrepreneurs in the Pacific as a Business Advisor through an e-volunteering assignment with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

Share your experience, knowledge and skills to transform the lives by volunteering and working from home to advise and support business start-ups in the Pacific Islands. Six volunteers are needed who are experienced in the following fields: marketing and communications, business development for start-ups, finance and account, business strategy, HR, and export.

Find out more about this opportunity and how you can give back here.

Participate in the Canterbury Polyfest March 2023

Stallholder applications are now open for the Canterbury Polyfest 2023.

Join the biggest showcase of Pacific Island flavour in the South Island. Food, craft, services, Pacific entrepreneurs and Polynesian inspired merchandise. You’ll find it all at the Canterbury Polyfest.

• DATE: 18 March 2023

• Venue: Special Events Area, North Hagley Park, Christchurch

• Time: 8.30am to 5.30pm

Find out more and secure a stall by applying online now.

Apply Now

Pasifika Women in Construction 

Last week, PBT hosted the 'Pasifika Women in the Construction Industry' networking event, which brought together Pasifika women in similar roles to connect and hear insights from other businesswomen.

Our thanks to our two special guest speakers:

• Jennifer Mascarina, Principal Procurement Specialist from the Ministry of Education, shared some of the current tender opportunities and the support provided. 

• Jaz Newport-Puni,Director of Inner Scope Plumbing, shared her business journey and some practical advice on growing a business, "In business, to drive success, it is important to focus on communication, time management and people."  

PBT looks forward to creating more networking and event opportunities to connect in 2023. Thank you to everyone who attended and our team for making it a special night for Pasifika women.

Fa'afetai lava!

Have a great week!

The PBT Team

www.pacificbusiness.co.nz

Ph 0800 287 7526