In this newsletter,

• Message from the CEO: A New Year bringing new opportunities

• Behind the scenes: the faces powering PBT

• From airport tarmac to fashion runway: the BFF story

• Teeing up Tradition: Manu Golf's Fresh Spin on Golf Gear

• PBT 2025 workshop and event dates

• Other upcoming events

Message from the Chief Executive

February 2025

2025 is well underway and I trust our first newsletter finds you ready for the opportunities the year will bring.

Pacific Business Trust started summer with renewed confidence having implemented significant change to our business and the ways in which we operate to serve in the best interests of you, our client partners. Proudly, we are seeing the outcomes of our mahi – as will business owners and operators who attend our workshops or have been working alongside our business partners and community engagement leads.

We have seen an increase of 70% in good or excellent business health and a 76% in businesses who would recommend PBT to their friends and fellow business owners. All positive signs we are on the right track working with you to grow. Challenges remain yet this is nothing new for business owners, in fact if the past five years are anything to go by, we are at the tail end of it and have the resilience and know-how for growth in 2025, and all signs are pointing to growth.

PBT is in service of a 2000+ membership, employing thousands of people and generating in excess of $300m, a significant contribution to the Pacific economy and the overall Aotearoa New Zealand economy.

In the coming months you may notice more shifts in our business as we reset and scale our services across the motu to better serve our business and broader community.

I recently celebrated two years in this role and I want to acknowledge and thank the team who have worked tirelessly to improve our services to you and you can find them here.

Please keep an eye out for workshops and events in your area.

Malo 'aupito Mary Los'e Chief Executive Officer

Behind the scenes: the faces powering PBT

At PBT, our strength lies in the incredible people who bring our mission to life. We’re thrilled to introduce a team that blends decades of experience with fresh, innovative energy. From seasoned business partners who ing their wisdom, dedication and understanding of our service to new faces who infuse creativity and new ideas, our team is united by a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we’re proud to collaborate, innovate, and drive impactful growth every day.

From airport tarmac to fashion runway: the BFF story

There are not many senior managers in the glamorous airline industry who would throw it all in to pursue a dream of starting their own fashion business. But that is the story of Ash Sharma, a former aviation data analyst at Air New Zealand and senior manager at Fiji Airways, who created BFF Boutique, a fashion line that fused Polynesian island flair with Indian elegance exerted a magnetic pull. It has not been a straight-forward runway to success. Indeed, Ash credits PBT's support for helping her navigate financial challenges to establish a global digital presence, including grants and business resources. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs revolves around the three P's: Passion, Perseverance, and Planning. To read the full BFF story, click here.

Teeing up tradition: Manu Golf’s fresh spin on Golf Gear

When Kevin first got serious about golf, he noticed a lack of Polynesian representation on the green. Determined to change that, he set out to create a golf apparel brand that celebrated his heritage. After months of research, design, and planning, he launched his business in August 2024, featuring Polynesian-inspired designs that quickly resonated with golfers. With the support of his Pacific Business Trust (PBT) business partner, Kevin’s venture took off. By December 2024, he had sold out of all his stock—a remarkable achievement in just four months. Reflecting on this success, Kevin credits strategic planning and meticulous execution as key to his rapid growth. Looking ahead to 2025, Kevin is excited to replenish his stock and expand his range with new apparel and accessories. Despite the brand’s popularity in its first six months, Kevin remains grounded. His philosophy? “Stay small enough, long enough, and we’ll be big enough, soon enough.” Use the code PBT15 at checkout to get 15% off your next Manu Golf purchase*. To learn more about Kevin’s journey and his experience with PBT, click here. *Ts&Cs apply: Limited to one use per customer. Cannot be combined with any other promotional offers or discount codes. The code is valid for 2 months from the date of this newsletter and will expire thereafter.

Other upcoming events

Boost Your Business workshops in WELLINGTON: Storytelling delivered by Albert Pati Date: 25th February Time: 5pm – 8pm Where: Pātaka Art + Museum, Porirua For more information or to register, click here!