The Samoa Business Network are pleased to announce the finalists for their inaugural SBN Business Awards.

Laura Keil-Hall, co-founder and current chair of SBN New Zealand and Afamasga Jackie Curry, SBN Samoa Chair made the announcements of the finalists for 9 out 10 categories last night at a press conference at BNZ Manukau Branch in Auckland.

This year also mark’s the Network’s 5 years being formally established so it will be a double celebration at the Awards event which will be staged at the prestigious Naumi Hotel in Mangere on Saturday 29 September 2018.

‘We received 58 entries from Samoan businesses from around New Zealand, Samoa and Australia’ confirms Mrs Keil-Hall

‘It was important for us to distance ourselves from the process so we got an independent panel of judges to assess and score each nomination and application’ – says Ms Curry.

SBN wishes to acknowledge and thank the panel of judges for giving up their valuable time to do the judging because it was a time consuming process and they had a tough time assessing due to the high caliber of applicants and nominees.

Faafetai lava to Ron Lal of MomentumNZ, Tupa'imatuna Jody Jackson-Becerra of AUT, Taufagaafa Michael Sang Yum of 7E Systems Ltd and Aumua Rosetta Simanu of Auckland Council. They assessed entries for all 9 award categories and we had Rachel Petero of RISE2025 as a guest judge for the SUGA Business Woman of the Year award.

One category, which makes up the 10 is the “People’s Choice Award – Favourite Business” which will be presented to the favourite business according to a popular vote, as voted by the public online. Please keep a look out for your favourite business to vote for when the voting opens up on September 1 st and the winner will be announced on the night of the Awards.

The SBN Business Awards event will pose a corporate style dinner, with entertainment and speakers from the Samoan business community.

One of those speakers who will also be our Key Note is Sione Faumuina, former NRL rugby league star player, who has now established himself as a successful motivational speaker, success coach, author and trainer. He's reached over 2 million people through his various social media outlets, and also travels throughout Australia and New Zealand to speak his message of creating lasting change in your life and business to achieve success. 

The guest list will include dignitaries and representatives of the Samoan and New Zealand government, stakeholders, business leaders and the wider business community. 

Keil-Hall and Curry wish to acknowledge the support of the sponsors; Major Sponsor, Pacific Media Network [PMN – Niu FM & 531PI], Associate sponsors; SUGA Magazine, Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Bluwave, Emotions Events, RISE2025 and supporting sponsors N5 Consulting and Rimani Samoa. We also want to acknowledge the ongoing support of BNZ Manukau.
Here is the list of Finalists for the Award Categories & Finalists in alphabetical order:

1. Excellence in Small Business (NZ)
This award recognises a business that has accomplished significant growth in the previous 24 months.

• D’vine Banquets
• WE Accounting & Business Services Ltd
• 37 HZ Ltd

2. Excellence in Construction & Trades (NZ)
This award recognizes a business in construction and trades. Whether you excel at building, plumbing, roofing, electrical, painting, engineering or any other professional trade services.

• Levi Plumbing
• Solution Drive Management
• Tempo Construction

3. Excellence in Hospitality (NZ)
This award recognises an outstanding accommodation venue, cafe, restaurant, caterer, pub or bistro facility. This business should pride itself on delivering exceptional customer service, high standards in presentation and delivery of both your accommodation, food and service.

• Big River Catering
• D’vine Banquets
• Ilissia’s Catering

4. Excellence in Professional Services (NZ)
This award recognises a business in the professional services industry that is excelling at legal, accounting, real estate, broking, dentistry, medical services or any other professional service.

• Home Graduates ECE Ltd
• Pathfinder Solutions
• WE Accounting & Business Services Ltd

5. Excellence in Innovation (NZ)
This award recognises a business that have made significant contributions to their business through the introduction or improvement of an idea, method, technology, process or application.

• MYRIVR
• Nora Swann Ltd
• Staavias Ltd

6. Young Entrepreneur of the year (NZ)
This award recognises a young person aged between 18-35 years who, through their own commitment and passion, has built and operates a successful business. A young business leader who demonstrates outstanding entrepreneurial spirit, strategic direction and innovative ideas whilst providing inspiration to a new generation of upcoming young business people.

• Fou Fale - D’vine Banquets
• Gustavia Lui - Staavias Ltd
• Epati Lafaialii - Tempo Construction

7. Start Up of the Year (NZ)
This award recognises a business that has been operating for less than 2 years that delivers a product/service/idea/invention with credible potential. It recognises early-stage startups that have a solid chance of market success, and strongly displays the entrepreneurial spirit.

• ARBEZ Ltd
• Fair & Square Building Services Ltd
• VAB Designz

8. Samoa based Business of the Year (Samoa only)
This award recognises a business in Samoa who is making a difference and contributing to the economic development of Samoa in a significant way, innovative in their approach to business, has a strong online presence and has shown significant success and growth in the last 12 months. [note: this award has 4 finalists with a tie for 2 entries]

• Chef John Tours
• Netvo Samoa
• Skyeye Ltd
• SSAB

9. SUGA Business Woman of the Year (International)
This award recognises and celebrates a Samoan woman with outstanding business acumen, excellent leadership skills and has distinguished herself in her business and with her peers.

• Elizabeth Sio [NZ] - Home Graduates ECE Ltd
• Nora Swann [NZ] - Nora Swann Ltd
• Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai [Samoa] - SSAB

10. People’s Choice Award – Favourite Business (International)
This award is presented to the favourite business according to a popular vote, as voted by the public online. The winner will be announced on the night of the Awards – The contenders are:

• Afa Ah Loo (U.S.A)
• ARBEZ Ltd (NZ)
• Arilei Couture (Samoa)
• Chef John Tours (Samoa)
• D’vine Banquets Ltd (NZ & Australia)
• Lashfix Eyelash & Beauty (Australia)
• Levi Plumbing (NZ)
• Mailelani Samoa Body Care (Samoa)
• Makeki Online (Samoa)
• Netvo Samoa (Samoa)
• SSAB (Samoa)
• Staavias Ltd (NZ & Australia)
• The Coconet TV (NZ)

​We didn’t want the SBN Business Awards just to be an event but we are using this initiative to also promote and profile the finalists as well as those who submitted entries. Profiles of the Finalists will be available on the SBN website and Facebook page leading up to the Awards.

Tickets to the event will be available from Saturday 1 st September at $1000 for a corporate table [10] and $120 per person via Eventbrite.

If you want to support SBN Business Awards and become a sponsor please email us info@samoabusinessnetwork.org or contact Laura Keil-Hall on 021659072.

For more information on Samoa Business Network events and projects please visit their website https://www.samoabusinessnetwork.org or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For Membership enquiries, please call Stephanie Solomona at EMD on 22843 in Samoa or Laura Keil-Hall on 021659072 in New Zealand.

End of Press Release
For further media interviews and quotes, please contact:

Laura Keil-Hall | SBN Chairwoman (New Zealand) |+64 021659072 | info@samoabusinessnetwork.org

Afamasaga Jackie Curry |Phone: +6857511773 (available on Viber & Whatsapp) | NZ Phone: +64 226575990 | info@samoabusinessnetwork.org

For Event Photos & Videos please view online & give Photo/Video Credit to Galumoana Photography:
Video of Finalist Announcement - https://youtu.be/JFZqCEaYFhk
Photos of Finalist Announcement: Facebook Photo Album

The Samoa Business Network, Samoa branch, held their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 9th August 2018 at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, Apia, Samoa.  This followed a successful Digital Marketing Workshop, at the SSAB Conference Room, and Business Networking Event at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, held on Wednesday 8th August.   
 
The AGM presented an opportunity to reflect on the 2017 and 2018 period to date, and activities delivered by the Samoa Business Network in Samoa.  It was also an opportunity to announce the resignation of some of their Executive Members elected during the 2017 AGM, and welcome on board new Executive Members, who have agreed to take up these positions until the next Elections are held in 2019. 
 
The new Executive Members are: Dinah Macdonald - Secretary, Stephanie Solomona - Treasurer, Cecilia Keil – Executive Member & Fashion Industry Representative and Eterei Maiava – Youth Representative.  Remaining Executive Members from 2017 elections are Etu Tusitala – Executive Member and Afamasaga Jackie Curry – Chairwoman. 
 
SBN Chairwoman, Afamasaga Jackie Curry, acknowledged the contributions made by the former Executive Members who have now moved overseas and/or taken on new roles and business ventures – Clay Paul, Beatrice Ott, River Burich and Ashlene Paul.
 
Some of the 2017-2018 highlighted activities and events for Samoa Business Network were:

• 4 Business networking Events in 2017
• Support for the 2017 NZSTIC Business Mission delegation, and facilitation of meetings for the 3 SBN NZ members who attended
• Business Innovation & Young Entrepreneurs Awards 2017
• 2 Digital Marketing Workshops delivered - September 2017 & August 2018
• 2 Business Networking Events in 2018
• High profile Guest Speakers which included Alex Fala, CEO of Vend NZ and Tofilau Esther Tevaga, NZ Pacific Community Leader, Entrepreneur & President of NZ Bodybuilding Federation
• Launching new SBN Website with updated features & membership benefits www.samoabusinessnetwork.org
• Launch of New Online Private Forums for Members to connect
• SBN NZ & Samoa Chairs attended the first official Pacific Business Networking event in Sydney on 21st June, and now have connections direct with the Business community in Sydney  
• Stakeholder Meeting with Samoa Government Ministers, CEOs & Management of relevant Ministries, UNDP and Samoa Airways to discuss the SBN Business Trip, November 2018, and upcoming projects in Samoa

 
The AGM was attended by SBN members who were interested to find out more about the future plans of the organisation in Samoa, as well as New Zealand, and how members could benefit from being part of this organisation. 
 
The AGM concluded with a presentation by the SBN NZ Chairwoman, Laura Keil-Hall, who touched on the Vision & Mission of SBN with members, and shared some of the exciting updates and future plans for the organisation.
 
Mrs Keil-Hall shared with members the Vision of SBN is “to enable a successful worldwide network of Samoan Businesses, Entrepreneurs & Professionals”, and the Mission is to “to provide a platform for Samoan Businesses, Entrepreneurs & Professionals to network, collaborate & also make a positive difference in our community”.  Therefore all SBN activities and events are focused on this clear vision and mission, which is all about promoting Samoan business success, and encouraging our business people and professionals to work together and collaborate for better business and social outcomes for our communities, and to contribute back to our homeland and make an impact in Samoa. 
 
Plans and activities for SBN NZ and Samoa over the next 12-18 months:

• SBN 5th Year Anniversary and Business Awards on Friday 28th September in Auckland
• SBN NZ Member’s first official Business Trip to Samoa 14-16 November 2018
• Delivery of a Fashion & Sewing Workshop in Samoa, to develop professional local machinists and support the demand from the thriving Samoa Fashion Industry for sewing services to deliver their orders, domestically & internationally. This project will be delivered in partnership with Sewtech Training Academy & our Fashion Industry Representative & international Samoan Fashion Designer, Cecilia Keil.
• Creating a Pacific Hub - Shared Office Space, Pop up Retail & Storage space in Auckland for SBN Members in NZ & Samoa. Members in Samoa have expressed the need for space in New Zealand to sell their products and work from when doing business in NZ.  This space will also be open for other Pacific businesses to utilise space and services.

• Supporting the launch of the Tonga Business Network in September
• Continuing to build stronger stakeholder relationships & partnerships with government agencies in Samoa & New Zealand, business development organisations in New Zealand, Samoa & Australia, and other businesses and professionals, with the view of connecting Samoan business people, opening the space for new opportunities to foster, and delivering more workshops, events and projects for our members, and the Samoan business community in Samoa, New Zealand and abroad. 

Samoa Business Network Samoa Chairwoman, Afamasaga Jackie Curry, also acknowledged the support of Corporate Sponsors and the CEOs of these companies, who have made all the activities and events in 2018 possible: Lemalu Ray Ah Liki and his team at Samoa Commercial Bank, Tofilau Fiti Leung Wai and her team at SSAB, Jay Krishna and his team at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel and Kevin Schuster and his team at Events, Marketing & Distrbution (EMD). 
 
For more information on Samoa Business Network events and projects please visit their website https://www.samoabusinessnetwork.org or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.  For Membership enquiries, please call Stephanie Solomona at EMD on 22843. ​

​FIFTEEN years of experience in international shipping have been poured in Lilian Auva’a’s new venture.

The enterprising former Pacific Asia Express manager has started LA Moana Agency, a consulting firm specialising in international shipping, transport and logistics in northern Queensland.

LA comes from Ms Auva’a’s initials, and “moana” is the Polynesian word for ocean or sea.

LA Moana was established in December last year and is run out of a home office, servicing all Australian cities.

“Over the years, I have noticed a gap in importing and exporting through this region due to the limited resources and services available in this region,” Ms Auva’a said.

“There is so much potential in our region, hence why I decided to take this opportunity to use my skills, experience and industry relationships to help bridge that gap where many feel disconnected and overwhelmed to consider importing or exporting.”

Ms Auva’a is keen to point out the difference between her business and a freight forwarding company.

As freight consultants, LA Moana operates independently and works directly with shipping lines, freight forwarding companies, customs brokers and transport and logistic companies to build a package to suit customers.

With an understanding of the project, requirements and budget, a project manager will then be assigned to an account from beginning to end.

The company is targeting businesses that want to expand into markets internationally but need help getting started and understanding shipping, transport and logistics.

Ms Auva’a said the first six months had been “challenging and yet very rewarding”. “I’ve met many local businesses and visited farmers to discuss their challenges, concerns and also their goals,” she said.

“It’s encouraging to see that there is so much interest, support and also collaborative partnerships forged with various stakeholders to help us achieve the same outcome for our region.

“Food and agricultural exports is an emerging market.

“With the amount of support and grants available to the industry and the free-trade agreements, it is opening up opportunities to help our growers and food businesses to expand their businesses and enter the international markets.

“My goal is to help develop and drive international trade growth within our region under a collaborative approach with strategic partners.

“Our mission is to mentor and coach individuals and businesses on becoming ­import and export ready, ­providing them with the appropriate supply chain solutions, and empower them to see the possibilities, identify the opportunities and ­have the confidence to make it happen.”

Ms Auva’a said some Pacific Islands ex-pats have also shown interest in the business to send cargo back to their families in the Islands.