The Waikato Pacific Business Network (WPBN) will officially launch this Tuesday evening, 1 May 2018. The theme for the
event is “creating the future for Pacific businesses and beyond” which encompasses the vision of the Network to grow
more sustainable, profitable and well-connected Pacific owned businesses in the Waikato.
The launch will be held at Waikato Innovation Park, Ruakura, and Minister for Pacific Peoples and Associate Minister for
Courts and Justice, the honourable Aupito Tofae Su’a William Sio will give the keynote address. Entertainment for the
evening will be provided by Talents of the Pacific Academy (TOPA) who represented Hamilton City in 2017 at the
International Music Festival in Chengdu, China.
Founder and Chairperson of the WPBN, Meleane Burgess, says that the purpose of the Network is to “connect, share and
empower our Pacific people to build a more resilient Pasifika community in the Waikato. The Network provides a
collective voice for both the Pacific businesses and professional community.”
Ms Burgess believes that the economic growth of the Waikato will open up more opportunities for Pacific businesses
within the region as Māori and Pacifika make up almost 30% of our Waikato population. WPBN is the platform that will
provide the connection to unlock the full potential for our Pacific peoples particularly our business entrepreneurs and
leaders.
The official launch is a key milestone for the Network and this event will be an excellent opportunity for members and
guests to connect and create new relationships.
Time and date: 5:30pm Tuesday 1, May 2018
Venue: Waikato Innovation Park, Ruakura, Hamilton