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Arvind Kumar - Digital Editor, Stuff NZ . 25 November 2021
The first sod has been turned in the formation of a united network of businesses owned and/or operated by members of the Fiji community in New Zealand.
Following a series of online meetings over the past month by a core group of individuals, the Fiji Business Network (NZ) is now an official entity, and a membership drive is underway.
As Raj Chand, one of the key drivers of the initiative, puts it, the organisation aims to nurture and grow the network of businesses in the community, while at the same time helping bolster the New Zealand economy.
Glynis Miller, Trade Commissioner of Auckland-based Pacific Trade Invest, is a keen supporter of the newly formed Fiji Business Network (NZ).
"The Fiji Business Network provides an opportunity for small and medium size businesses to connect and network with other businesses," said Chand, who is chair of Hunters Corner Town Centre Inc.
"This network will empower members through desirable alliances that produce business opportunities for them.
"With all of us networking and working together, helping each other grow and nurturing and mentoring other emerging business - all of this can only be good for the New Zealand economy," Chand said.
The network, which picked up close to 50 members over the past few weeks, has so far attracted a powerful core group with wide-ranging skillsets.
This comprises two trade commissioners in Glynis Miller of Pacific Trade Invest, and Praneet Singh, Fiji's former trade commissioner to the US, and local business stalwarts Atesh Bhej, chartered accountant and financial advisor; Yashveen Singh, lawyer; Pritesh Patel, licensed insolvency practitioner, Vinod Kumar, Mitre 10 Mega and Nido; Henry Rogo, Trinity Construction owner; Peter Elbourne, business consultant; Raj Chand, of ABC Business Solutions Ltd; Nik Naidu, IT businessman and trustee of the Whanau Community Centre; and many more.
Miller, who is originally from Fiji, has already hosted an online presentation highlighting the business opportunities that exist in Fiji and how the network's members can gain access.
Chand said they hoped to have secured at least 100 members by Christmas, and double that by early next year.
"This network is open to all, if you are from Fiji running a business in New Zealand, you need to be part of this group because there will be numerous benefits for all.
South Auckland lawyer Yashveen Singh has been integral in setting up the legal framework of the Fiji Business Network (NZ). Next to him is Amar Prakash.
"This is the networking hub for our Fiji community in New Zealand."
The network will be run by a working committee, with members serving on a rotating basis, thus ruling out the need for a structured hierarchy of officials.
The organisation hopes to host a physical networking event in Auckland for members as soon as Covid lockdown restrictions ease.
According to a recent analysis by the Whanau Community Centre, there are close to 150,000 Fiji-origin people living in New Zealand, running 15,000 businesses employing 45,000 people.
Fiji is New Zealand's largest regional trading partner and one of its top 20 trading partners, while New Zealand is Fiji's third largest trading partner and second largest tourist market.
Interested parties can email info@fijibusinessnetwork.org.nz for more information on how to join the network.
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