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(Article by Arvind Kumar, Digital Editor, Stuff NZ - 22 December 2021)
The Fijian diaspora in New Zealand came together in a show of unity with the launch of their own business network in Auckland last week.
More then 70 entrepreneurs, professionals, and sole operators came together in Mount Roskill, Auckland, for the launch of the Fiji Business Network, which had been in the pipeline for months, but Covid restrictions prevented a physical get-together.
The Maungakiekie Golf Club was the venue for the inaugural networking evening of members enthused by the formation of their own group which aims to nurture and grow entrepreneurship, and at the same time help boost the New Zealand economy.
The formation of the network took place following a series of online meetings over the past few months by a core group of individuals, and the organisation is now an official entity with a rapidly growing membership.
Raj Chand, one of the founders of the network, said while the group was aimed at businesses or individuals with links to Fiji, membership was open to all.
"This evening is a chance for us to meet and connect and bring together various founding members along with interested parties and lots of new members have joined as well," Chand said.
"It's a wonderful start for the organisation to grow out of - it's connecting businesses, it's connecting our community together, and it's also serving community and encouraging new businesses, and providing mentoring to new businesses."
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, including two trade commissioners in Glynis Miller of Pacific Trade Invest, and Praneet Singh, Fiji's former trade commissioner to the US.
Chand said a concerted membership drive was continuing, and they hoped to secure at least 200 members by early next year.
"There are lots of events planned along the way as we grow, and one of the bigger events will be a trade show that we hope will happen in the first half of the year."
The Fiji Business Network is run by a working committee, with members serving on a rotating basis, thus ruling out the need for a structured hierarchy of officials.
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 or visit www.fijibusinessnetwork.org.nz
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