Samoa Trade & Investment Council

As we usher in Matariki we acknowledge our loved ones, those who have passed on since the last rising;

Fanuaaiga Autagavaia Apu'ula
Faifeau Toeaina Manumalo Alaovae Alaovae
Lotomaulalo Brown
Ta'eleasaasa Miti Fa'aleava
Stephen Gene Roberts
Vaaomala Saipele

And losses in our Community;

Efeso Collins
Mary Samasoni
Mele Ah-Sam Fuimaono Norman Tuiasau

Here is to a time of reflection, remembrance, celebrating the present with our family, friends and loved ones, and looking forward to the year ahead and the promise and abundance it holds for you.

Mānawatia a Matariki

The STIC Executive

We have had a busy week of events and are always so grateful to be able to be a part of strategic business and partnerships across the Pacific and the World - Sharing ideas and collaborating.

Thank you to the NZ Malaysia Business Association Inc and Singapore Business Association New Zealand SBANZ for hosting and inviting our council along to your event. Represented by our Co-Chair Meta Apu'ula and Councillor John Loau who both enjoyed themselves, the connections and the insights.

Great to see Hon Melissa LEE, Chris Penk MP and HE William Tan Wei Yuan High Commissioner Singapore.

It’s a great time to utilise the networks to assist in your ventures, foster relationships and allow you to grow your business and or concept with the right business minds and know how.

Ma le fa’aaloalo lava,
STIC

Great to have John Loau represent Samoa Trade & Investment Council at the annual Finance Ministers Lunch with Prime Minister Hon. Christopher Luxon hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber and CEO Hon. Simon Bridges. Gathered in the room were business leaders from across every sector alongside community and government agencies eager to hear from the PM.

"Doing the basics, brilliantly," and "We can do it, I know we can, because of the people in this room."

Clear the buzz of conversations between people and groups as familiar networks gather and new networks meet and grow. John had some great conversations around the budget, economic development and growth opportunities here and abroad through partnerships.

We continue to tackle the current challenges together.

It was a great catch up this afternoon with Samoa Trade Commissioner Va’atu’itu’i Apete Meredith and Auckland Business Chamber’s CEO Simon Bridges alongside our Chair Mati Filemoni Timoteo - Covering, trade, business and everything in between.

Grateful for the time and space to come together to talanoa and see what opportunities there may be just beyond the horizon.

Tulouna le lagi,
ua lagia Falepau e afifio ai le Sa’o
ua lagia Faletoi, le malae o le fa’utugatagi o le Alataua
Tulouna, ua gaugau’autā
Tulouna, ua Gasolosolo o ao
Tulouna, ua Ta’ape o pāpā
Tulouna le afio o le afioga o le Sa’o ma le Aiga
Tulouna le alalata’i o le Matuafia, Talopau ma le Alataua
Auā le tu’ua o le malo i le Sa’o ia Fa’anānā Efeso
Tulouna, tulouna, tulouna lava
Talofa e, ua fai I le lagi le folauga o le Afioga ia Fa’anānā, le Susuga I le Faip**e, le Tane, le Tamā peleina, le uso ma le tuagane, le tasi o Sui o Tagata Pasifika I totonu o le Palemene o Aotearoa nei.
O le fesili aisea”
Ona o le p**e faisoifua o le tatou Tamā I le Lagi.

Ia manuia le malaga uso, vaeane le suafa Fa’anānā. Matou tatalo ia maua si ou tulaga nofo mau I le nu’u paia. Ia tatou toe feiloa’i I le p**e alofa ma le agalelei o le Atua. Alofa atu.

On behalf of the Samon Trade and Investment Council, I express our sincerest condolences to lau Tofā Vasa Fia and your beautiful children at this sad time.

Our prayers of comfort and healing go out to you and your family.

On behalf of our Council,
Soifua ma ia manuia
Mati Filemoni
STIC - Chair

📸: Bluwave

We are excited to announce, that after 11 years since our registration, in line with advice from our Government of Samoa via our new Trade Commissioner HE Va'atu'itu'i Apete Meredith.

The New Zealand Samoa Trade and Investment Commission (NZSTIC), trading as Trade Invest Samoa, is set to become the SAMOA TRADE INVESTMENT COUNCIL (STIC).

At the AGM, on 8 Dec. 23, the inaugural STIC executive komiti (committee) was appointed.

Officers:
Ta’itaʻi Fono (Chair) - Mati Filemoni Timoteo (incumbent chair of NZSTIC)
Sui Ta’itaʻi Fono (Deputy Chair) - Meta Apu'ula
Failautusi (Secretary) - Faavae Gagamoe

Komiti members:
Vui Elena Fa'amoe-Timoteo, John Loau

The Komiti will commence its work, on the 17th Ianuari / January 2024, to ensure the transition is seamless.

Announcements will be made, in due course, by our Ta'ita'i Fono.

Ia manuia tele lava le Kerisimasi ma le tausaga fou.

3 weeks ago, In Samoa we witnessed 3 agreements being signed. A coming together of Heretaunga, Poutasi Falealili, WE Mana and Ngāti Kahungunu bringing along with them our people.

A coming together of leaders with heart and intention to pave the way for business, trade and investment, through village to iwi, village to business and city to city.

From that momentous day the follow-up fono in Heretaunga confirmed that the agreements would be honoured not only through word, but our actions.

Thank you to To’osavili Mayor Sandra Hazelhurst (Hastings District Council), To’osavili Nigel Bickle, for leading our meeting, To'osavili Len Thompson (Johnny Appleseed) , Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale (Poutasi, Falealili), WE Mana leaders, Wyndi Tagi and Taloto Eli Tagi CA,CPA beaming in from Samoa + CEO of WE Mana Samoa Tafilelea Fa'avae Gagamoe, Bayden Barber Chairman of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc, a massive mihi for your precious time to meet with us, the representatives from Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand, Industry Leaders, Employers from the Horticultire Sector from Heretaunga, and representatives from NZSTIC, our Chair Mati Filemoni Timoteo, Vui Elena Fa'amoe-Timoteo and Meta Apu’ula for coming together to continue our talanoa/korero we started in Samoa so we can continue to build on our relationships and put those wheels in motion.

Ma le fa’aaloalo lava

This morning NZSTIC represented by Meta Apu'ula were invited along to the reception with the Treasurer of Australia the Hon. Dr Jim Chalmers MP.

What is evident of the Hon. Dr. Jim Chalmers is the same conviction and passion that he had in his first speech in 2013 in the People’s House, of the Australian Parliament, is how he leads today, the same tone, the same heart, ‘not just representing our electorates but being representative of them’ a leader for all his people and country.

We enjoyed listening to his talanoa. Auckland would be more than happy to be part of your constituency! Clear his wisdom and intelligence in both his role and in Hip Hop.

Alo i ou faiva, Hon. Dr. Jim Chalmers. O ou mama na.

Thank you Simon Bridges and Auckland Business Chamber for the invitation and organising this chat and to NZ Institute of Economic Research Inc (NZIER) Christina Leung, CFA for facilitating the panel discussion and Q+A for those in attendance.

Ma le fa’aaloalo lava

We were honoured to be invited to the British Consulate General Auckland, to meet with His Majesty’s High Commissioner Samoa, His Excellency Gareth Hoar this morning.

The meeting between NZSTIC Board Chair Mati Filemoni Timoteo and Mr. Gareth Hoar was a full and friendly meeting discussing our common aspirations and opportunities. We congratulate Mr. Hoar on his appointment as British High Commissioner to Samoa, and wish him safe travels as he prepares to travel this weekend to the Motherland.

We look forward to our next meeting, and are equally excited to explore our conversations and common aspirations in the near future. We also wish to thank former British High Commissioner to Samoa His Excellency Mr David Ward, for laying the foundation for the continued growth between Samoa & the UK.

Ma le fa’aaloalo lava.

The NZSTIC Executive Team have been humbled with the amount of work and events that have come to fruition over the last few weeks.

We were so grateful to be a part of and witness partnerships signed between Aotearoa and Samoa. The coming together of our people and cultures.

Malo lava le tauivi, ma le onosa’i and a massive congratulations to;

1. Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga and Falealili District
2. Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc and Poutasi Village
3. WE Mana and Poutasi Development Trust

These new partnership agreements will see intentional and meaningful galuega/mahi/work carried out that will serve both Aotearoa, Māori, Samoa and the Pacific. City to City, Iwi to Village and Business to Business, we are looking forward to seeing all the fruits that will come from this momentous occasion.

Thank you Tuatagaloa Annandale for your vision and your heart to serve and see our people prosper, for your unwavering faith and ability to bring people to the table.

To WE Mana for your service for our peoples and your drive to see this through and to continue to forge ahead for a brighter future.

We always also look forward to working with our friends and growers in Hastings and the Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga and also our whānau at Ngāti Kahungunu who have stepped into this partnership with Poutasi, taking it back to our traditional trading routes.

Ma le fa’aaloalo lava

Today with hearts to serve, and a readiness to roll up our sleeves and continue to pave the way forward, our Commission came together with the Auckland Business Chamber for the signing of an MOU between our two organisations.

Our Chair Tafilelea Faavae Gagamoe Commissioners Meta Apu'ula, John Loau and Hana Matauaina Vaai Schmidt were all present to sign the MoU alongside the CEO of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Hon. Simon Bridges.

We continue to embark on a journey to go from strength to strength for Samoa and Aotearoa. Together we will work to ensure even better opportunities, business relations, trade & investment between our Nations and the Samoan diaspora.

Together, we will achieve so much more for our Nations and the Pacific.

We look forward to working closely with the Hon. Simon Bridges and the Chamber.

Ma le fa’aaloalo lava

📸: Bluwave

National State of Emergency Declared to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.

The declaration will apply to the six regions that have already declared a local State of Emergency: Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Hawkes Bay.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone and all those affected by the storm. Fa’amalosi.

Read more:

State of National Emergency Declared The New Zealand Government has this morning declared a National State of Emergency, to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.

In preparation of Cyclone Gabrielle make sure you have all the information you need.

If you live in Auckland and require urgent assistance, call 0800 22 22 00

Staying updated

Keep an eye on these websites and social media channels for the latest updates for your area.

NEMA/NZ Civil Defence (national emergency advice and amplifying local advice and updates)
https://getready.govt.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

NZCivilDefence/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nzcivildefence

MetService (weather warnings and forecast)
https://www.metservice.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetService
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetService

Waka Kotahi (roading updates)
https://www.nzta.govt.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

TransportAgency
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WakaKotahi_news

Northland CDEM (local advice and updates)
https://www.nrc.govt.nz/civildefence
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland

Auckland CDEM (local advice and updates)
https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.org.nz/major-incident/flooding-2023
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aklcdem
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AucklandCDEM

Waikato CDEM (local advice and updates)
https://www.waikatoregioncdemg.govt.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

WaikatoCivilDefence
Twitter: https://twitter.com/civildefenceWKT

Bay of Plenty CDEM (local advice and updates)
https://www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

BOPCivilDefence
Tairāwhiti CDEM Group (local advice and updates)
https://www.gdc.govt.nz/services/civil-defence

CDEMGisborne/
Hawkes Bay CDEM (local advice and updates)
https://www.hbemergency.govt.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbemergency
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hbemergency

Taranaki CDEM (local advice and updates)
https://cdemtaranaki.govt.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaranakiCivilDefence
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TaranakiCD

Cyclone Gabrielle: Where to get help Where to find community assistance in Auckland, Northland and Coromandel, and how to stay updated.

Update: Heavy Rain and Strong Wind Warning Red for Auckland and Great Barrier issued by MetService New Zealand

🌧️This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.

🌪️These winds are expected to produce widespread damage, especially to trees and powerlines and could lift roofs. Transport and power networks are likely to be significantly impacted, with road closures and power outages.

We will continue to provide updates. Stay safe everyone!

We hope you are taking care out there. We are keeping a close eye on the movements of Cyclone Gabrielle..

Make sure you and your families and loved ones are prepared and ready for any events that may occur..

Visit https://lnkd.in/gd3rkqkT

Some helpful tips;

🔺Keep up to date with MetService weather forecasts.

🔺Have grab bags ready for everyone in your family. These should include short term essential supplies such as medications, snacks, water, torches, pet food, and baby formula (if needed).

🔺Remove any debris or loose items from around your property and tie down heavy outdoor objects. If you have a trampoline, turn it upside down to minimise the surface area exposed to wind.

🔺Clear debris and leaves from external drains and gutters to prevent overflow or water damage in heavy rain.

🔺Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.

🔺Power cuts could affect EFTPOS and ATM machines, so make sure you have some cash at home or food and water to last 3 days.

Visit https://lnkd.in/gRi-T6g4 for more information about how to get ready for severe weather.

Click the map below for a global map of the wind and weather;

earth :: a global map of wind, weather, and ocean conditions See current wind, weather, ocean, and pollution conditions, as forecast by supercomputers, on an interactive animated map. Updated every three hours.

It has been a tough start to the year, but please know, you are not alone. Please if you or your family need assistance let us know so we can try and support you the best we can.

For any family and friends in need in Auckland;

🚨 Emergency payments ☎️ 0800 400 100
🚨 Urgent Accommodation ☎️ 0800 22 22 00
🚨 Urgent Financial Support ☎️ 0800 400 100

Can include help with;

Medical costs
Bedding
Food
Power bills
Repairs and replacing appliances
Accommodation
Loss of income because you cant work

https://lnkd.in/gppT4GTP (https://lnkd.in/g3yngUiF)

Civil Defence Payments
Phone 0800 400 100
Anyone affected can apply.

Urgent or unexpected costs - Work and Income If you have to pay for something urgently, get an unexpected bill, or have a personal emergency, we might be able to help.

The WE Summit is back for 2023, and we can’t wait to join the team over at WE Mana!!

This coming year, alongside their usual Summit, they have included a 2 day trade mission for us to see what opportunities there are in the Pacific!

If you want to learn more, or take advantage of their early bird tickets head to www.wesummit.co.nz

We here at the Commission are looking forward to joining the team in Samoa!

A massive Congratulations to the Black Ferns, our 2022 Rugby World Cup Champions on what has been an incredible journey of endurance, resilience and a history of excellence, one that has paved a way for those to follow. What an incredible game of rugby that was, played in front of a sold out home crowd. To the team of 32 and the 244 that led the way, you all deserve the accolades and admiration that come with this victory.

Malo lava le tauivi, ma le onosa’i.
Ma le fa’aaloalo lava

Alo i ou faiva Laulu Mac Leauanae, o ou māmā na!

What an announcement, and another role where you will be able to continue to uplift the communities in which you serve. We look on with great respect, admiration & excitement to see how your new role takes shape.

Ma le fa’aaloalo lava,
NZSTIC Executive

Deputy Public Service Commissioner Ms Helene Quilter QSO has today announced the appointment of Laulu Mac Leauanae to the position of Secretary for Culture and Heritage and Chief Executive, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage – Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

“I’m very pleased to appoint Laulu to this role,” Ms Quilter said, acknowledging Mr Leauanae’s Samoan chieftain title.

“Laulu is a well-known and respected leader across the Public Service and Aotearoa’s Pasifika communities where he has championed and prioritised the languages and cultures central to Pacific identities. Laulu has a deep understanding of what heritage and culture mean to the diverse communities that comprise Aotearoa.”

Mr Leauanae is currently the Secretary for Pacific Peoples and Chief Executive at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, a position he has held since 2017.

Read the full announcement at https://bit.ly/3SfdUN7

It is with great sadness we hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

70 years of extraordinary devotion, incredible service to the United Kingdom, her people and the Commonwealth. We offer our sincere condolences to the Royal Family in their time of loss.

We are left with many a pearl, but this one as a Commission we will always remember;

“Giant Leaps often start with small steps” - Queen Elizabeth II

Ia manuia lou malaga 🕊

New Zealand Samoa Trade and Investment Commission (NZSTIC) are happy to support the upcoming 2-day immersive virtual conference hosted by Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao in partnership with Skills Consulting Group and Te Pūkenga New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology to share knowledge and insights on best practice across TVET in the Asia-Pacific, this

Join the conversation virtually on Wednesday, 14th and Thursday, 15th September for the 2022 APAC TVET FORUM: Reshape – Rethink – Reset.

“In what has been an extraordinary two years due to the global pandemic and fast-changing world of work, we believe it is more important than ever to host this leading international event given the massive disruption of workforce upskilling and retraining throughout the Asia Pacific region. There is an urgent need to ensure the sustainability of workforces through innovation and skill building”.

This event is FREE to attend.

With a great lineup of speakers with more to be announced covering several topics;

Solving skills shortages in a global community
Youth employment & lifelong learning
Skills for tomorrow & the credentials required
Reimagining work: Digital transformation
Inclusive systems that bridge the gender gap & promote diversity
Embedding sustainability in vocational education

You won’t want to miss out this FREE event! All you need to do is register by following this link: https://apactvetforum.com

We look forward to seeing you there.

Ma le fa’aaloalo lava,
NZSTIC Executive