The Wellington Pasifika Business Network started in 2014 with the passion of a small group identifying a significant gap in the market, particularly the lack of visibility of Pasifika businesses in the region. The genuine commitment to bringing together the Pasifika business community was premised on the primary goal to encourage innovation, prosperity, and growth of small business through quality network events and engagement whilst celebrating our successes and challenges in the world of business.
In May 2022, the Wellington Pasifika Business Network, the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and the Te Awe Māori Business Network joined forces in a significant agreement known as The Power of 3. The strategic aim of this collaboration is to strengthen and promote business entrepreneurship across all three networks. Together, they aim to enhance support and create opportunities for businesses within the Pasifika, Māori, and wider Wellington communities. By leveraging their collective expertise, resources, and networks, the Power of 3 seeks to foster growth, innovation, and economic prosperity for entrepreneurs in these communities.
Luamanuvao is the founding Patron of the Wellington Pasifika Business Network.
She was a New Zealand Member of Parliament from 1999 to 2010, serving as Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, and Associate Minister of Social Development, Economic Development and Trade.
Prior to entering Parliament, Luamanuvao managed
development programmes throughout the Pacific Region.
From 2010 to 2025 she was Assistant Vice Chancellor (Pasifika) at Victoria University of Wellington.
Luamanuvao is a Board Member and Patron of a wide number of organisations including the establishment board for the National Fale Malae.
Raphael is a proud Samoan New Zealander with more than 20 years’ governance and leadership experience across a range of sectors and organisations.
As a Partner at Agite Consulting, Raphael advises a range of private and public sector clients on stakeholder engagement and reputation risk. Before joining Agite, Raphael was Managing Partner for a leading communications firm where he worked for 15 years. Prior to that, he was head of corporate responsibility at Vodafone NZ and was seconded to Vodafone Group in the UK for two years. In the early 90s, Raphael worked as a reporter on The Dominion newspaper and as a press secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.
As an advocate for Pasifika engagement and success, Raphael’s values align with the vision of the Wellington Pasifika Business Network. His strategic counsel serves as a valuable asset to the network, ensuring effective communication, strong reputations, and fruitful relationships in the business community.
Toli has over 20 years of legal/policy experience in the private and public sectors in Aotearoa and in the UK.
Her professional career has ranged from working as a criminal barrister in Aotearoa to representing the local authority in the Family Courts in the UK.
In the public sector, she served as a senior policy adviser for Te Manatū mō ngā Iwi ō te Moana-nui-ā-Kīwa (Ministry for Pacific Peoples), and as a senior solicitor at Hīkina Whakatutuki (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment).
Toli was recently appointed Deputy Director of the Te Kura Public Justice Sector Programme in the Te Tari Toko i te Tumu Whakawā Office of the Chief Justice.
Her legal experience and desire for Pasifika communities to reach their potential, has led to appointments on various not-for-profit boards that focus on educating and assisting youth and Pasifika communities to aspire and thrive.
Holona is a Director of Catalyst Pacific Ltd, a learning and development practice specialising in leadership development, executive coaching, team management, cross-cultural team management, coaching and mentoring.
Holona brings to the Board more than 20 years’ experience in public, private and not-for-profit sectors developing cultural intelligence, diversity and inclusion training in teams, effective cross-cultural communication for high performance, and effective Pasifika engagement.
An economist, Natalia is currently Director Strategy, Policy and Design at Toitū Te Whenua, Land Information New Zealand. She understands the various challenges but also highs of being in business, having managed multiple small family businesses in the food industry, and she was on the organising committee for the inaugural Wellington Pasifika Start-Up Weekend.
She has worked as an economist at Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL), and in economic development, policy, strategy, and management roles across Local Government New Zealand, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
She is a strong Pasifika community advocate, currently serving as Co-Chair, and a Samoan representative, of the Wellington City Council’s Pacific Advisory Group. She was President of the Wellington Central branch of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc. for several years and is an alumni of the regional Young Pacific Leaders program. She is a mentor in the Public Service Pacific Mentoring Programme and sits on the Board of the Government Economics Network. Natalia is also a speaker and facilitator who enjoys bringing people, ideas and solutions together, and also enjoys creative writing having had several stories published in anthologies.
Sandy is an experienced media broadcaster who has led many brands like Newstalk ZB, ZM and The Breeze. Sandy made a shift to technology sales using his relationship and presentation skills to lead in many multinational tech companies like IBM Canon and ASI.
Sandy sees the natural talents that Pasifika people have as keys to different roles in the commercial world.
Sandy is actively promoting Pasifika in Tech
Hana is an experienced people leader and business improvement specialist with more than 20 years of experience across both private and government sectors. Her career includes leadership and operational roles within organisations such as Lucent Technologies, Telecom NZ, BNZ, and BRANZ, as well as public sector experience with Porirua City Council, and ACC.
Hana brings strong capability and is passionate about building strong organisational culture, effective governance, and strategic clarity. Hana also supports Pasifika businesses through consultancy work, providing guidance in governance reviews, HR support, culture development, and strategic planning.
Hana is driven by helping teams and organisations work smarter, grow capability, and create environments where people can thrive.
Evan is the Director – Projects, Technology & Data (A/NZ) at Expert360, with over 22 years’ experience in recruitment, professional services, and technology delivery across both public and private sectors.
Known for driving sales growth and building businesses from the ground up, he has developed a strong reputation for creating high-performing teams and fostering collaborative, high-trust cultures.
Over his career, Evan has held senior leadership roles and worked with major corporates, government agencies, and community organisations across New Zealand and Australia. He is a skilled mentor, guiding both professionals and students in their career and leadership journeys.
A proud Samoan, Evan is passionate about helping Pacific peoples reach their full potential. He serves on the Signature Tautai Trust Board. He also volunteers in various community spaces, using his networks and experience to connect people with opportunities to grow and succeed.
Outside of work, Evan is an elder at PIPC Newtown Church, a dedicated family man, and passionate about being part of Pōneke Football Club. He also loves to sing and is a proud member of Signature Choir, combining his passion for music with his commitment to community.
Business leader with 30+ years in corporate, government, and small business. I build partnerships that deliver results for businesses and communities.
Currently running equine-assisted therapy that offer a powerful and often transformative experience for the young people we work with.
I bring governance expertise, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills to positively contribute to WPBN’s work and support local small businesses.
With over 12 years as a business owner in the Wellington region’s health and fitness sector, Natasha brings a wealth of real-world experience, energy, and genuine connection to her role as Events and Membership Manager at WPBN.
Her career has spanned from running a thriving wellness business to working in Sales and Account Management for leading New Zealand companies in the International Importing and Exporting sector. This diverse background allows her to move comfortably between the corporate world and the grassroots community, always keeping the needs of our members at the forefront.
As a former brand ambassador for lululemon and now currently LSKD, Natasha has long been an advocate for balance, movement, and authentic connection. A proud mother of two, she understands that business is about more than just transactions, it’s about building networks that empower families and people.
Natasha is dedicated to being a key point of contact for our Wellington Pasifika business owners. She is passionate about ensuring our people feel seen, heard, and supported, providing a space where they can connect with one another and be linked to the wider opportunities within our network. Giving back to the community that helped shape her own entrepreneurial journey is at the heart of everything she does. Because when our Pasifika businesses thrive, all of Wellington thrives.