
Mangere, Auckland - Toleafoa Leatuao Tupa'i-Lavea and Salā Robbie Lauano, alongside other business owners, recently organised a dynamic Market Day Expo highlighting Auckland's Samoan businesses at the Fale o Samoa in Mangere. The event, which commenced in the early morning and concluded around 2 PM yesterday, aimed to showcase and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit prevalent within the Samoan community in Auckland.
Auckland Samoa Business Expose brought together a diverse array of businesses owned and operated by Samoan entrepreneurs. From local food vendors serving traditional Samoan dishes to artisans showcasing handcrafted goods and to tech businesses that could help improve your business, the expo provided a platform for these businesses to reach a wider audience and foster community.

Tolafoa Leatuao Tupa'i-Lavea, stressed the significance of such gatherings in fostering economic development and preserving culture. "This expo goes beyond commerce; it's a commemoration of our heritage and a testament to our mutual support in our entrepreneurial pursuits," he remarked. Toleafoa, who also holds the positions of CEO and Founder of Tasi Markets and ambassador for the Samoa Victim Support Group in Samoa, emphasized the wider social impact of such events.
The Fale o Samoa, which is the Government of Samoa hub in Mangere, provided the perfect backdrop for the day's activities. The event featured over 18 registered businesses and organizations offering a wide range of products and services, from fresh produce and baked goods to traditional crafts, clothing, jewellery, and modern fashion.
Drive Star Limited is a company that helps people obtain a New Zealand driver's license on the spot. They also offer services to convert Samoan driver's licenses to New Zealand licenses. The expo provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing business owners to connect, collaborate, and share ideas.
The Samoa Victim Support Group (SVSG) and Salafai Metal Industries (SMI) from Samoa contributed to the event. SVSG brought handicrafts and clothing designed by children in their program, while SMI, a Samoan-owned business, showcased their products and services, including the option to pay at their New Zealand office and pick up the products at their Samoa Main Branch.

The Consul General, Afemata Palusalue, was pleased with the turnout and expressed a belief that they would explore more initiatives and platforms to promote Samoan local businesses through imports and exports of Samoan products, including agriculture and other Samoan-made products. Another notable Samoan business present was SMI (Salafai Metal Industries), which is Samoan-owned.
The Market Day Expo received positive feedback from both participants and attendees and served as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Samoan business community in Auckland. Many vendors reported increased sales and new customer connections, while attendees appreciated supporting local businesses and learning more about Samoan culture.
Va'atuitui Apete Meredith, the Samoa Trade Commissioner to New Zealand, thanked Toleafoa and Sala for their vision in creating a platform to cater to different Samoan businesses. He sees events like this as enablers that allow all businesses to connect, exchange information, and explore viable opportunities for potential investments between Samoan and New Zealand businesses.
Lupe Fofoa i Vaoese, a Samoan language school, was actively fundraising to support their school and encouraging registrations from individuals interested in learning formal Samoan language and about the Samoan culture.
The tech companies Ocean Net and Digital DNA, along with IOANET NZ LIMITED, were present at the Fale o Samoa. They were joined by the upcoming dressmaker Fuimaono Faatulia Talimao, who is one of the directors of Tupea.
Toleafoa emphasised the initiative's aim to promote Samoan businesses and exports, stating, "The crunch is about getting our Samoan business owners together and trying to do something for the Samoan community." Looking ahead, Toleafoa and Sala plan to make the Market Day Expo an annual fixture in the community calendar, aiming to expand the event in the coming years and incorporate more businesses.
The success of the Market Day Expo underscores the commitment to supporting Samoan businesses and fostering a thriving community in Auckland.
コメント