Quality Entries in MIT Pacific Business Awards

Media release
8 May 2007

High Quality Entries in MIT Pacific Business Awards

More than 800 people are expected at this year’s MIT Pacific Business Awards to celebrate Pacific business successes and the positive impact they are having on this nation’s economy.

The Pacific Business Trust, which hosts the awards every two years, has received 40 nominations from across the country. Nominations closed two weeks ago.

This year includes two new categories, Pacific Exporter of the Year and Pacific Executive of the Year as well as the Business of the Year, Business Person, Enterprise and Community Enterprise categories.

The Pacific Executive award was developed to recognise Pacific executives who are not necessarily working in Pacific business, says Business Development Manager Essendon Tuitupou.

“We are very happy with the number of nominations received this year and we are thrilled with the quality of the nominations, in particular the nominations for Pacific Business Person of the Year, Pacific Enterprise of the Year and Pacific Executive of the Year,” he says.

Pacific Business Trust chief executive Paul Muller says the theme for this year’s awards, Pacific Impact – Transforming The World, is about recognising and celebrating the contribution Pacific business people have made to New Zealand.

“As a population we must recognise the valuable role we are already playing in New Zealand’s economy and the business community needs to better engage with Pacific people. The awards is not just about winning, it is about our future, the future of our families and the world we leave for future generations,” Mr Muller says.

The 2007 MIT Pacific Business Awards gala event will be held on Friday 15 June at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau City. This year's MCs will be ONE News Pacific Affairs Reporter, Barbara Dreaver and senior Pacific business consultant, Fa'amatuainu Tino Pereira.

ENDS

Background
The Pacific Business Trust established the awards in 1993. The awards recognise business excellence achieved by people of Pacific background and are part of the Pacific Business Trust’s mission to increase business ownership and economic participation among Pacific business people.

The Pacific Business Trust was set up in 1985 to aid New Zealanders of Pacific descent and give them the best support and financial advice available. This support covers a wide range of business services, such as mentoring, loans, financial management and advice.

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