Pineapple Pie & Network!

This is our monthly networking meeting held at various sites around Christchurch and sometimes online. These meetings will feature a guest speaker from the Pacific Business/Professional community and allows time for a networking session over a deliciously made Pineapple Pie!

You can find out about the next networking meeting via our social media pages or by joining our mailing list.

Interested in being a speaker? - Send us a message and we can connect.

A group of Pacific business people seated in a conference room watching a woman giving a presentation on a large screen. The room has large windows at the back, letting in natural light, and wooden floors.
Group of Pacific business people, including men and women, posing for a photo in front of a yellow banner that reads 'Pacific Business Collective.' Some are standing, and two men are kneeling in front.
A group of Pacific business people attending a presentation in a bright room with large windows showing a mountainous landscape. The speaker stands in front of a yellow screen with the text 'Pineapple & Network' and a person's image.
Group photo of Pacific business adults and children, smiling, in front of yellow backdrop with 'Pacific Business Collective' logo and text, indoors with brick wall and floral decoration.

#PPN 2026

A digital graphic featuring a headshot of Alisi Tupuai from the Pacific Business Collective, with a yellow and orange abstract background, the text "GUEST SPEAKER ALISI TUPAUILEI" and the hashtag "#PPN26."
A promotional graphic featuring a smiling man in a blue blazer and glasses, identified as guest speaker Jordan Figota, with the logo of Pacific Business Collective and the hashtag #PPN26 on an orange background with yellow design elements.

At Pineapple Pie and Network, we're fortunate to hear from Pacific leaders who are building businesses, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for future generations.

This month, we're excited to welcome Jason Tiatia, author of Sāmoan Made Simple, as our guest speaker.

Born and raised in Christchurch, Jason is an educator, former New Zealand Sevens player, and passionate advocate for the revitalisation of Gagana Samoa. Through his work, he has championed the idea that language is more than words. It is identity, connection, belonging, and a bridge between generations.

His book, Sāmoan Made Simple, was written to make learning Gagana Samoa more accessible and approachable for everyday people. Inspired by the successful Māori Made Easy framework, it encourages learners to build confidence, practise consistently, and embrace the language without fear or shame.

As Pacific people, many of us understand the importance of knowing who we are and where we come from. Jason's work reminds us that language remains one of the most powerful ways to strengthen that connection and pass it on to future generations.

We look forward to hearing Jason's story, learning about the journey behind Sāmoan Made Simple, and exploring how language, culture, and identity continue to shape our communities here in Aotearoa.

📅 Thursday 28 May 2026
🕐 1.00pm - 2.00pm
📍 Christchurch Multicultural Centre

Whether you're in business, education, community leadership, or simply passionate about Pacific languages and culture, we'd love to have you join us.

Completed

A graphic design poster with a yellow background and a circular photo of two women smiling. Text indicates they are guest speakers Gaseilevao and Maseiga at the PPN26 event, with the logo of Pacific Business Collective in the top left corner.

2025

In 2025, we had some fantastic people speak from our network. Amazing and talented Pacific entrepreneurs all based in Canterbury. We look forward to showcasing more of our Pacific business owners this year. Check out our wonderful guest speakers that presented last year.

Promotional graphic for Pacific Business Collective featuring a headshot of guest speaker Chris Lavea with a yellow abstract background and a black text overlay that reads "GUEST SPEAKER Chris Lavea."
Event flyer featuring a photo of Mihi Tianaga as a guest speaker, with a yellow and orange background, logos, and text.
A promotional graphic featuring a woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing earrings, against a blue background, with a yellow and orange abstract design. The text reads "Guest Speaker Monica Lei" and the logo of Pacific Business Collective is in the top left corner.
Graphic design featuring a woman in a blue patterned shirt, with black text below that says "Guest Speaker Diane Fenika" and a logo in the top left corner. The background has abstract yellow and orange shapes.
A promotional graphic featuring a man with short dark hair, wearing a blue patterned shirt, smiling with arms crossed. The background has a yellow and orange abstract design with the Pacific Business Collective logo in the top left corner. The text indicates he is a guest speaker named Vern Holden.
A portrait of a smiling man in a blue suit and white shirt, with a yellow graphic background. The image includes the text 'Guest Speaker Darren Folau' and the logo of 'Pacific Business Collective' in the top left corner.
A promotional graphic with an orange and yellow background featuring a photo of Jomaine Limu from Franklin, identified as a guest speaker for the Pacific Business Collective. The graphic includes the text "Guest Speaker Jomaine Limu - Franklin" and the Pacific Business Collective logo in the top left corner.
Event poster featuring two guest speakers, Tu and Meli, with their photos in circular frames. The background is yellow-orange with abstract shapes. The poster includes the logos of Pacific Business Collective and KQT Solutions.
A promotional graphic for an event featuring guest speaker Catherine Zahidi, with her portrait at the center and the Pacific Business Collective logo in the top left corner, set against a colorful abstract background.