Empowering Pacific Communities
We connect with multiple organistions and networks such as local councils, government agencies, churches, the horticultural & construction industries and many health providers.
Who we are
At Pacific Growth’s core is its community.
We believe in the potential of Pasifika in the Bay of Plenty, and we’re committed to making success happen.
We provide the platform and tools for Pacific businesses to thrive in the region, which remains one of New Zealand’s fastest growing. There are myriad opportunities here for Pacific businesses and professionals to latch on to, if only they’re given the tools they need.
We’re passionate about our people and helping them to succeed at any stage, whatever that looks like for them.
Pacific Growth Services is proud to draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer pastoral care, business growth and economic development as core services.
Pacific Growth Services was born out of a passion to help people succeed.
The Founder Aifai Esera established the company in 2021 as a one-man-band with a vision to empower Pacific communities through relationships with the wider business community, education providers and territorial authorities.
While the company started as an economic services provider – and that remains one of our core priorities – it has evolved naturally to encompass so much more. To takeour founder’s vision and condense it into its most basic parts, here’s how we’ve come to be what we are today.
To support our businesses, we need to have a capable workforce. To build a capable workforce, our people need to be appropriately housed, have enough food in their stomachs, the right clothes for the weather and supplies to attend school.
Things started looking a bit broader than just business.
Pacific Growth began hosting educational workshops, supporting families across Tauranga and Rotorua, and engaging in advocacy across multiple levels.
We’re fortunate to have formed strong relationships with individuals, groups and businesses that enable us to be better, together.
Aifai Esera
Aifai is the driving force behind Pacific Growth Services, motivated to help his community thrive. He was born and raised in the Samoan village of Tuana'i before shifting to New Zealand and settling in Tauranga, where he is committed to family life.
With 13 years' experience working for Tauranga City Council, Aifai has facilitated the formation of countless business relationships and witnessed the growth of many Pacific businesses in the Bay of Plenty. It also allowed him to witness firsthand the unique struggles many Pacific businesses face.
Aifai's passion is underpinned by the Samoan proverb "o le tele o sulu, e maua ai figota" - together we thrive.
Pastoral care
A wraparound service catered to both businesses and Pacific families, walking alongside them to reach their full potential.
Business growth
Our networks and expertise across the public and private sectors unlock growth opportunities for our clients.
Economic development
We advocate at the local government level and play a strategic role to ensure support is directed where it's needed.
A friendly team you can trust
Every member of Pacific Growth brings wisdom, lived experience and a genuine listening ear. Wherever you are in New Zealand, you’ll find supportive people ready to guide you. It’s the Pacific Growth community story Tauranga New Zealand, in action.
Our place in the Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty continues to be one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing regions, creating significant opportunities for economic development and community advancement. However, while growth benefits the wider region, Pacific businesses and professionals remain underrepresented in this expanding landscape.
Pacific peoples make up just 4% of the region’s population, with only 411 businesses and professionals identifying as Pasifika. As the region grows, intentional investment in Pacific enterprise is essential to ensure our communities can participate meaningfully and equitably in this growth.
Until now, there has been no dedicated legal entity to represent the interests of Pacific businesses or to act as a bridge between our community and government agencies, private organisations, and industry stakeholders. Pacific Growth Services exists to fill this gap — advocating, connecting and strengthening Pacific enterprise for long-term regional impact.
