Pasifika Talanoa
Celebrating pacific innovation and entrepreneurship
25 March, 5-7pm
Unleash Space, 20 Symonds Street
About the Programme:
Be inspired by the journeys of Pacific innovators and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world through embracing and creating opportunities. The Talanoa offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand how values, heritage, and culture have shaped these leaders’ paths while highlighting the cultural significance of innovation.
CIE’s programmes are free for University of Auckland students and staff. These co-curricular programmes help develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills alongside formal studies. While there are no formal assessments, participation may count towards the co-curricular recognition programme and the Distinguished Graduate Award.
Your Opportunity:
- Be Inspired: Hear stories from Pacific innovators and entrepreneurs, and learn about the values that have guided their journeys.
- Broaden Your Horizons: Walk away with insights that will spark your own journey and fuel your aspirations.
- Celebrate with our Community: Connect with leaders, students, and other established and aspiring Pacific entrepreneurs and innovators striving to make an impact for our communities.
This event is open to aspiring Pacific innovators and entrepreneurs from the University of Auckland and the wider community. All are welcome – refreshments provided.
What You’ll Learn:
- Hear career insights from Pacific innovators about their journeys and the impact they’re creating in the world.
- Learn how to navigate innovative and entrepreneurial careers while staying true to your cultural values.
Timing:
📅 25 March, 5-7pm
Refreshments provided.
Speakers:
Julie Arnott-Neenee and Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele
Julia and Eteroa are the co-founders of Fibre Fale, a purpose-driven initiative bridging the digital divide and championing Pasifika representation in tech. With a shared passion for digital equity, they empower communities through advocacy, mentorship and access to technology. Julia brings international experience from Australia, the UK and the USA, and has served on the Digital Council for Aotearoa, Hi-Tech Trust and the World Economic Forum Global Futures Council. Eteroa, raised in Cannons Creek with roots in Samoa, founded DigiTautua and has received global recognition, including Forbes 30 Under 30 and the Prime Minister’s Award for STEM. Together, they are creating opportunities to ensure Pasifika thrive in an ever-evolving digital world.
Ra Beazley
Ra Beazley is an entrepreneur and community leader dedicated to empowering Māori and Pasifika businesses. As the co-founder of Reserve Tāmaki, a collaborative space in East Auckland, he supports Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs with coworking spaces, mentorship, and tailored business support. Ra’s passion for economic empowerment and community-led entrepreneurship shines through his work, helping local innovators turn ideas into impactful ventures that foster connection and resilience.
Roschelle Marshall
Roschelle is a social innovator and impact-led business advocate with a deep commitment to advancing social justice. Of Sāmoan, Scottish and Irish descent, she brings a rich and diverse background spanning travel, finance, education, charity, and social enterprise. Roschelle holds a Master of Change and Organisational Resilience, specialising in Pasifika entrepreneurship, and is passionate about enabling more Pacific business owners in Aotearoa New Zealand. A business owner herself, Roschelle is also a trained Climate Reality Leader, Trustee of Co-Aotearoa, and co-chair of the Pacific Strategic Reference Group for Ringa Hora Workforce Development Council. Proudly hailing from West Auckland, she balances her professional mahi with whānau life, often found on the sidelines of her kids’ sports games or exploring the Waitākere Ranges with her dog.
Salā Marie Young
Salā Marie Young is an entrepreneur, educator, and grassroots governance specialist with 20 years of experience leading innovative ventures. As the founder of PEP, she mentors Pacific-led organisations, blending Indigenous governance principles with modern business strategies for sustainable impact. A matai from Le’auvaa, Samoa, she developed the Koko Model™ during her Master of Technological Futures to help leaders navigate complex conversations with cultural depth. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of Otago, she is a recipient of the Ministry of Education 2025 Tagaloa PhD Scholarship for her research on Samoan Indigenous grassroots governance. Her work focuses on strengthening Pacific early learning services by balancing cultural preservation with financial sustainability, ensuring Pacific young people can innovate and lead without compromising their identity.
About the Programme:
Be inspired by the journeys of Pacific innovators and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world through embracing and creating opportunities. The Talanoa offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand how values, heritage, and culture have shaped these leaders’ paths while highlighting the cultural significance of innovation.
CIE’s programmes are free for University of Auckland students and staff. These co-curricular programmes help develop innovation and entrepreneurship skills alongside formal studies. While there are no formal assessments, participation may count towards the co-curricular recognition programme and the Distinguished Graduate Award.
Your Opportunity:
- Be Inspired: Hear stories from Pacific innovators and entrepreneurs, and learn about the values that have guided their journeys.
- Broaden Your Horizons: Walk away with insights that will spark your own journey and fuel your aspirations.
- Celebrate with our Community: Connect with leaders, students, and other established and aspiring Pacific entrepreneurs and innovators striving to make an impact for our communities.
This event is open to aspiring Pacific innovators and entrepreneurs from the University of Auckland and the wider community. All are welcome – refreshments provided.
What You’ll Learn:
- Hear career insights from Pacific innovators about their journeys and the impact they’re creating in the world.
- Learn how to navigate innovative and entrepreneurial careers while staying true to your cultural values.
Timing:
📅 25 March, 5-7pm
Refreshments provided.
Speakers:
Julie Arnott-Neenee and Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele
Julia and Eteroa are the co-founders of Fibre Fale, a purpose-driven initiative bridging the digital divide and championing Pasifika representation in tech. With a shared passion for digital equity, they empower communities through advocacy, mentorship and access to technology. Julia brings international experience from Australia, the UK and the USA, and has served on the Digital Council for Aotearoa, Hi-Tech Trust and the World Economic Forum Global Futures Council. Eteroa, raised in Cannons Creek with roots in Samoa, founded DigiTautua and has received global recognition, including Forbes 30 Under 30 and the Prime Minister’s Award for STEM. Together, they are creating opportunities to ensure Pasifika thrive in an ever-evolving digital world.
Ra Beazley
Ra Beazley is an entrepreneur and community leader dedicated to empowering Māori and Pasifika businesses. As the founder of Reserve Tāmaki, a collaborative space in East Auckland, he supports Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs with coworking spaces, mentorship, and tailored business support. Ra’s passion for economic empowerment and community-led entrepreneurship shines through his work, helping local innovators turn ideas into impactful ventures that foster connection and resilience.
Roschelle Marshall
Roschelle is a social innovator and impact-led business advocate with a deep commitment to advancing social justice. Of Sāmoan, Scottish and Irish descent, she brings a rich and diverse background spanning travel, finance, education, charity, and social enterprise. Roschelle holds a Master of Change and Organisational Resilience, specialising in Pasifika entrepreneurship, and is passionate about enabling more Pacific business owners in Aotearoa New Zealand. A business owner herself, Roschelle is also a trained Climate Reality Leader, Trustee of Co-Aotearoa, and co-chair of the Pacific Strategic Reference Group for Ringa Hora Workforce Development Council. Proudly hailing from West Auckland, she balances her professional mahi with whānau life, often found on the sidelines of her kids’ sports games or exploring the Waitākere Ranges with her dog.
Salā Marie Young
Salā Marie Young is an entrepreneur, educator, and grassroots governance specialist with 20 years of experience leading innovative ventures. As the founder of PEP, she mentors Pacific-led organisations, blending Indigenous governance principles with modern business strategies for sustainable impact. A matai from Le’auvaa, Samoa, she developed the Koko Model™ during her Master of Technological Futures to help leaders navigate complex conversations with cultural depth. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the University of Otago, she is a recipient of the Ministry of Education 2025 Tagaloa PhD Scholarship for her research on Samoan Indigenous grassroots governance. Her work focuses on strengthening Pacific early learning services by balancing cultural preservation with financial sustainability, ensuring Pacific young people can innovate and lead without compromising their identity.
About the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship provides a world of opportunity to participants so that they can stand out and create value through innovative careers and start-up creation.
CIE is New Zealand’s leading University entrepreneurship centre, winning 12 international awards since 2020.
EMAIL
CIE@AUCKLAND.AC.NZ
POSTAL ADDRESS
THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND BUSINESS SCHOOL
PRIVATE BAG 92019, AUCKLAND
