4CUPtm

11/04/2025

Lets meet our first Keynote!! 😍👏

———

Inu Akerei Maresala

Who are you? Your Organisation?
I’m Inu Akerei Maresala-Thomson, Managing Director of AK Thomson Ltd, Co- Founder of MYRIVR, and Chair of the Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank. I’ve worked across Aotearoa and Moana/Oceania to embed cultural intelligence, tech innovation, and wellbeing into community development. My Master’s research focused on mental health and employee performance within the South Auckland Youth Workers Network (SAYN), and I presented these findings internationally at the IVAT Summit in San Diego, STOP Conference in Chicago and Qatar. I currently advise Auckland Council and the University of Auckland on capacity building, entrepreneurship, and culturally anchored leadership in youth and community workspaces.

What is something you hope people take away from your kōrero?
That youth work is sacred — but without systems that honour the wellbeing of the worker, our impact is limited. My research with SAYN revealed clear gaps in mental health support, and I want to empower our youth workers with insight, language, and solutions — including how emerging tools like AI can support frontline resilience without replacing the heart of the mahi. If we value wellbeing, we must build ecosystems that protect and sustain it.

One thing you’re looking forward to at this year’s Symposium?
Hearing directly from our youth workers. Their stories, energy, and lived experiences continue to shape the way I serve, advocate, and design solutions. This symposium is a chance to talanoa and align around a shared vision of empowered, future-ready community leadership.

26/03/2025

Tailored Business & Funding Support – Flexible Online & In-Person Workshops

🚀 Get expert support to grow your business, secure funding, or refine your strategy – your way!

Work with award-winning entrepreneur Akerei Maresala-Thomson through flexible one-on-one or group coaching, available online or in person. Whether you need a business plan, funding bid, grant application, RFP, or contract negotiation support, we provide customised solutions to meet your needs.
What We Offer:

✅ Business Planning – Develop a professional, funding-ready business plan
✅ Funding & Grants – Expert guidance on funding bids, grant applications, & investment proposals
✅ Contract & RFP Support – Navigate government & corporate contract processes
✅ Strategic Coaching – One-off or ongoing business mentoring & development
✅ Custom Workshops – Tailor a programme to fit your specific needs
Flexible Booking & Pricing:

💲 $50 per person per session
📅 Online or in-person options available
👥 Group sessions available – enquire for pricing

Who Is This For?

✔ Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners
✔ Startups & Nonprofits Seeking Funding
✔ Anyone Applying for Grants, Contracts, or RFPs

Free or Subsidised Access

✅ MSD Clients, Beneficiaries, or At-Risk Employees – Flexi-Wage funding may apply
✅ Pasifika Business Owners – Partial or full funding may be available
📌 Conditions apply – enquire for details

Meet Your Facilitator – Akerei Maresala-Thomson

🏆 Award-Winning Entrepreneur | 📚 Harvard & Master’s in Business | 📈 Business Growth Expert

With a strong background in business strategy, funding applications, and contract negotiations, Akerei provides high-quality, professional guidance to help you succeed.

Book Your Spot Today!

🔗 Schedule Now: https://calendar.app.google/dpHDnoEfWj9xqH3r7

💡 Take control of your business journey – book a session today!

26/03/2025

12/08/2024

🌟 Exciting Opportunity Alert! Limited Spaces Available for our Franklin Local Board whanau 🌟

Our Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank (PDKB) and Dev Academy Aotearoa are thrilled to announce that we are both recipients of the inaugural Selwyn Innovation Challenge! 🎉 As part of this collaboration, Dev Academy Aotearoa is offering an incredible AI for the Older Adult Sector online course, but hurry—applications close this Sunday, 18 August 2024! 🕒

This course is designed to empower professionals in our community to harness the power of AI in their work with older adults. Participants will not only gain valuable skills but also have the chance to pitch innovative ideas for a prototype, with potential funding of $5,000 from Selwyn to bring these ideas to life! 💡

We’re passionate about improving the quality of life for our older people, and this initiative is a step forward in our shared mission. If you're interested, don't miss out on this opportunity to learn, innovate, and make a difference! 🌍

👉 Apply Now: https://devacademy.co.nz/aifortheolderadultsector/
👉 Read more about the Selwyn Foundation Innovation Challenge here: https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE2407/S00125/cutting-edge-innovation-powered-by-the-selwyn-foundation-to-benefit-seniors-with-great-need.htm

03/08/2024

Awesome opportunity for youth in Pukekohe and wider Franklin. PDKB

30/05/2024

Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank (PDKB) supported by the Auckland Business Chamber, TechStep, Franklin Local Board, and other amazing organisations, is hosting the very first Franklin STEM event on 8th August!

This event is a fantastic opportunity for our community of 88,000 people to explore and engage with STEM-related products and projects. We aim to inspire innovative minds and increase participation in these crucial fields.

🔹 Event Date: 8th August
🔹 Location: PIA Event Centre, 55 Ward St, Pukekohe (PO Box 149, Pukekohe 2120)
🔹 Who Can Join? Everyone! It's open to all, and participation is free!

The PIA Event Centre is a unique, multi-purpose venue situated in the heart of Pukekohe with expansive grounds. Ideal for large events in the Auditorium or smaller business meetings in the Conference and Board Rooms, the PIA Event Centre also offers ample free, on-site parking. It's located 45 minutes from Auckland CBD and 30 minutes from Auckland Airport.

We are thrilled to invite exhibitors from all sectors to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and advancements. We are also looking for collaborators and sponsors for prizes to make it an extra fun and engaging event for all ages.

💡 Are you interested in being an exhibitor? Sign up here: Exhibitor Registration https://lnkd.in/g2ndupcj

👥 Want to participate and be part of this groundbreaking event? Register here: Participant Registration https://lnkd.in/g7AqkEMi

🍔 Would you like to be a food vendor? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gDyA5fuZ

Let’s come together to build our community’s capacity and capability in STEM industries, driving better outcomes for everyone!

TechStep A & K Thomson Limited Auckland Business Chamber Counties Energy Literacy Aotearoa Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Foundation North MYRIVR J R McKenzie Trust Ministry for Pacific Peoples University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau campfirestudios.co.nz Franklin Local Board PDKB Manawa4 Limited Pukekohe & Franklin Local Business Franklin Grapevine Community - Info Sharing Group Ministry of Social Development NZ Franklin Youth Advisory Board Pukekohe Grapevine Community Group Pōkeno Community Pukekohe Spread The News!

30/05/2024