Pacific Women Rise in Business but Miss Out on High-Value Sectors

• Pacific women lead one-third of Pacific-owned businesses in Auckland
• They remain underrepresented in high-value sectors like construction and professional services
• Pacific women face major hurdles in accessing capital, networks, and fair pay

A new report from Auckland Council and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) reveals a striking contrast at the heart of Auckland’s Pacific economy: while Pacific women lead nearly one-third of Pacific-owned businesses, they remain largely excluded from high-value sectors that shape long-term economic power.

The Quantifying the Pacific Economy report shows significant momentum, with 1,776 Pacific-owned businesses generating almost $1.8 billion in sales last year. Yet Pacific women continue to face entrenched barriers, limited access to finance, underrepresentation in construction, manufacturing, professional services, and persistent inequities in leadership and pay. Advocacy groups note that Pacific women earn just $0.79 for every dollar earned by Pākehā men, a gap that spans multiple industries.

Experts say this reflects broader systemic issues. Maulupeivao Dr Betty Ofe-Grant, senior lecturer at AUT Business School, notes that many Pacific businesses struggle to survive for over a decade, with women disproportionately affected by lending bias and exclusion from influential networks. Despite Auckland being home to over 60% of New Zealand’s Pacific population, pathways into high-growth industries remain narrow.

Leaders like Afamasaga Jackie Currie, founder of the Inailau Pacific Business Women’s Network, argue that Pacific women need targeted, ring-fenced funding and stronger support in technology and export-driven sectors. Some are already forging ahead, such as Fibre Fale co-founder Namulau’ulu Eteroa Lafaele, who is helping Pacific communities build tech capability and inspiring youth through initiatives like her AI masterclasses and children’s book.

Namulau’ulu says she never saw Pacific representation in tech growing up, inspiring her book to help children see themselves as future tech leaders. With 2,000+ learners in her AI masterclasses, she blends indigenous knowledge and ethical practice, using culture as her compass to guide future generations into technology.