Massey supports initiative for young Pacific entrepreneurs

Friday 15 September 2017

The Pacific Business Trust has partnered with Massey University to launch the Hatch Youth programme to kickstart the businesses of young entrepreneurs.

Massey supports initiative for young Pacific entrepreneurs - image1

Hatch Youth will help young Pacific entrepreneurs build businesses while studying.

Last updated: Friday 15 July 2022

The Pacific Business Trust has partnered with Massey University to launch the Hatch Youth programme to provide a combination of flexible tertiary education with real-world experience. The programme targets Pacific youth aged 16-26 with entrepreneurial aspirations.

Developed by the Pacific Business Trust, Hatch revolutionises the saturated incubator and accelerator space. The programme combines flexible tertiary education with support to develop business ideas and accelerate commercial growth.

Through Hatch, Pacific youth are re-igniting their connection to the entrepreneurial spirit of their journeying ancestors. This is the migration of a new generation traversing the global economy and navigating the shifting landscape of emerging industries.

Chairman of the Pacific Business Trust, Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira, believes Hatch will activate the abundance of hidden talent in Pacific communities.

“Through Hatch, we will be unleashing the talent and creativity of our young people and tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit we’ve always had as a migrant community,” he says. “This is a pioneering programme by the Pacific Business Trust to continue to build our platform for the economic success of our Pacific communities.”

Chief executive of the Pacific Business Trust Kim Tuaine says flexible learning pathways have been created through partnership with Massey University, enabling young entrepreneurs to be at the helm of their own learning. They also get access to masterclasses taught by industry leaders within their fields of expertise, with the opportunity to get individual assistance from these experts.

“I’m really thrilled at the opportunity to provide tangible pathways for young people to thrive, have a voice of their own and develop business networks that are mutually supportive,” says Ms Tuaine.

“I’ve been amazed and very appreciative of the support of our educational partner Massey University and their willingness to be flexible and adopt a truly bespoke and collaborative approach to tertiary education for our Pacific youth in the Hatch programme. I’m excited to see what magic can happen, as a result of Hatch.”

The head of the Massey Business School Professor Ted Zorn says the university is proud to be supporting the Hatch initiative.

“This programme focuses on fostering innovation and creativity – something we believe is critical to the future success of New Zealand. We have no doubt that Hatch will help to build the capabilities of young Pacific entrepreneurs so they can be successful in business and contribute to the collective wellbeing of their families and wider community.”

Minister for Pacific Peoples Alfred Ngaro visited the Pacific Business Trust to hear about the new programme and welcomed the launch.

About Hatch Youth

Hatch Youth is a programme targeting Pacific youth aged 16-26, developed by the Pacific Business Trust. The programme combines tertiary education opportunities through Hatch partner Massey University with a bespoke, intensive, wrap-around system. Real-world experience is leveraged to support accelerated commercial growth and new and diverse leadership within Pacific communities and Aotearoa.

For more information or to apply for the programme: http://hatchbiz.co.nz