New Zealand-born Samoan Fred Passi, who hails from the villages of Taufusi and Sigamona, is a proud shop assistant at South Auckland's first and only talent agency, Nesian Collective. 

Nesian Collective is an initiative by I am Māngere, a charitable trust led by the Māngere community.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Mr. Passi said that it would be nice to see more stores like this instead of more $2 stores, vape shops, and laundromats.

"We want to rejuvenate the Māngere Town Centre and one way of doing that is by getting businesses that are reflective of our people and our Pasafika culture to show that this is us," said Mr. Passi.

"This is like a space for our people to showcase their goods professionally."

Nesian Collective aims to provide small start-ups and online businesses based in Māngere the opportunity to sell their products to customers in the Māngere Town Centre.

When asked what advice he would give to Samoans back home who want to sell their products or run their businesses, he would “give it a go.”

“Whatever business idea you have, do all your homework and research properly, draw up a proper business plan and surround yourself with the right people,” said Mr. Passi.

"Our culture is really beautiful, and that's what makes us unique - that's what makes us Samoan. Whatever aspect of our culture that you're naturally gifted in - that you naturally gravitate to - go with that strength."  

Fred has been a store assistant at the Nesian Collective for just over two months now and enjoys selling the products crafted by local Pasifika business owners in Māngere back to his people. 

Some of the small Pasifika businesses whose products are displayed are Danika Cooper and Golden Gardenia Jewellery, Atahua Jewellery, Marlina's Cookies, Emz Pineapple Pies, Pele Playmats, Savagedezignz, EBM Artistry and Oat and Soaks.

The store also displays Cook Islands crafts made by local Cook Islands mamas who meet up in the Māngere Town Centre library on Thursday mornings.