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Mils Muliaina joins Auckland Business Chamber as first Pasifika director

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 14:44 GMT by rnz
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Mils Muliaina Breaks New Ground as Auckland Business Chamber’s First Pasifika Director

In a move that signals a growing recognition of Pasifika talent within New Zealand’s commercial landscape, former All Black star and well‑known rugby icon, Mils Muliaina, has been appointed as the first Pasifika director of the Auckland Business Chamber. The appointment, announced on 25 April 2024, underscores the Chamber’s commitment to diversity and inclusion while opening a new avenue for the Pasifika community to influence business strategy and policy at one of the country’s most influential trade bodies.

Who is Mils Muliaina?

Mils Muliaina, born in Samoa in 1981, rose to international prominence as a lock for the All Blacks, representing New Zealand in 71 test matches between 2003 and 2014. After retiring from rugby, he transitioned into the corporate world, serving as CEO of the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Union and later taking on roles that bridged sport, business, and community development. His leadership of NZR, which includes the management of the national team and the commercial exploitation of rugby branding, demonstrated a blend of strategic acumen and cultural sensitivity that has earned him respect across sectors.

Muliaina’s public profile is not confined to sport. He has been a vocal advocate for Pacific peoples’ welfare, particularly in education, health and employment. His appointment to the Auckland Business Chamber aligns with his long‑standing desire to use his influence to create pathways for Pasifika entrepreneurs and professionals.

The Auckland Business Chamber: A Strategic Platform

The Auckland Business Chamber is a key player in the region’s economic ecosystem, representing a diverse range of businesses—from start‑ups to multinational corporations—within New Zealand’s largest city. The Chamber’s core mandate is to promote business growth, advocate for favorable policy environments, and facilitate networking opportunities for its members. In recent years, the organization has emphasised inclusivity, recognising that a vibrant economy must reflect the demographic realities of Auckland’s population.

The Chamber’s decision to create a dedicated Pasifika director role is part of a broader strategy to institutionalise support for Pacific businesses. “The Pacific sector is growing in terms of revenue contribution, employment, and innovation,” says the Chamber’s CEO, who praised Muliaina’s appointment as “a natural fit” for a role that requires both industry insight and community engagement.

What the Role Entails

As Pasifika director, Muliaina will serve on the Chamber’s Board and participate in shaping its policy agenda. His responsibilities include:

1. Advocacy – Championing the interests of Pasifika-owned and -staffed businesses in policy discussions, especially those related to trade, immigration, and skills development.
2. Networking – Organising and attending events that connect Pacific entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and governmental agencies.
3. Capacity Building – Supporting initiatives that improve business literacy and financial resilience among Pasifika communities, such as workshops on grants, tax incentives, and export opportunities.
4. Mentorship – Acting as a role model and mentor for young Pacific professionals, sharing his journey from rugby fields to boardrooms.

The Chamber also intends to leverage Muliaina’s extensive network to foster collaborations between Pacific businesses and larger corporate entities, creating a symbiotic ecosystem that benefits both parties.

Impact on Pasifika Business Ecosystem

The Pacific economy in New Zealand accounts for an estimated $14 billion in annual turnover and employs over 50,000 people, according to the latest Pacific Business Review. Yet many Pacific entrepreneurs face structural barriers, including limited access to capital, language differences, and a perceived lack of representation in top corporate bodies. Muliaina’s appointment is therefore expected to signal a shift toward more inclusive representation.

Key areas where his influence is anticipated include:

• Access to Funding – By highlighting Pacific businesses in the Chamber’s investment forums, Muliaina could help secure private-sector investment and facilitate introductions to venture capital and bank lending.
• Skills Development – Partnering with educational institutions to tailor courses that meet the needs of Pacific business owners, such as digital marketing, financial management, and regulatory compliance.
• Cultural Competency – Encouraging larger businesses to adopt culturally competent practices, ensuring that Pacific employees feel valued and understood in the workplace.
• Policy Influence – Leveraging the Chamber’s lobbying power to influence national and regional policy, particularly regarding immigration reforms that would enable Pacific talent to remain in New Zealand and contribute to local businesses.

Muliaina’s prior experience as an advocate for Māori and Pasifika issues will inform the Chamber’s approach to these challenges. His presence on the board ensures that Pacific perspectives are integrated into every decision, from annual budgets to strategic partnerships.

Broader Significance

The appointment comes at a time when New Zealand is grappling with broader social and economic reforms that recognise the nation’s multicultural composition. By positioning a respected Pacific voice at the heart of one of its most powerful economic bodies, the Auckland Business Chamber sets a precedent for other organisations.

This move echoes similar initiatives across the globe. For instance, the Australian Chamber of Commerce has recently created a Pacific Affairs group, while the United States’ Chamber of Commerce has increased its engagement with Asian and Latinx communities through targeted membership programmes. Muliaina’s role could therefore influence how Pacific communities are perceived in the global business landscape, especially as New Zealand positions itself as a gateway to Asia.

Reactions and Expectations

Both business leaders and community advocates have responded positively to the news. A spokesperson for the Pacific Business Council lauded the Chamber for “recognising the economic potential of our community and taking tangible steps to support it.” Meanwhile, the Pacific Rugby Players Association expressed pride in Muliaina’s continued service to the Pacific community beyond the realm of sport.

Muliaina himself expressed gratitude and humility. “I am honoured to serve in this capacity,” he said. “My journey from Samoa to Auckland taught me that community is at the core of success. I look forward to collaborating with all of you to build a more inclusive and prosperous economy.”

The Road Ahead

While the appointment is a milestone, the real test lies in translating vision into action. The Chamber will likely launch a series of initiatives over the next year, including:

• A Pacific Business Accelerator Programme to provide seed funding and mentorship to emerging Pacific-owned ventures.
• Annual Pacific Leadership Conferences to spotlight successful Pacific entrepreneurs and discuss policy reforms.
• Partnerships with universities to embed Pacific business studies into curricula, enhancing skills and awareness among the next generation of leaders.

If these initiatives materialise, Muliaina’s role could serve as a catalyst for lasting change, turning the Chamber’s inclusivity pledge into measurable economic outcomes for the Pasifika community.

In summary, Mils Muliaina’s appointment as the Auckland Business Chamber’s first Pasifika director is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a strategic commitment to embedding Pacific voices into New Zealand’s commercial heart. By bridging the worlds of sport, business, and community, Muliaina is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping an inclusive economic future that benefits not just Pacific businesses but the entire Auckland region.