Sala Orion Tiatia (MInstD)

Sala Orion is a proud New Zealand Samoan born and raised in Wainuiomata and Porirua in the capital Wellington, who finished his secondary education in Brisbane, Australia. Based in South Auckland, he is happily married with 4 beautiful children and likes to consider himself a “Simple Man” just working hard to support his family and make an impactful difference to this world in hopes that it would be a welcoming and better place for his children and the future to come. Orion has been blessed to carry the High Chief title Sala from his grandfather’s village Leauva’a and has family roots to Saleimoa and Fasito’outa in Samoa. Orion’s earliest exposure to business started at the young age of 16 years old working with his mother operating a cleaning contract that was the primary source of income to supporting his family where he was the eldest of 7 siblings. He landed in Auckland at the end of 2006 at 17 years old, to pursue further education to prepare himself to own and operate his own businesses. Orion completed his National Diploma in Hospitality Management, National Diploma Business Management, Diploma in Business and Bachelor’s in Business. He is currently on pathway working towards his Master’s in Business and has been based in Auckland the past 17 years. Orion climbed ranks quickly in the Hospitality and Security Industries from ground floor to corporate management level roles managing large staff teams nationally for multi-billion-dollar international companies and managing large multinational clients. Whilst working in full time employment and studying, Orion juggled the management of his small businesses in Security, Hospitality and the Entertainment industries. Orion took the leap of faith and pursued his business ventures full time in 2018 and never looked back. Orion has since created multiple businesses and has since invested in industries such as Construction, Security, Consultation, Tourism, Transport & Logistics, Property, Fitness & Health and many more. Through these businesses and investments, he has created 100’s of jobs across New Zealand and continues to do so while supporting local businesses, initiatives, and charities. Orion has already been part of numerous business acquisitions to add to his portfolio. Orion is a proud annual sponsor of junior sports teams, men’s mental health initiatives and community events. He has in past and currently sits on and contributes to boards for local schools, sporting clubs, associations and men’s advocacy and mental health awareness organizations. Orion has been invited to multiple guests speaking events around personal development, motivation, graduations, business success, men’s mental health, entrepreneurial and young men support groups. Orion’s passion for economic development and growth has expanded into the pacific region and continues to flourish in his pursuits. He was successfully selected as a representing Delegate for both NZ and Samoa for Economic Development & Sustainability at a Leadership Conference held in Hawaii in 2022 funded by the US Embassy. This provided critically valuable relationships and insights collaborating with leaders across the Pacific. Orion’s work in the entrepreneurial space was recognised at the 2022 Pacific Business Trust Awards event where he was awarded the Tu Rangatira Kama’atu Pacific Award for Pacific Business Entrepreneur. Orion continues to advocate and support pacific businesses via consultations and development.