In a summer dedicated to growth and innovation, our Manaaki Scholars traded their holidays for hands-on experiences across industries in New Zealand, tackling challenges with fresh perspectives and leaving a lasting impact. From working on decarbonization projects in Marlborough’s iconic wine region to collaborating with small businesses on creative problem-solving, these Pacific interns demonstrated the power of diversity and adaptability in today’s economic climate. This blog reflects on their journey, the collaborative network of host employers, and the ongoing role of Pacific voices in shaping sustainable success for Aotearoa and beyond.

Discover how Mana Wantaim, the new platform launched by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation, unites Pacific scholars, alumni, and employers to drive collaboration, leadership, and global impact. Built on the principles of Pacific identity and collective growth, Mana Wantaim provides access to professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities across the region. Join the movement reshaping Pacific leadership for a sustainable future.

Explore Pacific resilience and indigenous wisdom through a reflection on cultural knowledge and community-driven solutions during an internship in Viet Nam.

The Pacific is no longer a quiet corner of the globe. With President Trump’s inauguration and rising interest from global powers, the region has become a focal point for geopolitical competition. Yet, beyond the well-publicised U.S.-China rivalry, other nations such as Japan, South Korea, and India are also stepping into the arena, recognising the Pacific's strategic importance in global stability, climate resilience, and economic growth.

This surge in attention presents both challenges and opportunities for Pacific nations. As external powers seek to assert their influence, the Pacific must respond with unity and clarity, asserting its sovereignty and amplifying its voice on the global stage. The Blue Pacific Strategy 2050 provides a roadmap for collective stewardship and sustainable development, ensuring the region’s priorities and aspirations remain at the forefront of global decision-making.

Discover how the Pacific Cooperation Foundation hosted ON-Board@PCF, an inspiring onboarding event for Manaaki Scholars as they embark on their 2024-2025 summer internships. From a warm Māori welcome to engaging workshops and a dynamic panel discussion, this event connected scholars with host organisations, preparing them for success in the workplace. Learn how PCF is fostering Pacific leadership and building bridges for a brighter future.

#ManaakiScholars #PacificLeadership #Internships

PCF recently hosted an engaging onboarding session for our inaugural cohort of all-female Pacific entrepreneurs, set to participate in the Prime Minister’s Scholarships to Asia program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This immersive day went beyond introductions, offering cultural insights, team-building, and personal goal-setting to fully prepare each participant. From meeting a local from Ho Chi Minh City to exploring Auckland’s bustlinghospo scene, the cohort experienced a taste of Vietnamese life while aligning with PCF’s mission of strengthening Pacific-Asia connections. Our onboarding session reflects PCF’s commitment to supporting and empowering Pacific women entrepreneurs, with the full blog detailing our program activities and stakeholder dedication. Read more about how PCF is fostering impactful international experiences on the blog.

Pacific Cooperation Foundation Welcomes New Board Members: Strengthening Leadership for a Resilient Pacific Future

The Pacific Cooperation Foundation is excited to welcome three new board members who bring valuable expertise and deep connections to our Pacific communities. Anne Fitisemanu, Professor Rouben Azizian, and Seumalu Shelley Borich join our Board of Trustees, contributing diverse skills and a shared commitment to our mission. Together, they will strengthen PCF’s initiatives to amplify Pacific voices, build meaningful partnerships, and support resilient, thriving Pacific communities. Learn more about our new board members and how they’ll help guide PCF’s vision for the future.

The Recognised Seasonal Employment (RSE) scheme has been a lifeline for both New Zealand and Pacific nations, but is it truly a model of mutual benefit? In this piece, we explore insights from the HORTNZ RSE Conference, highlighting the need for genuine reciprocity, the importance of preserving Pacific identities, and the path forward to deepening the partnership between New Zealand and the Pacific.

Are you a people-person with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences? As our Vibe Manager - Internship Experience, you’ll play a key role in shaping the journey of our Pacific Manaaki Scholars, ensuring they have an incredible and supportive experience during their internships. You’ll be the heartbeat of our intern program, responsible for everything from organizing fun and engaging team-building events to coordinating logistics and being the friendly face that connects our interns with host employers.

This is a dynamic, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your creativity, communication skills, and passion for helping young people grow. If you’re enthusiastic, organiSed, and ready to make a real difference in the lives of our interns, we’d love to have you on board!

Images courtesy of PCF. If you wish to use the iamgees please make sure you credit Pacific Coperation Foundation

The NZ Institute of International Affairs Pacific Symposium 2024 highlighted the complexities of international politics and geostrategic competition in the Pacific. PCF is proud to have co-sponsored this symposium, contributing to critical discussions that align with our mission to strengthen identity, deepen relationships, and amplify Pacific voices.

We invite our Pacific kainga to join the conversation and view the recorded sessions on our YouTube channel, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on navigating geostrategic competition in the Pacific.

We are reminded of the importance of cultural exchange and the role it plays in fostering understanding and cooperation. PCF remains committed to its vision of resilient and prosperous Pacific peoples, enriched by fair and respectful relationships. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations and celebrations that bring us closer together as a community.

In collaboration with Pagoda Projects and Ton Duc Thang University, PCF will be taking a group of Pacific women on an 8-week entrepreneurship and community internship experience in Ho Chi Minh City this November. This program is more than just an internship; it's a chance to immerse yourself in a new culture, build a professional network, and gain invaluable international business experience.

Leki Jackson Bourke, who was the inaugural winner of one of the Prime Minister's Youth Awards in 2020, is no stranger to the Pacific Cooperation Foundation. His exceptional talent and dedication to promoting Pacific culture and identity have always resonated with us. Red White & Brass is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our community.

I know there are cookbooks galore out there, and yes, I am biased, but we should be proud of seeing our food in publications that are going global. Robert Oliver's latest publication is not just any cookbook—it's a vibrant celebration of our Pacific cuisine overflowing with colour, diversity, and health.

The Pacific Promise

This is the new narrative of the Pacific—a story of potential, promise, and power. It is not just about arriving on foreign shores; it is about thriving, leading, and shaping the very future we all share. It is about turning opportunity into outreach, knowledge into change, and inspiration into the courage to walk the paths less travelled.

For PCF, the commitment is to empower, to uplift, and to herald the Pacific as a powerhouse of ingenuity. Our scholars, our partners, and our collective future inspire us, and the world at large, to step into the dawn of a new era.

The term "Brain Drain" has become emblematic of the challenges faced by smaller nations as their skilled labour migrates to larger players in pursuit of opportunities. This narrative, however, is not one of resignation but of empowerment—an invitation to catalyse change and unlock the untapped potential within our own shores.

The year 2024 marks an extraordinary time, a time when the very soul of the Solomon Islands is laid bare, and the people are called upon to cast not just ballots but the very essence of the nation’s future. It is a year where the enormity of the task at hand is matched by the cost – both financial and cultural – of conducting a General Election that is meant to right past wrongs and chart a course toward stability and growth.

The Pacific region is facing a crisis of epic proportions—obesity rates are soaring, with nine out of ten countries in the region ranking among the highest globally. This alarming reality not only threatens the health and wellbeing of our communities but also undermines our socio-economic stability and security.

Despite numerous programs and interventions aimed at reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the prevalence of obesity continues to rise. This begs the question: What are we doing wrong, and why are we not seeing the desired outcomes?

PCF had the pleasure of hosting Rae Bainteiti from the Rabi Island Community Hub and Banaban Human Rights Defenders Network! Rae shared invaluable insights into the groundbreaking work he's spearheading, advocating for Banabans in Kiribati, Fiji, and across the wider Pacific region.

World Vision and UnionAid accompanied Rae on this visit and illuminated the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing efforts in championing human rights and fostering community resilience. How inspiring to see such dedication and passion in action!