PASIFIKA 2025: Amplifying Pacific Voices and Celebrating Partnerships in Tāmaki Makaurau!
Photo: Sanjogita Lal
The Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) is māfana and loto hounga'ia to present "Pasifika 2025: Amplifying Pacific Voices and Celebrating Partnerships in Tāmaki Makaurau," to celebrate our strategic partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Pacific Connections team, who generously hosted us at their vibrant stand during the Pasifika Festival at Western Springs. This annual event, organised by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, perfectly embodies our shared commitment towards prosperity, peace, security, and strategic investment in the Pacific region.
Pasifika Festival is an essential celebration of Auckland’s identity as a melting pot, uniquely highlighting the incredible diversity and vibrant culture brought by our Pacific communities. The festival offers a rare and captivating sensory experience—where else can you simultaneously see, taste, smell, hear, and feel the heartbeat of the Pacific?
We had the privilege of sharing space with partners, including Pacific Trade & Invest, who showcased a spectacular array of products from across the Pacific region, Volunteer Service Abroad, the Pacific Innovation Hub, Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited, and the PEF-Funded Arts & Crafts Projects. Together, our collaborative presence underscored the beauty, innovation, and cultural richness the Pacific brings to Aotearoa New Zealand. A special highlight was the delicious Samoari Coffee, kindly sponsored by the British Consulate ahead of Commonwealth Day on Monday, 10th March—and yes, the coffee was delightfully free!
PCF's presence at Pasifika this weekend allowed us to amplify our mission: showcasing our inspiring MANA WANTAIM alumni, our Manaaki Scholars representing Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Indonesia. Our alumni warmly engaged with visitors, offering genuine insights into their enriching experiences living and studying in New Zealand, and highlighting the immense value of the PCF Summer Internship programme. Through initiatives like MANA WANTAIM, we provide our scholars with valuable access to events such as Pasifika, enabling them to network effectively, build meaningful relationships, and gain confidence through new connections and cultural exchanges. These experiences significantly enhance their communication skills, broaden their understanding of diverse cultures, and prepare them to become influential leaders and advocates for their communities.
Visitors enjoyed learning firsthand from scholars like Gordon Max, who is pursuing his Masters in Engineering at AUT and recently completed a significant project evaluating equipment emissions with the Marlborough Circular Wine Group. Ashleigh Pangakatana, based at the Public Policy Institute at the University of Auckland, enthusiastically shared details of her dynamic and productive summer internship.
Events like Pasifika Festival are critical platforms that reinforce and nurture the deep connections between New Zealand and Pacific nations, fostering stronger diaspora relationships and celebrating our collective cultural heritage and aspirations.
PCF deeply values this ongoing collaboration with MFAT Pacific Connections. Our presence at Pasifika underscores the importance of our continued role in strengthening mutual understanding, promoting Pacific expertise, and achieving shared goals of peace, security, and prosperity across our region.
Fa'afetai tele lava, Vinaka vakalevu, Malo 'aupito, Tangkyu tumas, Tagio tumas, Tenkyu tru, Terima kasih banyak!
