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.

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.