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 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

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.

Pacific Cooperation Foundation is bursting with gratitude for the transformative experiences shared during the recent internships. Our intern, Tapuakiloua Stewardship Ioane, has been on an uplifting journey, gaining invaluable insights and contributing to our mission of strengthening familial ties across the Pacific.