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 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.

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.

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 intricate interplay between migration, labour mobility, and climate change cannot be overstressed. Climate change drives migration, which in turn shifts labour mobility patterns. As these elements influence one another, they generate complex dynamics that defy simple solutions. We need holistic approaches that account for these interdependencies if we hope to chart a secure course for the Pacific’s future.

Xmas Greetings from the Team at Pacific Cooperation Foundation.

So, listen up, world – youth voice ain't just noise. It's the beat to the climate change jam, and we're turning up the volume!

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Punanga Nui Market, the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity Pavilion stands as a testament to the spirit of collaboration and progress during the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in 2023. The Pavilion emerges as a symbolic hub, dedicated to honouring the resilience of the Pacific in the face of climatic challenges, showcasing economic innovation, and celebrating the strength of community enterprise.