NOT another Digital Xmas Card!
Si’oto’ofa,
As the year draws to a close, I am honoured to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones during this festive season. The holidays provide us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and milestones achieved throughout the year. It is with a sense of gratitude and joy that I express my sincere thanks for your unwavering support of Pacific Cooperation Foundation in 2023.
Having assumed the role of Chief Executive in August, these past five months have been nothing short of remarkable. Together, we have achieved significant milestones that have strengthened our organisation and contributed to the broader narrative of the Pacific.
I am proud to share with you some of our key accomplishments.
Our Perceptions of New Zealanders of the Pacific report presented through an engaging webinar series, has sparked essential conversations and enhanced our collective understanding of Pacific identity.
Our collaboration and reunion with Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PasifikaTV) allowed us to share and cover crucial events such as the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum States Leaders Meeting, the SOL23 Pacific Games, and the Conference of Parties 28 (COP28) in Dubai.
The Te Maeva Nui festival in September was a grandiose feat, bringing together the largest gathering of Cook Islanders globally in West Auckland. The festival was a resounding success and a testament to the strength of our relationships within the community.
Our commitment to Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders through Summer Internships creates a lasting impact as we grow a diverse host employer network nationwide to support our current and future Pacific Manaaki scholars.
The success of our amplify voices pillar is evident through our PCF Tok talk series and the powerful youth voices we have captured.
As we look ahead to 2024, we are excited about continuing our mission to provide platforms for Pacific voices and expertise. With the support of our Board of Trustees and partners, we have exciting projects in the pipeline to broaden PCF's scope and elevate our brand as a respected partner in reimagining the Pacific narrative.
In closing, I am reminded of our tagline, 'Together our Mana Grows Stronger.' It encapsulates the essence of our shared journey and the collective strength we derive from our relationships across Aotearoa and the Pacific region.
Malo lahi for your support, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunities and challenges the coming year will bring.
Get some rest and get ready to leap into 2024 with us.
Wishing you a Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!
‘Ofa lahi atu
Joanna Bourke
