Manaaki Scholars Bring Pacific Energy to Māngere Fun Day Out
On a sun-drenched Saturday in South Auckland, PCF was proud to support a vibrant group of Manaaki Scholars from across the Asia-Pacific region—including Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Myanmar, the Philippines, Laos, Malaysia, and the Caribbean—as they stepped out of central Auckland and into the heart of the Pacific: Māngere.
For many, it was their first time venturing beyond the city centre. You could feel the buzz in the air as scholars explored the iconic Māngere Markets, met locals, and connected with peers who shared similar journeys and aspirations. The sense of belonging was immediate and powerful.
But this wasn’t just a sightseeing trip—it was a day of purpose.
The scholars partnered with Watercare to support a public education campaign on biosolids: what happens after you flush, how wastewater is treated, and why it matters for our environment. Armed with surveys, flyers, and a festive setup, the team sparked conversations, answered questions, and encouraged visitors to engage with the science behind our everyday systems.
💧 From the Watercare Festive Zone to the FREE Bus Trip to Puketutu Island, the scholars were everywhere—smiling, explaining, listening, and learning. Their energy drew crowds, helping Watercare gather valuable feedback and raise awareness of biosolids and sustainable water practices.
Watercare Team, MC for the Day So Jo and Manaaki Scholars at Mangere Town Centre
Extending Pacific Hospitality Beyond the Campus
At PCF, we make it our business to connect with our visitors from the Asia-Pacific region because we share common values of community, respect, and collective responsibility. It is important to us that their experience in Aotearoa New Zealand extends beyond lecture halls and student residences. These scholars yearn for connection, and when we open doors to real-world experiences, their learning deepens and becomes more meaningful.
By engaging directly with communities in Māngere, the scholars were able to put their classroom knowledge into practice, while also seeing how Pacific values of manaaki (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (relationships) are lived every day. This kind of immersion not only enhances their academic journey but also strengthens their sense of belonging in Aotearoa.
Jason Bran and Joshua Turia from Papua New Guinea. Photo credit: Pacific Cooperation Foundaiton
A Journey to Puketutu Island
The day’s learning didn’t stop at the markets. A highlight for many was the 45-minute trip to Puketutu Island, where Watercare is leading an ambitious biosolids-based restoration project. For the scholars—some of whom are master’s students working on water projects in their home countries—this was a massive learning opportunity.
They were thrilled to see firsthand how science, engineering, and community values intersect in the island's restoration. The visit sparked lively discussions about how similar approaches could be adapted in their own contexts across the Pacific and Asia. It was a reminder that the challenges we face with water and waste are shared, and that solutions can be inspired by collaboration across borders.
A Celebration of Community
Adding to the atmosphere, PCF organised entertainment and an MC to keep the energy flowing throughout the day. Music, laughter, and lively hosting made the event feel like a true celebration of Pacific community spirit.
The combination of cultural exchange, technical learning, and festive joy made this day unforgettable—not just for the Manaaki Scholars, but for everyone who joined in.
Photo credit: www.iwantorange.com
Looking Ahead
The Māngere Fun Day Out was more than an event; it was a living example of how PCF connects people, values, and knowledge. By extending hospitality beyond the campus, we help scholars experience Aotearoa in its full richness—where learning is hands-on, relationships are genuine, and the Pacific spirit shines.
We’re proud of our Manaaki Scholars and grateful to Watercare for the opportunity to connect education with real-world engagement. Here’s to more days like this—where knowledge meets action, and the Pacific spirit continues to thrive.
📹 Watch the highlights in our video below—capturing the Manaaki Scholars in action, the festive vibe of Māngere, and the joy of connecting knowledge with community.