PCF was proud to welcome Manaaki Scholars from across the Asia-Pacific into the heart of the Pacific—Māngere—for a day of connection, learning, and action. For many, it was their first time venturing beyond central Auckland, and you could feel the buzz in the air as they explored the Saturday markets, met locals, and discovered the warmth of Pacific hospitality.

But the real purpose of the day was collaboration: working alongside Watercare on their public campaign to educate communities about biosolids—what happens after you flush, and how wastewater is transformed into something that can restore land. From lively conversations at the Festive Zone to a powerful visit to Puketutu Island, where biosolids are being used to regenerate the whenua, the scholars experienced firsthand how knowledge meets practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This day was more than an outing—it was a celebration of shared values, a chance to extend manaaki beyond the campus, and a reminder of how Pacific youth leadership can shine when given real-world opportunities.

In an era of complex global challenges and shifting regional dynamics, New Zealand’s relationship with the Pacific is under the spotlight. Are we living up to our values in the Pacific? This was the central theme of a recent event co-hosted by the Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) and the NZ Institute of International Affairs (NZIIA) in Auckland. The discussion – “Closing the Connection Gap: New Zealanders, the Pacific, and Global Affairs” – explored how to bridge the gap between New Zealanders’ expressed values toward the Pacific and their day-to-day engagement with our Pacific neighbours. It was an evening of talanoa (open dialogue), bringing together data insights and personal perspectives to connect the dots between awareness and action.