Celebrating the transformational journeys of Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships graduates

As one of the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships recipients from Africa, Ruby says her journey has been nothing short of life changing.

Arriving in Aotearoa with her husband and three young children, Ruby says her studies at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University have tested her resilience, deepened her faith, and expanded her view of what’s possible. Her research, A Plain Language Standard Form Construction Contract for Ghana, aims to make construction contracts more transparent and accessible — reducing disputes and strengthening trust within Ghana’s growing building sector.

“My goal is to use the knowledge to introduce a new kind of contract — one that’s clear, fair, and accessible to everyone, from first-time homeowners to local contractors. Ultimately, it’s about building trust and creating a foundation for sustainable development in Ghana.”

Eight scholars from across the Asia and Pacific regions will be celebrated this month at the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships completion ceremony, recognising their achievements and the life-changing impact of their studies in Aotearoa.

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships are funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme and administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to support students from developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region to study in Aotearoa and contribute to development in their home countries.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday 23 October 2025 at Wharerata on the Manawatū campus, with scholars joined by family, lecturers, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Education New Zealand (ENZ) and local government. The event will include speeches from dignitaries including the Deputy Mayor, an MFAT representative, Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes, and scholarship recipient Ruby.

Head of Student Registry Diana Kessler says this year’s ceremony highlights not only academic excellence, but also the spirit of cultural exchange and resilience that defines the Manaaki programme.

“The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships have a transformational impact — academically, personally and cross-culturally. They strengthen global connections and equip scholars to make meaningful contributions to their home countries,” says a programme representative.

This year’s recipients include:

• Ruby Yaa Obeng from Ghana, who completed a Master of Construction focusing on creating plain-language construction contracts to improve transparency and trust within Ghana’s building sector.
• Seira Tofete-Adam from Samoa, the first in her family to pursue higher-level study, who completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Science with hopes of advancing Samoa’s agricultural development.
• Clyne Faith Vios from the Philippines, who specialised in emergency management and plans to apply her learning to strengthen community resilience back home.
• Samson Wakikura and Philomina Polu from Papua New Guinea, both committed to improving agricultural practices and food security through their studies in agricultural science and agribusiness.
• Finau Taumoepeau from Tonga, who completed a Bachelor of Information Sciences majoring in software engineering.
• Souksavanh Phanngernmao from Lao PDR, who studied agribusiness to support sector development in his home country.
• Diana Bruce from Guyana, who focused on horticultural science and the value of sustainable production.

Each scholar’s journey reflects the scholarship’s core values of learning, connection, and service. From Samson Wakikura and Philomina Polu in agricultural science and agribusiness, to Finau Taumoepeau in computer science and Souksavanh Phanngernmao in agribusiness, their studies have been both professionally and personally transformative.

As the scholars prepare to return home, the Manaaki ceremony offers a chance to celebrate not only academic milestones, but also the relationships and experiences forged through their time in New Zealand.

“These scholars embody the values of Manaaki — care, generosity and respect. They will carry them forward as they contribute to their communities and countries,” Diana says.