Celebrating culture, cuisine and couture
Last week, AUT once again hosted the annual Manaaki Scholars Cultural Lunch and Couture event at our Te Ahuru Recreation Centre.
The event brought together Manaaki Scholars from AUT, the University of Auckland, Unitec and Massey University for a cultural celebration of food, dress and performances.
Offered by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the Manaaki Scholarships enable international students from selected developing countries to study at tertiary level in New Zealand and enhance their skills to contribute to the sustainable development of their home country.
AUT hosts a large number of Manaaki Scholars each year. Currently scholars hail from 26 countries including Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Nigeria (full list below).
While the scholars and guests enjoyed delicious cuisine from all around the world, awards were also presented for the most noteworthy dishes (prepared by the scholars), national costumes and performances.
Dale Thompson, AUT Director of Culinary Arts, was invited to judge and award the culinary prizes. Dale awarded prizes for the Most Nutritious to Kiribati, Most Authentic to Jamaica, Most Creative to Vietnam and the Judge’s Choice Award to Indonesia.
Annette Pitovao, Director of Student Success at Unitec, presented the People’s Choice Award to Myanmar. Simone Cocco, representing Education New Zealand, awarded prizes for Best National Costume (Papua New Guinea), Best Group Performance (Papua New Guinea), Runner Up Best Group Performances (Kiribati, Myanmar) and Best Single Performance (Suriname).
AUT’s current Manaaki New Zealand scholars are from the following countries:
Solomon Islands, Palau, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Niue, Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Timor Leste, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nigeria, Kenya, El Salvador, Mexico, Columbia, Belize, Suriname, and Jamaica
