11 January 2017 — Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Jesus S. Domingo congratulates Hon. Roger Francis Albion Bridge, Philippine Honorary Consul General to Christchurch on being made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to business and philanthropy during New Year Honours 2017.

The New Zealand Order of Merit is an order of chivalry in New Zealand's honors system.It was instituted by Royal Warrant in 1996 (amended in 2009) and replaced the Imperial Awards that are conferred in the United Kingdom.

Established on May 30, 1996 by Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, the New Zealand Order of Merit is given "for those persons who in any field of endeavor, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions or other merits", to recognize outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity.

“You bring pride and honor to your family, your country and Philippines-New Zealand relations with the generosity and dedication that you have shown in your work as well as in your service to others,” said Ambassador Domingo to Consul General Bridge in a letter.

Consul General Bridge is a Christchurch businessman and company director with a background primarily in property investment and management.  He is a member of the Institute of Directors and is a member of the Christchurch Arts Festival Trust.  He is also the Chair of the Rātā Foundation, formerly the Canterbury Community Trust, the largest philanthropic organisation in the South Island which has a Special Fund to assist with the social and economic impact of the Canterbury earthquakes.

Consul General Bridge has been ably serving the consular needs of the Filipino community in the South Island since his appointment as Honorary Consul General of the Republic of the Philippines at Christchurch, New Zealand, with consular jurisdiction over the South Island in 2015. END