PH Embassy Signs Agreement with Auckland University of Technology to Establish PH Studies Hub

From left to right: Dr. Harold Aquino, Ms. Andrea Vujnovich, Dr. Sarah Jane Lipura, Ms. Amy Malcolm, Ambassador Kira Christianne D. Azucena, AUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Damon Salesa, Dr. Eunice Faustino Gaerlan, Dr. Maricar Bautista, Consul Feamor Tiosen, Honorary Vice Consul Oneal Mendoza, Ms. Louise Anne Marcelino, and Dr. Joeven Castro. (Wellington PE photo)

WELLINGTON 04 July 2025 — Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Kira Christianne D. Azucena and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Vice Chancellor Damon Salesa signed a landmark Donation Agreement for the establishment of the Philippine Studies Hub in AUT, the first of its kind in New Zealand. This initiative was made possible through funding provided by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Cultural Diplomacy (DFA-OCD).

Envisioned as a national center for research, training and engagement, the Hub aims to integrate Filipino perspectives into mainstream education, public policy and public discourse in New Zealand. It is also a timely response to the growth of the Filipino migrant population, now the third-largest Asian community in New Zealand.

The activities of the Hub will be implemented by the Philippine Studies Network Aotearoa, led by its founding members Dr. Sarah Lipura and Dr. Eunice Faustino Gaerlan.

Ambassador Azucena emphasized the importance of understanding the nature of the Philippines. “The Filipino presence is growing, and it’s vital that New Zealanders, not just Filipinos, learn more about the Philippines in all its dimensions: culture, economy, history, and politics,” she said.

AUT Vice Chancellor Professor Damon Salesa welcomed the partnership, noting its alignment with AUT’s strength in health sciences, a field where many Filipinos are leaders. “This is a step toward building meaningful partnerships with the Philippines, supporting both scholarship and our shared future,” the Vice Chancellor said.

The Hub’s launch also sets the stage for the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Philippines and New Zealand in 2026, positioning it as a platform for deeper cross-cultural dialogue and academic exchange between the two countries. END

For more information, visit https://www.wellingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy.org.nz, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNZ/.