PH Embassy Commemorates 127th Anniversary of PH Independence in New Zealand
Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Kira Christianne D. Azucena is joined by her spouse Mr. Michael Azucena and the officers and staff of the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand during the Diplomatic Reception commemorating the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence. (Wellington PE photo)
WELLINGTON 04 July 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Wellington celebrated the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence on 12 June 2025 by hosting a diplomatic reception for members of the diplomatic corps and government officials of New Zealand.
Over 200 guests attended the reception, which was held at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery in Wellington. The Honorable Mark Mitchell, New Zealand’s Minister for Ethnic Communities, graced the occasion as Guest of Honor. Members of New Zealand Parliament, namely Honorable Paulo Garcia, Honorable Francisco Hernandez, and Honorable Nancy Lu, as well as Acting Deputy Secretary of the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Asia and Americas Group Mr. John Subritzky and the Chief of MFAT Protocol Mr. Jeremy Clarke-Watson were among the special guests of the evening.
In her message, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Kira Christianne D. Azucena, reflected on the historic significance of 12 June 1898, the day the Philippines declared Independence from Spanish colonial rule, starting the country’s journey towards becoming the first democracy in Asia. She also underscored the deepening ties between the Philippines and New Zealand, noting their shared Austronesian heritage and strong democratic values, as well as shared advocacies and commitments to women’s empowerment, and a nuclear weapons free world.
She highlighted the flurry of high-level visits and bilateral engagements in the past year, culminating in the signing of a Philippine-New Zealand Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) and the launch of the Philippine Studies Hub at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). She said that 2026 will be likewise as busy, when the Philippines will take its chairmanship of ASEAN and mark the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and New Zealand.
Following the formal program, guests were treated to an array of Filipino dishes prepared by Lazy Juan and Little Manila, two Filipino food and catering businesses in New Zealand. Dinner was composed of lechon, kinilaw, palabok, fishballs, lumpia, turon, champorado, chicken barbeque, and sweet choc-nut balls.
The guests were also treated to several musical and cultural performances during the evening. Filcoro Wellington Filipino Choir performed the national anthems of both the Philippines and New Zealand, as well as a rendition of the well-loved Maori song Pokarekare Ana. Guitarists from the Filipino group Juan 43 serenaded the audience with traditional kundiman songs. Filifest Dance Group capped the evening’s performances with a lively presentation of tinikling.
Earlier that day, the Embassy held a flag-raising ceremony where Ambassador Azucena read the Independence Day message of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, while Labor Attache Antonio M. Mutuc Jr. read the message of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac. The Independence Day video message from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was also played during the ceremonies, after which a Filipino breakfast was served. END
For more information, visit https://www.wellingtonpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy.org.nz, or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNZ/.
Ambassador Kira Azucena and her spouse Mr. Michael Azucena with the Honorable Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities (far left), and Members of New Zealand Parliament Honorable Paulo Garcia and Honorable Nancy Lu. (Wellington PE photo)
Philippine Ambassador Kira Christianne D. Azucena delivers her opening remarks during the Philippine Independence Day Diplomatic Reception. (Wellington PE photo)
New Zealand government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and Filipino community leaders grace the Embassy’s Independence Day Diplomatic Reception held at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. (Wellington PE photo)