24 July 2015 - As part of the Philippine Embassy’s networking with local officials to broaden linkages for trade, tourism, investment, business, people-to-people exchange and for greater access and discussions on Filipinos’ welfare and well-being, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia H. Benavidez accompanied by Vice Consul Glenn Joseph Obach made a courtesy call on Mayor Julie Hardaker of the Hamilton City Council on July 13 in Hamilton, New Zealand. Also present at the meeting was Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman.

Ambassador Benavidez was warmly welcomed by Mayor Hardaker who was pleased to know that the Philippine Embassy in Wellington was conducting its 43^rd mobile consular services since October 2011 in Hamilton. Called “The Philippine Embassy in New Zealand: Serving with a Smile, Going the Extra Mile and Reaching Beyond Our Grasp,” the mobile consular services served hundreds of Filipinos in the area and other parts of the North Island from July 10 to 13. Ambassador Benavidez reiterated her appreciation to Mayor Hardaker for her and the local officials’ concern and support for the Filipino workers’ welfare and fair treatment in their city, and acknowledgement of the positive work ethics, skills and contributions of Filipino workers especially those in the dairy farms, as well as the active participation of the Filipino community in city events.

Further discussions focused on developing deeper relations with the Philippines utilizing strengths that Hamilton and the rest of the Waikato Region have to offer, such as its dairy and agriculture sectors, educational institutions, tourism, and possible business and investment ventures. Mayor Hardaker and Deputy Mayor Chesterman expressed their appreciation to Ambassador Benavidez in reaching out to Filipinos, saying that great job is being extended by the Philippine Embassy through its “practical” consular service which is at the same time an opportunity to meet the members of the Filipino community in the area and also to connect with the local authorities.

Ambassador Benavidez thanked Mayor Hardaker and Deputy Mayor Chesterman for the warm reception and fruitful meeting, and reiterated appreciation for the local community’s high regard for Filipinos in Hamilton, and for the Mayor’s Office’s open door for the Filipino community. END