6 September 2013 - In line with the Philippine Embassy in Wellington’s continuing efforts to promote closer ties with New Zealand, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez, accompanied by Consul Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa, called on Dunedin-based Member of Parliament (MP) Michael Woodhouse, the Minister of Immigration, Minister of Veterans’ Affairs, and Associate Minister of Transport on August 28.
Minister Woodhouse welcomed Ambassador Benavidez and stated that Filipinos are valued migrants in New Zealand society, particularly in Christchurch were the newest influx of skilled workers are mostly Filipinos. Ambassador Benavidez thanked Minister Woodhouse for his positive impression and deep appreciation for the roles and contributions of Filipinos in and other parts of New Zealand.
Their discussions and interactions focused on the increasing numbers of and preference for skilled Filipinos in the rebuilding and reconstruction of Christchurch, the collaborative efforts between relevant Philippine and New Zealand government agencies and private companies for the equitable treatment and smooth entry of Filipinos to Christchurch. Ambassador Benavidez shared with Minister Woodhouse the steps being undertaken by the relevant Philippine agencies to address the specific aspects of recruitment and deployment of Filipino skilled manpower to Christchurch.
Minister Woodhouse stated that he looks forward to further collaborating with the Embassy in communicating the importance of skilled Filipino workers as well as their welfare and safety.
Ambassador Benavidez noted that the success stories of Filipino migrants in New Zealand strengthens the significant and growing people-to-people links between the Philippines and promotes deeper understanding and friendship between Filipinos and New Zealanders. She thanked Minister Woodhouse for New Zealand’s publication of its guides on “Working in the New Zealand Construction Industry” and “Living and Working on a New Zealand Dairy Farm” for both workers and employers. These guides are translated into Filipino and intended to serve as useful reference materials for Filipino workers. END