19 September 2013 - In line with the Philippine Embassy’s continuing efforts to promote closer ties with New Zealand’s local governments, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez, accompanied by Consul Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa, made an official and business call on Waitaki District Mayor Alex Familton on September 02.

Also present at the meeting was Oamaru Ward Councillor Jim Hopkins. The meeting was made during the simultaneous delivery of the Embassy’s mobile consular services for the benefit of Filipinos in Oamaru, Waitaki District and the surrounding cities of the South Island from August 30 to September 02. 

Mayor Familton warmly welcomed Ambassador Benavidez and stated that Filipinos are active and vibrant members of the Waitaki District, particularly in Oamaru’s multicultural community.  He said that he is very much impressed with the Filipino workers’ work ethics.  He is delighted that they show great initiative in involving themselves in multi-cultural events. Mayor Familton also said that in the Waitaki District, immigrant and overseas workers, such as those from the Philippines, are treated properly and fairly. The Multicultural Council is doing a good job in giving support and information to newcomers to help them settle in successfully. 

Ambassador Benavidez congratulated the Mayor on Oamaru’s recent award as the “Sharpest Town” in New Zealand stating that the community must be truly proud of its town and its community for voting and spreading the word far and wide amongst their friends and family. 

Discussions focused on New Zealand’s significant, and growing, people-to-people links with the Philippines.  Filipinos are among New Zealand’s most important sources of permanent and long term migrants.  Oamaru, as the largest town in the Waitaki District and the service center for the outlying rural areas and communities, is a significant draw card for many migrants to the area, particularly for Filipinos, due to its buoyant dairy industry.  Due to the fact that it has a friendly, constructive, energetic and interactive community which welcomes immigrants as well as a strong multicultural group with over 50 nationalities, the Waitaki District has attracted migrant Filipino dairy workers and many Waitaki farms are home to them and their families. 

Ambassador Benavidez thanked Mayor Familton for the meeting and expressed appreciation for the fair and good treatment of Filipinos in his district. END