On 4 February 2025, the New Zealand Embassy in Manila hosted the New Zealand Partners’ Night at the Official Residence in Forbes Park, Makati City, to commemorate Waitangi Day.
The New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Dr. Catherine McIntosh, led the evening reception to mark New Zealand’s heritage, identity, and partnership with the Philippines. Key leaders from the government, and business and diplomatic communities gathered to celebrate shared achievements and strengthen New Zealand-Philippines ties.
In her remarks, Ambassador McIntosh reflected on a significant year of bilateral cooperation. She highlighted the historic visits of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. “We are now moving towards a Comprehensive Partnership, an ambitious step towards a stronger and more dynamic future together,” she stated. Thus, highlighting the goal set by Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos, Jr. in increasing two-way trade by 50% by 2030.
Ambassador McIntosh also discussed the growing trade between the two countries with notable successes of New Zealand companies like Shop Beverages, Manuka Health, Cantata, and Kingsman Rock and Apples.
She also reflected on the visit to Mindanao to witness New Zealand’s project on readying high-quality mangoes for expat, showcasing the economic cooperation.
The evening also featured remarks from Department of National Defence (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairman and Executive Director Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, who both underscored the importance of strengthening New Zealand-Philippines collaboration.
Ambassador McIntosh looks forward to the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, anticipating greater achievements in defense ties, scholarships, climate action, and trade.
Several distinguished guests were present at the reception: Senator Mark Villar, Philippine Red Cross Chairman, Makati City Mayor Mar-Len Abigail Binay, former Senator Richard Gordon, Former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown III, among others.
Waitangi Day is observed every February 6, it commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs and wide celebrated across New Zealand reflecting both commemoration and cultural pride with waka (canoe) processions and cultural performance, and music festivals.
Adding to the night’s festivities, Ambassador McIntosh and the New Zealand Embassy team performed traditional waiata [songs] in Te Reo Māori, Tūtira mai ngā iwi and Pōkarekare Ana, followed by a lively rendition of the Filipino classic “Bongga ka Day!”, symbolising the growing cultural ties between the two nations. The event concluded with a raffle organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise featuring quality New Zealand produce, including mānuka honey.
