On the occasion of National Heroes Day 2020, the Embassy, in partnership with the Knights of Rizal Wellington Chapter, launched the Philippine & New Zealand - Pacific Fellowship (#PHANZPAC).

The Fellowship brings together Filipinos, Kiwis and Pasifikans who (1) have served in the Military, Police and other uniformed and emergency services; (2) are members of Chivalric Orders and Heritage Groups; and, (3) are advancing PH-NZ people-to-people relations.

'#PHANZPAC is honored to have Matua 2LT David Ellison NZDF (Ret), Upoko Kati Huirapa Runaka Ki Puketeraki and Kaumatua, Kaitahu Iwi accepted his appointment as Advisor.

Ambassador Jesus Domingo, Knights Marcelo M. Esparas (Commander) also presented Certificates of Appreciation to Messrs. Jun Cereno, Ariel Lagazon, Warwick Thorpe and Vincent Stephens, for their support to the Knights, the Embassy and PHANZPAC.

In honour of Filipinos in NZ and the Pacific who have honourably served their country in uniformed service and who have passed on, the Embassy in partnership with the Knights of Rizal in Wellington have initiated the awarding of Certificates of Remembrance. First to be so recognized is late Colonel Pedro S. Hernandez PA (Ret), who passed away in Auckland last February.

Meanwhile, the Embassy also launched its COVID-19 Frontliner Hero Awards on its official Facebook page to honor the dedication of Filipino and Filipino-Kiwi frontliners (doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers and other frontline health and social care staff) who have volunteered or were on-duty when New Zealand went into lockdown in March 2020.

Nominations are open starting 31 August 2020 and will be accepted until 30 November 2020.