The lovely home of Bro Mark and Hazel Fryer in Wainuiomata was where distinctive Filipino-Kiwi hospitality and attentiveness were demonstrated as they warmly welcomed His Worship Mayor Ray Wallace and Mayoress Linda Wallace of Lower Hutt, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez, Honorary Consul General to Auckland Atty. Paulo R. Garcia, Bro. Emmanuel Era, Assistant District Minister of Australia East, Bro Lennil Lucky Puzon, Locale of Wellington’s Resident Evangelical Worker, Cultural Officer Marivic Reyes, Administrative Staff Larry Reyes, Bro. Gregguil and Myra Besa and Bro Rustan and Sahlee Talimpas on 29 August 2015. It was a meaningful and memorable evening of togetherness, camaraderie and goodwill as guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner of home cooked Filipino dishes, interactive conversation and enriching recollections of various Filipino and local events and activities that brought the Filipinos and New Zealanders together with the active and sustained support of Mayor and Mayoress Wallace.

Mayor Wallace spoke about the increasingly important presence and contributions of Filipinos in Lower Hutt and other places in New Zealand, the active participation of Ambassador Benavidez and the Philippine Embassy Team in the Filipino community programmes and the momentum of development in the Wellington region where Philippine linkages could be strengthened, among others. Ambassador Benavidez highlighted the people based relationship that continues to grow and deepen between the Philippines and New Zealand and thanked Mayor and Mayoress Wallace for the sustained support for and assistance to the Filipino community.

All the guests reiterated their deep appreciation to Bro Mark and Hazel Fryers for their graciousness and warmth and making everyone feel at home. GOD BLESS them and their family with continued good health, long life, more success and greater happiness.