The all Filipino crew led by Captain Alberto Leal of Kite Arrow cargo ship invited Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez, Vice Consul Glenn Joseph Obach and members of the Southland Filipino Society Inc. on board the ship on 17 May 2014 when he learned that the Philippine Embassy Mobile Consular Team was in Invercargill. The Kite Arrow ship was docked at Tiwai Point loading aluminum products produced by New Zealand Aluminum Smelters Limited bound for foreign markets. Captain Leal, his officers and crew warmly welcomed Ambassador Benavidez and the Filipinos, briefed them about the various facilities and sections of the ship, shared their work and functions and hosted a fellowship luncheon at the ship’s dining room. Ambassador Benavidez thanked Captain Leal and the Filipino seafarers of Kite Arrow for their warmth and hospitality and for the first-hand experience given to the Embassy officials and Filipinos in Invercargill to know more about the Kite Arrow and its destinations. She highlighted the important contributions of Captain Leal and his Filipino crew to international navigation and commerce and the recognition given to them and the Filipino seafarers around the world by for their proven skills, capabilities and service.