Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and Honorary Consul General to Auckland and the Upper North Island Atty. Paulo R. Garcia joined the Heads of Diplomatic Mission at a function for diplomats hosted by the Rt Hon John Key on 25 July 2015 in Auckland. He warmly welcomed the Ambassadors and High Commissioners from different countries, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and other guests, interacted with them and spoke on his Government’s international relations and foreign policy thrusts as well as updates on development priorities of New Zealand. Cabinet Ministers and officers of the National Party were also present.

Both Ambassador Benavidez and Honorary Consul General Garcia were able to mix and mingle with the New Zealand government leaders, Ministers, Party officers, diplomats and distinguished guests. In the course of the conversations, matters relating to Philippines-New Zealand relations and the contributions the Filipino community have been making to New Zealand as the third biggest group of skilled migrants much appreciated and well-known in New Zealand.