Given the importance of ensuring greater accessibility and convenience to Filipinos and non-Filipinos who would like to avail of consular services in Auckland, the Philippine Consulate General transferred to its new premises at The Theatre Royal, 486 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland Central on 4 March 2015. Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and Honorary Consul General Paulo Garcia led the ribbon cutting ceremony to formally open the new office of the Philippine Consulate General and the Garcia Law that is in a heritage building situated in an accessible part of Auckland. On this significant occasion, Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Private Secretary for Ethnic Affairs Melissa Lee, officials from the New Zealand government, police authorities, members of the Consular Corps, lawyers, bankers, academicians, businessmen, Filipinos and friends from the wider community were present.

In her remarks, Ambassador Benavidez thanked the esteemed guests for their presence and welcomed them to the new office of the Philippine Consulate General and Garcia Law where its warm and welcoming ambience and stately and dignified atmosphere showcase the solid foundation of Philippines-New Zealand relations and the sense of history of consular representation. She highlighted the importance of consulates headed by honorary consular officers and their age old functions, roles and responsibilities and commended Honorary Consul General Garcia who possess the credentials, commitment, connections, community involvement, cooperation and collaboration to handle consular, commercial, cultural and representational functions of consular officers. “The presence of guests representing various New Zealand agencies, the consular corps, businesses, professions and the wider community as well as the Filipinos from different professions and employment speak volumes of the Consulate’s effectiveness in stepping up Philippine representation, promoting Philippine interests in various fields, deepening collaboration and cooperation with New Zealand and other countries and serving the consular needs and handling assistance to nationals cases of Filipinos in Auckland and the Upper North Island,” Ambassador Benavidez stated. She congratulated Consul General Garcia, his wife, Malu Garcia and the volunteers who continue to demonstrate positive work ethics, service orientation and attributes of honesty, integrity and hard work in serving the Philippines and the Filipino people. It is also heartening to know that the volunteers are able to find employment after they gain experience and exposure during their stint at the Philippine Consulate General.

The arrival of the Philippine Embassy Mobile Consular Team on 5-10 March 2015 means that the new office of the Philippine Consulate General will be the center of e-passports processing, notarial documentation, reports of birth and marriage, dual citizenship and overseas voters registration services for hundreds of Filipinos in Auckland and the surrounding areas during this period.