As the Philippine Embassy continues to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote cultural understanding and sharing with the communities in New Zealand, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez attended the Zonta Club Wellington High Tea at the Khandallah Town Hall on 20 October 2014. It was a fund raising event for Zonta’s national and international projects, namely, the Sophie Elliott Foundation for funds for books, Eliminating Obstetric Fistula in Liberia in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), HIV-Free Generation in Rwanda in partnership with US Fund for UNICEF, Gender Responsive Schools in Viet Nam in partnership with the UN Trust Fund, Delaying Early Marriage in Niger in partnership with UNFPA and Voices Against Violence in 12 countries in partnership with UN Women.

Ms. Agnes Espineda, President, Zonta Club Wellington, Ms. Lynn McKenzie, ONZM, Immediate Past President of Zonta International and the officers and members of the Zonta Club of Wellington warmly welcomed the guests, sponsors, donors and friends and thanked them for their generosity and support. Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and Mexican Ambassador Rosauro Leonora Rueda Gutierrez had an enjoyable but challenging time judging the tables that represented the vintage spirit, most creative and visually appealing and most outlandish as all of the tables were so beautiful and captivating, reflective of the talent, creativity, artistic effort, materials, excitement and cooperation of the people behind each themed table.

What a wonderful opportunity for the Ambassadors and High Commissioners from Argentina, Pakistan, Turkey, United Kingdom, Mexico, Italy and the Philippines to support Zonta Club Wellington’s High Tea for a cause, a fun filled event which manifested unity of purpose, togetherness and collaboration for projects that make a distinctive and practical difference in the lives and status of women in New Zealand and other countries.