Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand attended the Coronation of His Majesty King Tupou VI in Nuku’alofa, Tonga on 3-4 July 2015 at the invitation of the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga to Heads of Diplomatic Mission in New Zealand. She also joined Their Excellencies the Governor-General of New Zealand Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine Mateparae who invited the Ambassadors and High Commissioners based in New Zealand to travel with them on the Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 to and from Tonga. Ambassador Benavidez is accredited to Tonga on a non-resident basis.

She interacted with guests at the Official Welcome Reception hosted by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala on 3 July 2015. The solemnity and splendour of the Coronation Service and Ceremony of King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u at the Wesleyan Church Centenary Church and the festivity and joy during the Coronation Luncheon at the Royal Palace on 4 July 2015 were witnessed by the royal and esteemed guests and the people of Tonga.

On behalf of the Government and People of the Philippines, Ambassador Benavidez conveyed the heartiest congratulations to His Majesty King Tupou VI and the greetings and best wishes of H.E. Benigno S. Aquino III, President of the Philippines for the continued good health, long life, more happiness and greater happiness of His Majesty and His Majesty’s family and the peace, progress and prosperity of His Majesty’s beautiful country and hospitable people. “May the close friendship and good relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Tonga continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.

On this significant occasion, Ambassador Benavidez was also able to meet and interact with some of the leaders and representatives from Pacific island countries, the diplomatic corps, members of Parliament of New Zealand and other guests in Tonga.