The Philippine Embassy and the Filipino communities in New Zealand greeted the news about the start of Philippine Airlines flights to New Zealand on 1 December 2015 with elation, excitement and appreciation. "This is indeed a groundbreaking and milestone development that will facilitate greater people-to-people connectivity and movement, tourism, trade, business and economic cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand," Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez stated.

Source:

http://www.philippineairlines.com/news-and-events/new-routes/ https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/Corporate/NewsAndMedia/AllMediaReleases/Auckland-Airport-welcomes-Philippine-Airlines-to-New-Zealand.aspx