The Embassy of the Philippines in Wellington joined the Pistang Pilipino 2015 sa Tauranga and provided Mobile Consular Services to Filipinos from all around New Zealand who came to enjoy the annual Filipino Labour Weekend Reunion on 24-25 October 2015.

Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa led the Philippine Embassy Mobile Consular Team, composed of Mr. Ed Matibag, Ms. Monette Garcia, Ms. Mary Bel Garcia and Ms. Ma. Katrina Ciara Garcia, in providing consular services for the benefit of Filipinos in Tauranga and the surrounding areas of the North Island on 23-25 October 2015. Our kababayans availed of consular services pertaining to the processing of e-passports, notarial documentations, reports of birth and marriage, dual citizenship and overseas voting registration.

Pistang Pilipino 2015 sa Tauranga featured a grand celebration of Filipino culture, beauty, sports, food, music, dances and other entertainment. The Tauranga Filipino Society Inc., led by Ms. Terry Nichols, successfully hosted the festival, affording Filipinos from all over New Zealand to gather, celebrate, share and showcase Filipino culture to New Zealanders, people from other countries and the wider community.

In her remarks during the Meet and Greet portion as well as the program proper of Pistang Pilipino 2015 on 23 and 25 October respectively, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Gonzales-Macaisa commended the Tauranga Filipino Society Inc. in taking up the challenge of organizing the event and bringing together thousands of Filipinos from different parts of New Zealand to highlight Filipino culture, talents, hospitality and camaraderie. She also took the opportunity to encourage all Filipinos, 18 years old and above, to take advantage of the Overseas Voter Registration process to register to vote and be counted in the 2016 Presidential Elections. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Gonzales-Macaisa concluded her message with an invitation for the Filipinos present to support and join Pistang Pilipino 2016 which will be held in Wellington.