The commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal was celebrated by the Embassy of the Philippines in New Zealand with an exhibit of Dr. Rizal’s books, artworks, and photographs at the Embassy’s Consular Section where the Embassy’s visitors and applicants may enjoy and learn from the exhibit beginning on 18 December 2015. A timeline of Dr. Rizal’s life and works that recounted aspects of Dr. Rizal's life, his accomplishments and his enduring legacy to the Filipino people was also an integral part of the exhibit.

Ms. Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., led the Embassy’s officers and staff in a flag-raising ceremony at the Embassy Chancery on 29 December 2015 in honor of Dr. Rizal’s martyrdom. The film José Rizal, a biographical film directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya and starring Cesar Montano as José Rizal, was shown at the Embassy for the benefit of the children of the officers and staff of the Embassy as well as the Embassy’s visitors and applicants.

The Embassy’s commemoration of the 119th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal focused on the need for Filipinos overseas, especially the youth, to know more about their roots, history and values and engrave in their hearts the heroism, sacrifices and legacy of Dr. Rizal as well as the importance of promoting the country's historical and cultural heritage and resources.

The event culminated with a simple Filipino salo-salo.