New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh marked her first year in the Philippines “with meaningful connections and collaborations.”
PH, New Zealand unlock new milestones with envoy's first year
Published May 8, 2025 09:46 am
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh (Photo collage courtesy of Amb. McIntosh via X post)
The envoy posted a video and photo collage on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, May 7, showing the activities of the embassy in the past year.
“Some moments have an impact in quiet ways—through a conversation, a shared laugh, a community visit,” she wrote on X.
“As I look back on my first year in the Philippines, I carry these moments with deep gratitude. Here's to friendship, learning, and the road ahead,” she added.
Video clips from her previous media interviews were included in the video collage.
In the “Headstart” video, the ambassador was heard saying, “Ang pagiging ambassador ay hindi lamang trabaho kundi ito ay isang bokasyon at pagbibigay ng magandang bukas para sa lahat ng tao (Being an ambassador is not just work, but it is a vocation and providing better tomorrow for all).”
“Ang New Zealand at Pilipinas magkalayo man sa mapa, magkalapit naman sa puso (New Zealand and the Philippines may have long distance from each other on the map, but our hearts are close),” another video by Rappler said.
In another X post, McIntosh shared about presenting her credentials to President Marcos exactly a year ago.
“From Anilao’s reefs to signing the SOVFA (Status of Visiting Forces Agreement), it’s been a year of milestones, manaakitanga, and momentum. Grateful for the journey—excited for what’s next! #NZinPH,” she wrote.
Last month, the Philippines and New Zealand inked the SOVFA to establish a legal framework that will boost their defense ties by allowing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) to conduct joint military exercises.