On Feb. 4, New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh opened the doors of the New Zealand Official Residence in Makati for the New Zealand Partners’ Night and to commemorate Waitangi Day, a day to honor Aotearoa New Zealand’s heritage, identity, and sense of partnership.
“Tonight, we celebrate our partnership with the Philippines and thank you, each one of you, for your valuable contribution. We are so grateful for your support,” said Ambassador McIntosh.
Reflecting on a year of significant bilateral cooperation, Ambassador McIntosh highlighted the historic visits of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. She stated, “Their visits reinforced what we already knew — our friendship is strong, and the road ahead is full of promise. We are now moving towards a comprehensive partnership. This ambitious step reflects the trust and opportunities that define our ties. It reflects the priority New Zealand is placing on the Philippines. It’s a call for us to drive progress across four pillars: political relationships, trade and climate, defense and people links.”
“Trade continues to grow. In fact, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr. set a goal to increase two-way trade by 50 percent by 2030. We are proud to see New Zealand companies achieving success here – such as Shott Beverages, Manuka Health, Comvita, and Kingson Rockit Apples here tonight,” she added.
New Zealand and the Philippines stand together in supporting a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. New Zealand’s participation last September in the Maritime Cooperation Activity alongside the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the U.S. demonstrated this commitment. They are now moving towards a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, and Ambassador McIntosh said she was excited to witness the first negotiating round a couple of weeks ago.
She also mentioned the communities they helped prepare for natural disasters, the Manaaki New Zealand scholarships offered to young leaders, and their new flagship development program, I-LEAD, which will connect Indigenous women with Māori to share lessons on governance of ancestral domains. She added, “I see it in the vibrant exchanges of culture—New Zealand fashion designers leaving their mark at Manila International Fashion Week, and the nail-biting basketball match between the Tall Blacks and the mighty Gilas Pilipinas. I still have the chant ringing in my ears: ‘Laban Pilipinas!’ These connections remind us that diplomacy isn’t just about governments — it’s about people, about friendships that transcend borders.”
She likewise mentioned the enjoyable times she had been experiencing, like President Marcos gifting Prime Minister Luxon his own Funko Pop! Jollibee at a meeting in Laos in October, experiencing the stunning landscapes of Anilao and Isabela, and even navigating the vibrant maze of Divisoria in search of the perfect Filipiniana. At the recent Vin d’Honneur at Malacañang, she had fun sharing her visit to “Divi” with the first lady.
She concluded her speech by saying, “So today, as we commemorate Waitangi Day, let us also celebrate the friendships, the shared journeys, and the boundless horizons that lie ahead. Here’s to our countries, to the incredible people who make this relationship thrive, and to the bright future we are building together. Kia ora, padayon, maraming salamat po at mabuhay!”
Adding to the night’s festivities, Ambassador McIntosh, together with the New Zealand Embassy team, performed traditional waiata in Te Reo Māori, “Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi” and “Pōkarekare Ana,” followed by a lively rendition of the Filipino classic “Bongga Ka Day!”
