In line with the objective of the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand to broaden its networking and linkages with the local authorities and officials of agencies who assist the Filipino community and resolve issues and concerns regarding their stay and work in Christchurch, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez met with Mr. Rex Gibson and Mr. Kevin Park, Manager and Community Liaison Manager, respectively, of the Christchurch Migrants Centre, Mr. Wengkei Chen, Treasurer of Christchurch Multi-Cultural Council and the Past President of the Federation of Multi-Cultural Councils, Mr. Wayne Reid, Health Partnership Christchurch, Ms. Delia Richards, Ms. Evelyn Petrie, Ms. Wainona Bolton, members of the Christchurch Multi-Cultural Council and Mr. Ahmed Tani of the Canterbury Refugee Council on 12 January 2012. Discussions focused on the various programs and help lines they are implementing to look after the welfare and interests of migrants and refugees in general and of Filipinos in particular. These cover settlement advice, service coordination, cultural support, information, assistance and orientation. In behalf of the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community, Ambassador Benavidez conveyed her deep appreciation and commendation to the Christchurch Migrants Centre for their invaluable assistance and vital support and highlighted the importance of the continuing partnership and collaboration between the Embassy and the Centre to help make a distinctive and positive difference in people’s lives.
Ambassador Benavidez likewise met with Mr. Duncan Sandeman, Manager-Civic and International Relations and Mr. Melinda Peris of the Christchurch City Council who gave an overview of the activities lined up for the memorial service for the victims and families of those affected by the earthquake which hit Christchurch on 22 February 2011 and the current state of the buildings and future plans and sites for the city. Ambassador Benavidez also called on Superintendent Gary Knowles, Canterbury Police District Commander, Inspector Derek Erasmus, Sergeant John Baines and Constable Li’Ying Cai and reiterated the Philippine Government’s deep appreciation for their assistance, support, advice and liaison services extended to the families of the Filipino victims of last year’s earthquake.
Philippine Honorary Consul Peter Wait and his wife, Sally Wait hosted a dinner at their home for Ambassador Benavidez, Minister Giovanni Palec, Consul-General Marcos Punsalang, Honorary Consul of Denmark Dr. Jorgen Schousboe and Dr. Mona Schousboe. There were lively interaction and fruitful discussions on various areas of cooperation between the Philippines and New Zealand, the welfare of the Filipino community and rebuilding efforts in Christchurch.
It may be recalled that Christchurch suffered much from the devastating earthquakes that hit the city on 22 February 2011. For the Filipinos there, the Embassy’s mobile consular service extended for the first time on 12-14 January 2012 and the presence of the Embassy team headed by Ambassador Benavidez who met local officials to reiterate the Philippine Government’s appreciation to the Christchurch local officials for their assistance and support following the earthquake meant so much to them.