Philippine Embassy History and Mission

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and New Zealand were formally established on 06 July 1966 on a non-resident basis. From 1966 to 1976, the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Australia exercised diplomatic and consular jurisdiction over New Zealand.

The resident Philippine Embassy to New Zealand in Wellington (Wellington PE) was officially established on 09 October 1976. The following served as Philippine Ambassadors in Wellington:

  • Pacifico G. Evangelista (1976-1986);
  • Eduardo J. Montilla (1986-1990);
  • Ernesto V. Llamas (1990-1993);
  • Vesta R. Cuyugan (1993-1996);
  • Alicia C. Ramos (1996-2002);
  • Francisco F. Santos (2002-2003);
  • Bienvenido V. Tejano (2005-2010);
  • Virginia H. Benavidez (2011-2015);
  • Jesus S. Domingo (2016-2022).

The current Head of Post, Her Excellency Kira Christianne D. Azucena, assumed office in June 2023. The Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand has concurrent jurisdiction over the Cook Islands and Niue, and oversight jurisdiction over Tokelau.

Wellington PE is assisted in its work by Honorary Consulates in Auckland and Christchurch in New Zealand.

To support the Filipino migrant workers in New Zealand and in other countries under its jurisdictions, a Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), now known as the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), was established in Wellington in November 2019. The office was formally launched by then Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Silvestre H. Bello III, then Administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Bernard P. Olalia, and then Ambassador Jesus S. Domingo.

Following the opening of the Philippine Embassy in Fiji (Suva PE) in January 2026, jurisdictions over Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, as well as consular jurisdiction over French Polynesia, were transferred from Wellington PE to Suva PE. The Honorary Consulate in Fiji was likewise dissolved.

As the Philippine Government’s principal representative in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau, Wellington PE continues to promote and uphold the interests of the Philippines and the Filipino people in these countries and territories. Wellington PE’s continuing mission is to:

  • Promote and enhance diplomatic relations with the countries and territories under the Embassy’s jurisdiction through the following:
    1. Pursue political, defense, security and maritime cooperation
    2. Boost trade, tourism and investments, and promote economic cooperation
    3. Promote Philippine Culture and People-to-People exchanges
  • Protect and promote the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipinos based in New Zealand, Cook Island, Niue and Tokelau; and
  • Provide quality consular services to the Embassy’s various clients.