Waitangi: Power of unity

This week’s Waitangi Day celebration in Manila wasn’t just about honoring New Zealand’s heritage — it was also a timely reminder of how partnerships, rooted in trust and mutual respect, can drive change for a better future.

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, established a framework for cooperation between New Zealand’s Crown and its indigenous people.

Similarly, New Zealand’s growing relationship with the Philippines is creating a future bound by shared goals, collaborative progress, and a commitment to sustainability.

The essence of Waitangi Day — partnership, respect, and collaboration — is alive and well in the increasingly dynamic bilateral ties between the two nations.

Defense allies

The Philippines and New Zealand are on track to finalize a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement this year, adding another important defense partnership for Manila amid growing tensions in the South China Sea.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro anticipates the agreement will be signed by year-end, following a successful first round of talks last month.

If finalized, this would mark the Philippines’ fourth such agreement, joining the United States, Australia and Japan.

New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh affirmed the strong political commitment to completing the pact, highlighting the “productive and constructive discussions” held between officials during the negotiations.

World’s best

In a cheeky nod to the delicious potential of Filipino mangoes in boosting trade, New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh said: “I think mangoes here are the most delicious in the world.”

She recalled her recent visit to Mindanao, where New Zealand’s efforts to export high-quality mangoes are taking off.

But the trade winds aren’t blowing just one way.

The ambassador couldn’t help but tout New Zealand’s world-class wines, now gracing shelves in Manila.

“We’d love to sell more,” she said, before suggesting a perfect pairing of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with a fresh mango salad and grilled shrimp — sounds like heaven on a plate.

McIntosh shared the exciting news that the two-way trade between the Philippines and New Zealand has not only bounced back post-pandemic but has soared past pre-pandemic levels.

With a Joint Economic Forum on the horizon, she’s optimistic about further boosting trade and investment flows.

Her speech reflected the growing strength of the partnership between the two nations, fueled by last year’s visits from New Zealand’s Prime Minister Luxon and Foreign Minister Peters.

These visits, she emphasized, are a testament to the deepening friendship and the bright future ahead.

High-level diplomacy

The past year marked a turning point in this relationship, with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters making impactful visits to Manila.

These visits strengthened ties and set a clear direction for the future, paving the way for a Comprehensive Partnership by 2026.

Minister Winston Peters’ recent visit to Manila was another crucial step in strengthening the relationship between the two nations.

The visit included a series of significant agreements, including the launch of the I-LEAD program — an initiative aimed at empowering indigenous women and girls in the Philippines.

This program is a perfect example of New Zealand’s dedication to supporting gender equality and indigenous leadership.

The partnership also saw the signing of the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement between the New Zealand Defense Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and an agreement between New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and the Philippine Anti-Red Tape Authority to streamline business processes.

Pact on clean future

It’s not just the high-level diplomacy that’s fostering these deeper connections; it’s the people-to-people exchanges, the shared values, and the commitment to addressing global challenges together.

A shining example of this cooperation is increasing involvement of New Zealand in the Philippines’ geothermal energy expertise.

Four geothermal energy enthusiasts from the Philippines completed the Asean Geothermal Energy Project Management Short-Term Training Scholarship at the University of Auckland’s Geothermal Institute.

The prestigious program is part of New Zealand’s ongoing support for renewable energy through its International Development Cooperation program, which continues to offer postgraduate and short-term scholarships to Filipino professionals.

Erwin Durante, performance supervisor at Aboitiz Power Corp. AP Renewables Inc., expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing how the program provided invaluable learning in geothermal energy management.

His sentiment was echoed by Madelaine Cerio-Gongona, a geologist with Energy Development Corporation, who highlighted how the program expanded her understanding of geothermal resources and the women who’ve thrived in the industry.

The learning exchange has inspired many, like Joseph Nikko Mazaredo of Maibarara Geothermal Inc., to apply the knowledge gained in New Zealand to create a more sustainable future.

Vincejet Niño Ejera, Earth scientist at Philippine Geothermal Production Co., added that the program offered not only practical knowledge but the chance to connect with international peers who share similar challenges and solutions in geothermal development.

New Zealand played a pioneering role in geothermal development in the Philippines, and today, its technology plays an integral part in the country’s major geothermal sites.

This collaboration is a perfect example of how New Zealand’s expertise is benefiting the Philippines in tangible, impactful ways, with both nations working toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

Soft power

The people of New Zealand and the Philippines continue to build their own connections through shared cultural experiences.

For instance, New Zealand fashion designers were featured at the Manila International Fashion Week, showcasing their talent and leaving their mark on the Philippine fashion scene.

And of course, who could forget the thrilling basketball rivalry between New Zealand’s Tall Blacks and the Philippines’ Gilas Pilipinas?

Such events underscore how sport and culture are central to the relationship, highlighting the strength of the connection between the two nations.

Aid commitment

Moreover, New Zealand’s commitment to the Philippines in times of need was clearly demonstrated when it contributed NZD500,000 (P17,000,000) to support the Philippine Red Cross in its cyclone response efforts.

This humanitarian aid, made through the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Both countries share common values of resilience and compassion, and this partnership is built on solidarity in times of crisis.

People are core

These vibrant exchanges between the two countries demonstrate that New Zealand-Philippines relations are not just about governments — at their heart, they are about people.

The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 is fast approaching, and the groundwork laid by these ongoing exchanges will undoubtedly propel the two countries toward even greater cooperation in trade, climate action, security and beyond.

The Philippines and New Zealand are building something special, one that will not only benefit their own people but also set a global example of what strong, resilient, and forward-thinking partnerships can achieve.

The collaboration in geothermal energy, the cultural exchanges, the humanitarian efforts, and the continued diplomatic engagements all point to a future where New Zealand and the Philippines stand together — united by shared values and a commitment to creating a better, more sustainable world.

In reflection on the spirit of Waitangi Day, it’s clear that the foundation of New Zealand’s relationship with the Philippines is rooted in partnership, progress and respect.

With each passing year, the ties between the Philippines and New Zealand only grow stronger, and the future looks brighter.