On 4 February 2025, diplomats, government leaders, and business executives gathered in Makati City for the New Zealand Partners’ Night, marking the country’s Waitangi Day celebrations with a focus on deepening ties with the Philippines. Hosted by the New Zealand Embassy at the Official Residence, the event showcased growing bilateral cooperation, highlighted by recent high-level visits and cultural exchanges.

In her remarks, Ambassador McIntosh reflected on a significant year of bilateral cooperation. She highlighted the historic visits of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. “We are now moving towards a Comprehensive Partnership, an ambitious step towards a stronger and more dynamic future together,” she stated.

The evening also featured remarks from Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Climate Change Commission (CCC) Vice Chairman and Executive Director Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, who both underscored the importance of strengthening New Zealand-Philippines collaboration.

Several distinguished guests were present at the reception: Senator Mark Villar, Philippine Red Cross Chairman, Makati City Mayor Mar-Len Abigail Binay, former Senator Richard Gordon, Former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown III. Other notable guests were Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, Anti-Red Tape Authority Secretary Ernesto Perez, and Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo. Many other high-ranking officials from Philippine government agencies were in attendance.

Adding to the night’s festivities, Ambassador McIntosh and the New Zealand Embassy team performed traditional waiata [songs] in Te Reo Māori, Tūtira mai ngā iwi and Pōkarekare Ana, followed by a lively rendition of the Filipino classic “Bongga ka Day!”, symbolising the growing cultural ties between the two nations. The event concluded with a raffle organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise featuring quality New Zealand produce, including mānuka honey.