Philippine studies hub MOA signed

Filipino students at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in New Zealand may soon benefit from a new national center for research, training and community engagement.

Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Kira Christianne Azucena and AUT Vice Chancellor Damon Salesa recently signed a landmark donation agreement to establish the Philippine Studies Hub at AUT.

The initiative comes as New Zealand’s Filipino community continues to grow.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the hub aims to integrate Filipino perspectives into mainstream education, public policy, and national discourse.

“This is a timely response to the growth of the Filipino migrant population, now the third-largest Asian community in New Zealand,” the DFA said.

Ambassador Azucena said the initiative is not only for Filipinos but also for New Zealanders to better understand the Philippines — its culture, economy, history and politics.

In 2023, the International Development Program (IDP) reported that approximately 53,000 Filipinos were studying abroad, with New Zealand among the top five destinations. This number is expected to grow annually by 8 to 10 percent.

The Hub’s establishment also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and New Zealand, which began on 6 July 1966.