New Zealand praises OFW contributions to Kiwi society, community

Filipinos have been making significant contributions to the economy and society in New Zealand, the country's ambassador to the Philippines said Tuesday.

“What I am aware of to date is the incredible contribution that Filipino workers are making to both New Zealand's economy and our society, in terms of just what great people they are to have in our country, great workers, always happy, always willing,” New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Catherine McIntosh said at a media event in Makati City.

McIntosh, who spoke recently with Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, added that Filipinos are active in New Zealand’s healthcare, construction, IT, and dairy industries.

In particular, she highlighted Filipino workers who helped rebuild communities after the deadly Christchurch earthquake in 2011. 

McIntosh added that during the meeting between New Zealand Minister of Defense Judith Collins and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in April, the former extended her thanks for the growing contributions made by Filipinos.

“From 2001, it was just 10,000 [Filipinos in New Zealand], and by 2023, when we conducted our census, it had grown to 108,000 Filipinos in New Zealand, so [there was] a significant increase,” McIntosh said.

“The Minister actually commented on that it's not just that Filipinos integrate well into our communities, they enhance the communities that they belong to,” she added.

McIntosh and Cacdac also discussed joint labor committee meetings, refreshed key and bilateral agreements, improved cooperation between the two countries, and better provisions for Filipino migrant workers in New Zealand. — BM, GMA Integrated News