List of ambassadors of the Philippines to New Zealand

Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to New Zealand
Sugo ng Republika ng Pilipinas sa Nuweba Selandiya
He karere o te Repupiripia o te Piripīni ki Aotearoa
Seal of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines
since June 13, 2023
Department of Foreign Affairs
Embassy of the Philippines, Wellington
StyleHis/Her Excellency
Reports toDepartment of Foreign Affairs
SeatWellington, New Zealand
NominatorPresident of the Philippines
Appointer
Term lengthNo fixed term
Inaugural holderPacifico G. Evangelista[1]
FormationOctober 9, 1976[1]
WebsitePhilippine Embassy, Wellington

The ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to New Zealand (Filipino: Sugo ng Republika ng Pilipinas sa Nuweba Selandiya; Māori: He karere o te Repupiripia o te Piripīni ki Aotearoa) is the Republic of the Philippines' foremost diplomatic representative in New Zealand. As head of the Philippines' diplomatic mission there, the ambassador is the official representative of the president and the government of the Philippines to the governor-general and the government of New Zealand. The position has the rank and status of an ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary and is based at the embassy in Wellington, the country's capital.

The Philippine ambassador to New Zealand is also accredited as a non-resident ambassador to the countries of Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, and Tonga.

Heads of mission

Ambassadors

Head of mission Tenure Note(s)
Pacifico G. Evangelista 1976–1986 Credentials were presented to Sir Denis Blundell on November 17, 1976. He served as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Wellington from May 1981 until March 31, 1986, when he retired from serving in the diplomatic service.
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 Credentials were presented to Jerry Mateparae (Governor-General of New Zealand) on September 15, 2011;[2] Tui Ātua Tupua Tamasese Efi (Head of State of Samoa) on November 13, 2012;[3] Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (President of Fiji) on September 10, 2013;[4] and Tupou VI (King of Tonga) on November 6, 2013.[5]
Jesus S. Domingo 2016–2022 Credentials were presented to Jerry Mateparae (Governor-General of New Zealand) on April 20, 2016[6] and Tupou VI (King of Tonga) on June 19, 2017.[7]
Kira Christianne D. Azucena 2023– Appointment confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on February 23, 2023.[8] Credentials were presented to Cindy Kiro (Governor-General of New Zealand) on June 13, 2023.[9]
Source: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Wellington[1]

Chargés d’affaires

Head of mission Tenure
Lolita B. Capco October 2003 – July 2005
Giovanni E. Palec October 2010 – August 2011
Querobine D. Laccay June 2022 – June 2023
Source: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Wellington[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Brief History of the Philippine Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, and its mission". Embassy of the Philippines, Wellington. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  2. ^ "Credentials Ceremony - 15 September 2011". Governor-General of New Zealand. September 15, 2011. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  3. ^ "PHL Ambassador presents credentials to Samoan Head of State". Official Gazette (Philippines) (Press release). November 27, 2012. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  4. ^ "PHL AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO FIJI PRESIDENT". Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines). September 18, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  5. ^ "Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez presents her credentials to the head of state of the Kingdom of Tonga". Embassy of the Philippines, Wellington. December 7, 2013. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  6. ^ "PHL AMBASSADOR TO NEW ZEALAND PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF NEW ZEALAND". Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines). May 6, 2016. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  7. ^ "Ambassador Domingo Presents His Credentials to the Head of State of the Kingdom of Tonga". Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines). July 27, 2017. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  8. ^ Bordey, Hana (February 23, 2023). "CA OKs appointments of PH envoy to New Zealand, 14 DFA execs". GMA Integrated News. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  9. ^ "June 2023 Credentials at Government House Wellington". Governor-General of New Zealand. June 13, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2024.