‘Pinoys valued immigrants in NZ’

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos are valued migrants in New Zealand, particularly in Christchurch where they mostly comprise the newest influx of skilled workers, according to the country’s immigration minister.

Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia Benavidez said that Michael Woodhouse, New Zealand’s minister of immigration and veteran’s affairs and associate minister of transport, acknowledged that Filipinos are valued migrants in New Zealand, especially in Christchurch that was devastated by an earthquake in 2011.

Woodhouse made the comment when Benavidez called on him last Aug. 28 to promote closer ties between the Philippine embassy in Wellington and New Zealand government.

Their discussions focused on the increasing numbers and preference for skilled Filipinos in Christchurch and the collaborative efforts of the Philippines and New Zealand for the equitable treatment and smooth entry of Filipinos in Christchurch.

Benavidez discussed with Woodhouse the steps being taken by concerned Philippine agencies to address the recruitment and deployment of Filipino skilled manpower to Christchurch.

Woodhouse said he looks forward to collaborating with the Philippine embassy in communicating the importance of skilled Filipino workers, their welfare and safety in New Zealand.