New Zealand MP underscores importance of Kiwinoy representation in parliament

A member of New Zealand Parliament underscored the importance of the Kiwinoy (Filipino-New Zealander) community being represented in the country’s legislature.

Member of Parliament Melissa Lee, a New Zealander of Korean heritage, discussed the importance of the Kiwinoy community being represented in the New Zealand parliament during a meeting with newly appointed Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, Jesus Domingo.

Domingo travelled to Auckland, the country’s largest city and business capital.

Lee is joined by MPs of Asian heritage in the country’s national parliament, including Chinese and Indian. Other MPs in the welcoming party, including Jami- Lee Ross, Simon O’Connor, Jian Yang and Parmjeet Parmar added to the expressions of support for the Kiwinoy community and the election of a Kiwinoy MP.

Domingo was invited by Philippine Consul General in Auckland Paulo Garcia to meet with Prime Minister John Key, Members of Parliament and the Filipino community.

Key, an Auckland native, welcomed Domingo and recalled their first meeting in Manila last November during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, and subsequent encounter in Paris during the United Nations Climate Change Conference last December.

The Auckland MPs, led by Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-IIga also welcomed the ambassador and expressed their appreciation for the important contributions of the Kiwinoy community to New Zealand.

Over 500 Filipino community leaders and members support the Philippine embassy’s plans and programs particularly for the 2016 celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Phl-NZ diplomatic relations.

The ambassador urged the community to make sure it votes in this year’s national elections, and for those who are also New Zealand citizens, to participate fully in the political, economic and socio-cultural life of their new home.