As we step into November, I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all our community leaders across New Zealand. Your hard work, dedication, and unwavering efforts have been instrumental in fostering unity and camaraderie among Filipinos in Aotearoa. Together with the support of our local business owners and the community, we’re witnessing a vibrant, ever-growing Filipino presence that feels more connected than ever.
This past long weekend at the end of October, we came together to celebrate Piestang Pinoy, hosted by the Council of Auckland Philippine Organizations (CAPO). This nationwide celebration was held by Filipino organizations from the North Island to the South Island, with Auckland hosting the largest gathering. Filipinos from all over New Zealand attended, creating a joyful atmosphere filled with food, cultural presentations, and performances that showcased the richness of our heritage.
Since my recent move to Nelson, I’ve seen first-hand the unity that makes our community so special.
The Nelson Tasman Filipino Community Incorporated recently hosted a Variety Show and Sports Fest featuring basketball, volleyball, and other activities. This initiative, made possible by dedicated community leaders and volunteers, brought Filipinos together in a fantastic celebration of talent, teamwork, and friendly competition. As someone who’s previously volunteered with Club Filipino Tauranga Incorporated, I know how much passion and commitment it takes to keep these activities running.
It’s also important to recognize that organizing events of this scale isn’t easy, and I’ve heard some frustrations and feedback about certain aspects of the celebrations. While it’s natural for challenges to arise, let’s remember to be kind to one another and support our community leaders. They dedicate their time and energy to create these spaces for us to connect and celebrate our culture, and they deserve our appreciation and understanding.
Our Mission: Helping Filipinos Prosper in New Zealand
Here in Pinoys in NZ, our mission is to help Filipinos not just settle but prosper faster in New Zealand. We’re committed to addressing topics that are often left unspoken in our community—money and how to grow our hard-earned money. Through open discussions on property investing, starting a business, and financial growth, we aim to build a financially empowered Filipino community. We want everyone to feel comfortable discussing these crucial topics, recognizing that they’re essential for building a strong foundation for ourselves and future generations.
How You Can Support Our Community and Business Owners
Supporting our Filipino community doesn’t have to be complex. Here are some simple yet impactful ways you can contribute:
- Shop Local, Support Filipino Businesses
Seek out Filipino-owned businesses and support them by shopping locally. Whether it’s dining at Filipino restaurants, purchasing Filipino products, or hiring Filipino professionals, every bit of support helps our entrepreneurs thrive. - Volunteer for Community Events
If you have time, consider volunteering for local Filipino events. This is a great way to meet new people, give back, and stay connected with our culture. - Promote and Share
Word of mouth is powerful! Share about Filipino-owned businesses on social media or recommend them to friends. Supporting each other helps our community grow. - Be Part of the Conversation
Attend events, join community discussions, and stay informed. Whether online or offline, engaging with the community helps create a stronger, more united presence.
Here in Pinoys in NZ, we strive to support legitimate businesses that are actively giving back and contributing to our community. Let’s continue lifting each other up, fostering stronger ties, and making our presence felt throughout New Zealand. Together, we are building a supportive, thriving Filipino community for future generations.
Thank you once again to every community leader, volunteer, and business owner for your dedication. Together, let’s keep celebrating our culture, supporting our businesses, and growing our community!
