Recognising the increasing contribution of Filipinos in New Zealand, an independent group of Filipino researchers launched the Philippine Studies Network Aotearoa New Zealand through an inaugural forum on 1 July 2024 at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland.

Bringing together stakeholders from civil society, government, industry, and academia, the forum featured multi-disciplinary perspectives on engaging the Filipino community and advancing Philippine Studies in New Zealand.

Dr. Sarah Jane Lipura, Network convenor, emphasised that mainstreaming research and studies about the Philippines – New Zealand’s partner for nearly 60 years – was timely. Lipura said, “Beyond the perception of Filipinos as friendly and hardworking, deeper knowledge of and engagement with the Philippines is lacking in the New Zealand context. Recognising this gap, the Network hopes to encourage collaborations between researchers and sectoral stakeholders across the motu to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and advocacy.” 

Indeed, the Network anticipates the policy implications of its intended research outcomes. Its initial partnership with the University of Auckland’s Te Whare Marea Tātari Kaupapa | Public Policy Institute (PPI) as co-organiser and co-sponsor of the forum dovetails with this foresight. “The establishment of the Philippine Studies Network of Aotearoa New Zealand this year couldn't be more timely or more relevant. We are witnessing a renewed interest from government, from scholars and businesses in New Zealand and beyond, around the important role that Southeast Asia undertakes in regional economic, political and environmental resilience, governance and sustainability. The connection between the Philippines and New Zealand is a critical part of future successes,” says Professor Jennifer Curtin, Director of the Public Policy Institute. PPI has been established to foster independent, critical research on key policy issues affecting New Zealand, the Asia Pacific, and the global community.

Technical Assistance and Management Services New Zealand Limited (TeAMSNZ) was another co-sponsor of the forum. TeAMSNZ trains and mentors next generation of researchers and professionals through grants’ applications, study visits, research, and program implementation designs. Dr. Maricar Bautista, TeAMSNZ Director and the Network’s co-convenor, stated that “it is a privilege to support the work of our scholars and creatives whose diverse expertise and experiences will enhance the impact of Philippine Studies in New Zealand.”

Outward-looking, the Network aspires to contribute to the promotion of Philippine Studies globally, drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in Australia and also in universities in Europe and Asia. “We look forward to engaging with researchers from other regions and promoting synergy across related initiatives especially in Oceania – home to many Filipinos,” Lipura added.  

Welcoming the delegates was (Acting) Deputy Dean Dr. Lindsay Diggelmann of the Faculty of Arts, University of Auckland, where the forum was held. Also in attendance was Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand, Her Excellency Kira Christianne D. Azucena, who described the forum and Network launch a “historic event.” Ambassador Azucena expressed support for the Network’s future initiatives.

The inaugural forum working group is composed of Dr. Maricar Bautista, Dr. Sarah Jane Lipura, Dr. Harold Aquino, Dr. Gay Marie Francisco, Dr. Maileenita Penalba, doctoral candidates Joeven Castro and Louise Anne Salas.

For more information on the forum and the network, especially the panel of speakers, visit https://www.philstudies.org.nz/forum-2024.

Media Feature: Closing the NZ-PH Knowledge Gap (Asia Media Centre)