WELLINGTON, 27 March 2026 - Marking the occasion, The Philippine Embassy in Wellington and the New Zealand Embassy in Manila jointly unveiled the official commemorative logo celebrating 60 years of Philippines-New Zealand diplomatic relations.

The logo features a stylized figure "60," incorporating the vibrant flag colors of both countries. The design prominently integrates wave and ocean motifs, symbolizing the maritime nature of the Philippines and New Zealand, their deep connection to the sea, and their shared heritage as nations shaped by ocean-going ancestors. These elements also reflect the countries' common interests within the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Radiant elements from both nations stand out in the logo: the sun drawn from the Philippine flag and the Southern Cross from New Zealand’s. Together, these symbols act as guiding lights, illuminating the shared aspirations and forward-looking partnership between the two countries.

The launch featured a coordinated social media rollout, including a video showcasing the commemorative logo, messages from both Ambassadors, and photos highlighting key milestones and events in Philippines-New Zealand diplomatic relations over the years.

The video was released simultaneously on the official Facebook pages of the New Zealand and Philippine Embassy on 27 March 2026 at 8:00 a.m. PST and 1:00 p.m. NZST, respectively.

Beautifully crafted by two Filipino artists based in Wellington, Ms. Fara Manuel and Ms. Ar-Em Bañas, co-created the logo with the guidance of the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand.

Marking this shared milestone in their diplomatic relationship also invites reflection on its roots and evolution. Ties between the Philippines and New Zealand have steadily strengthened since the establishment of their diplomatic relations on 6 July 1966 on a non-resident basis. Bilateral relations were further deepened with the opening of the resident Philippine Embassy in Wellington on 9 October 1976.

Over six decades, the two countries have shared a common journey as island nations connected across the Pacific. They have continued to strengthen ties across a range of areas, including trade, defence, and maritime cooperation, while also positioning themselves to break new ground in climate action, education, and other initiatives that promote the well-being of their peoples. - END