Oztangi Day a great success

Around 400 Kiwis and Aussies celebrated their respective national days at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza on 31 January, at the Philippines’ first ever Oztangi Day celebration.

Falling on the weekend between Australia Day (26 January) and Waitangi Day (6 February), the event was organised by the Australia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (ANZCHAM), with assistance from the two countries’ embassies.

Adults enjoyed a sumptuous barbeque meal as well as the musical talents of New Zealand musician Karl Teariki, who came to Manila to support a series of ‘Experience New Zealand’ events.  Entertainment for the kids included a bouncy castle and a magician act.

New Zealand Ambassador Andrew Matheson said the event was “a great way for families to get out in the sun and enjoy a good kiwi barbeque”.

“We’re very pleased that the embassy has been able to support ANZCHAM to establish a joint national day celebration that, after the success of this year’s event, we’re sure will continue for years to come.”

Oztangi Day was the first in a series of events lined up for the week around Waitangi Day.  On Wednesday 3 February the Cheese Club of the Philippines will be featuring New Zealand cheeses and wines, and the New Zealand embassy will host a tourism-themed gala night at the Sofitel on Thursday 4 February.

Experience New Zealand is made possible by the support of the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Culture and Heritage’s Cultural Diplomacy International Programme