By Ricky Matthew In a foreign land that scarcely echoes the familiarity of home, Filipino migrants often find themselves navigating a delicate balance between assimilation and preserving their cultural identity. Yet, through the veins of every Filipino-Kiwi runs a spirit of patriotism and cultural pride that is undeniable. Over the last decade the Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards has recognised countless Filipinos for their contributions to the community or success in their respective fields. Adjusting to a wildly different culture and having to fight to surv ..read more

By Ricky Matthew AUCKLAND – The distance between New Zealand and the Philippines is nearly 8000km, but what separates Filipinos from their homeland is more than just a 16-hour flight or a 900-hour jeepney ride. Filipino migrants in New Zealand find themselves so far from their homeland that it can be difficult to find a space to immerse themselves and their children in the Filipino culture. The longing to connect with their cultural roots shines a light on the importance of community events to help keep patriotic spirit burning. “An event commemorating Philippine Independence Day can help reig ..read more

By Ricky Matthew Photo credit: Allan Macala CHRISTCURCH – Beauty pageants have evolved significantly in recent years, transitioning from a narrow focus on physical appearance to encompass broader values such as community service and social impact. This shift reflects a growing awareness of societal issues like body dysmorphia and mental health. One beauty queen, Hillary Harris from Christchurch with Kiwi/European, Māori and Filipino heritage, has been involved in beauty pageants from a young age and is now making a return to the stage. However, her passion goes beyond showing of her appearance ..read more

above: Delia Richards (centre). photo supplied. By Ricky Matthew CHRISTCHURCH – In the heart of Christchurch, a celebration of Philippine culture takes place every year. The brainchild of Delia Richards, Philippines Day has become a cornerstone of cultural exchange, fostering connections between the Filipino community and the diverse population of Christchurch. Delia is the founder of Philippine Culture and Migrant Services and has been involved in the Filipino community for decades and continues to promote Philippine culture to Filipino youth and the wider community. “The organisation was set ..read more

Georgia waves to a crowd. She is wearing a large silver and red crown, a sash saying ‘MISS NEW ZEALAND’, and a cloak of feathers. Part of Georgia Waddington’s campaign for Miss New Zealand involved ambassador work for mental health charity I Am Hope and sexual violence victims’ trust Brave. Photo: Supplied Current Miss New Zealand Georgia Waddington says the role is about so much more than just beauty, while also giving her the chance to “learn so much about yourself”. Waddington was crowned Miss New Zealand last year at the age of 22. Originally from Christchurch and now living up north in Ca ..read more

By Ricky Matthew AUCKLAND – In a country where migrants often find themselves compelled to make a career shift due to factors such as a lack of local experience and outdated skills, one immigrant’s transition from the field of Information Technology (IT) to the cleaning business has been a noteworthy example of adaptability. Billy Candari, the founder of Royal Clean, a burgeoning cleaning business based in Auckland, reflects on his career journey and the challenges he faced. He remembers the early days of Royal Clean, which began in 2018 as a window cleaning business. “We started with window c ..read more

By Ricky Matthew AUCKLAND – Just like in the Philippines, Filipino pageants in New Zealand are becoming a source of pride for Filipinos all around the country. It is evident that communities are eager to get involved in uplifting contestants and supporting them with learning about their cultural heritage. “Beauty pageants are like sporting events for Filipinos,” says Maricel Weischede, proud mother of the Miss Philippines NZ 2003 winner, Katharina Weischede. “Just like an athlete needs a team of coaches and trainers, Katharina had a team of passionate supporters who helped her win the crown a ..read more

By Ricky Matthew cover: Forced labour, however, remains the most significant issue in New Zealand, as industries like horticulture and construction exploit the shortage of labour. stock photo. AUCKLAND – Another day, another report about widespread migrant exploitation is uncovered in Aotearoa. “There seems to be no let-up in the number of horror stories that workers, migrant groups and trade union representatives are bringing to the attention of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, NZ Immigration Service, Inland Revenue Department and media channels,” says Mel Fernandez, a mig ..read more

Plummeting prices make lamb the meat of choice this Christmas. By Mel Fernandez, Food Editor – www.halohalo.nz AUCKLAND – Surprisingly Santa’s resounding ‘Ho Ho Ho’ has been supplanted by ‘Baa, Baa, Baa’ – because there has been a significant change in meat choice for Christmas lunch across Aotearoa. In Asian households for example, ham has traditionally been the go-to meat of choice for Christmas feasting. But this year an interloper has given ham the elbow. No, it is not turkey that we will be gobbling down but instead it is lamb roast that will feature as part of the Christmas spread. In th ..read more

1. Rollercoaster pricing or fake sales: The terms ‘rollercoaster pricing’ and ‘fake sales’ refer to a strategy where retailers incrementally increase a product’s price and then abruptly lower it, promoting a discount based on this inflated price.  2. Yo-Yo Pricing: Here, prices fluctuate frequently, sometimes even within days or weeks. Retailers might present these as limited time offers to stimulate quick sales.  3. Bundle Pricing: Retailers offer an item for free or at a discount with the purchase of another product. However, the price of the main item might be incre ..read more