News

Migrant Bus Drivers Rally in Auckland for Residency, Face Confrontation

A rally by migrant bus drivers in Auckland advocating for easier residency pathways was disrupted by a confrontation, highlighting their plea for lower English language requirements and certainty for their futures in New Zealand. The protest underlines the challenges faced by many, including Filipino drivers, recruited to address New Zealand's post-pandemic workforce needs.

September 16, 2026

Technology

Filipino-Founded LOKAL Launches AI Hotel Service 'Ely' for APAC Market

Filipino co-founded technology company LOKAL has launched "ely," a managed AI service designed to streamline operations and boost direct bookings for hotels across the Asia Pacific, with initial testing in the Philippines. The service aims to help hotels of all sizes leverage advanced AI to enhance visibility, manage guest inquiries, and reduce reliance on expensive online travel agencies.

September 16, 2026

Filipino-Australian Network Organizes Free Diabetes Awareness Run in Sydney's Bungarribee Park

The Filipino Australian Diabetes Support Network is hosting a free fun run and walk in Sydney's Bungarribee Park on September 19, 2026, to promote diabetes awareness and healthier lifestyles within the Filipino community. The event aims to provide culturally relevant guidance on prevention and management.

September 16, 2026

Grand Philippine Fiesta Kultura 2026 Set for Fairfield Showground in Sydney

The Grand Philippine Fiesta Kultura is returning to Fairfield Showground in Prairiewood, NSW, on October 4, 2026, offering a comprehensive celebration of Filipino culture, cuisine, and entertainment for the Australian community.

September 15, 2026

Foreign Students Fuel New Zealand's Slow Migration Recovery in July

New Zealand experienced a net migration gain of 5,200 in July 2026, with a significant portion attributed to foreign students, indicating a gradual recovery in the country's migration trends. This development holds implications for international students seeking educational and residency pathways.

Award-Winning 'Food Delivery: Fresh from West Philippine Sea' Documentary Screens in Melbourne

The acclaimed documentary 'Food Delivery: Fresh from West Philippine Sea' is scheduled for a special screening in Melbourne, Australia, this September, offering audiences a deep dive into the human impact of geopolitical issues in the region.

September 15, 2026

One Nation Proposes Drastic Cuts to Australian Migration, Targeting Students and Skilled Migrant Families

Australia's One Nation party has announced a comprehensive plan to slash immigration by 750,000 places over three years, with major cuts aimed at international student visas and eliminating visas for families of skilled migrants. The proposal seeks to achieve

New Zealand Centralizes Most Visitor Visa Applications Online Starting September 24

New Zealand's official government portal, Govt.nz, serves as a primary resource for immigration and visa information, including an important update for visitor visa applicants. From September 24, 2026, most new visitor visa applications must be submitted exclusively through Immigration New Zealand's enhanced Immigration Online system.

Multicultural Nelson Tasman Hosts Filipino Food and Culture Workshop in Motueka

Multicultural Nelson Tasman is inviting the community to a special "Kai & Kōrero" session in Motueka this September, focusing on Filipino cooking and cultural insights. Participants will learn to prepare traditional Filipino dishes and share a meal while engaging in discussions about Filipino heritage.

New Zealand Moves Visitor, Transit Visa Applications Exclusively Online from October 1

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will no longer accept paper applications for specific visitor and transit visas starting October 1, 2026, requiring all submissions through its enhanced Immigration Online system.

September 4, 2026

Pinoy Power 2026 Concludes in Melbourne, Boosting Financial Security for Filipino-Australians

Pinoy Power 2026 successfully convened in Melbourne on September 5, bringing together Filipino-Australian professionals for a day focused on financial security, wealth building, and career growth. The event, which has grown into a flagship networking opportunity, featured expert discussions and facilitated connections for attendees.

September 13, 2026

Australian Migration Pathways for Filipinos: A Guide to Key Visas and Requirements

Filipinos continue to be a significant migrant group in Australia, with various visa pathways available including skilled, employer-sponsored, family, and student categories. Understanding specific skills assessments and Philippine documentation is crucial for successful applications.

September 13, 2026

New Zealand Extends Post-Study Work Visa Eligibility for Graduate Diploma Holders

Immigration New Zealand is extending Post-Study Work Visa eligibility from November 16, 2026, to include graduates with NZQCF Level 7 graduate diplomas who also hold a bachelor's degree, aiming to align pathways with the country's skills needs. This move is part of broader immigration changes supporting international education growth.

September 10, 2026

New Zealand First Proposes Dramatic Overhaul of Immigration System

New Zealand First has unveiled a comprehensive suite of immigration policy proposals, including a referendum on capping resident visas at 20,000 annually, stricter birthright citizenship rules, and a 10-year welfare stand-down period for all visa holders. These reforms could significantly impact Filipino migrants and their families living in or planning to move to New Zealand.

September 11, 2026

New Zealand Labour Proposes Longer Residency Path, Undocumented Child Citizenship

New Zealand's Labour Party announced new immigration policies on Friday, September 11, 2026, proposing to double the time required for permanent residency while introducing a citizenship pathway for children of long-term undocumented parents. The proposed reforms also aim to strengthen protections against migrant exploitation and extend seasonal worker schemes.

September 11, 2026

Trade

Philippine Food Exporters Debut Dedicated Pavilion at Fine Food Australia 2026, Seek Partnerships

Eleven Philippine food companies, including four from the Bicol region, presented diverse products from pili nuts to mangoes at the first dedicated Philippine Pavilion at Fine Food Australia 2026 in Melbourne, aiming to secure distributors and expand their presence in the Australian market. This initiative highlights the Philippines' strategic efforts to bolster food exports and foster trade relations within Australia and Oceania.

September 4, 2026

Filipino Chaplaincy of Broken Bay to Host Cultural Showcase in September 2026

The Filipino Chaplaincy of Broken Bay will host a Cultural Showcase on September 26, 2026, in Waitara, New South Wales, celebrating its 7th anniversary and the 40th Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay, alongside honoring Saints Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod. The free event includes an Anniversary Mass, Filipino lunch, cultural performances from five Filipino communities, and a raffle.

September 10, 2026

Philippines and New Zealand Strengthen Labor Cooperation for OFW Safeguards

The Philippines and New Zealand have reinforced their migrant labor ties, emphasizing stronger safeguards, ethical recruitment, and fair treatment for Filipino workers as both nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. Efforts are ongoing to enhance worker welfare beyond just deployment numbers.

September 2, 2026