Auckland Libraries Launch Book on Filipino Lives in Aotearoa on Independence Day

Auckland Council Libraries will launch "Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa: Filipino Lives in Aotearoa" on June 12, 2026, featuring personal stories of 14 Filipinos contributing to New Zealand's diverse society and celebrating Philippine Independence Day. The publication highlights Filipino community building, activism, and cultural identity in their adopted homeland.

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Auckland Council Libraries is set to host a significant cultural event on Friday, June 12, 2026, with the launch of its newest publication, "Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa: Filipino Lives in Aotearoa." This free event, celebrating Philippine Independence Day, will take place from 6pm to 9pm at the Ellen Melville Centre in Auckland City Centre, inviting the community to join in speeches, readings, kai, and fellowship.

The book offers a compelling look into the lives of 14 Filipinos in Aotearoa New Zealand, who are identified as trailblazers. These individuals are actively involved in building community, advocating for their people in the Philippines, and expressing solidarity with the indigenous Māori people (tangata whenua). According to 2023 Census data from Stats NZ, New Zealand is increasingly culturally diverse, with nearly 30 percent of its population born overseas, and Filipinos represent the third-largest Asian ethnic group in the country.

"Among Kinabuhi sa Aotearoa" brings together a diverse group of artists, academics, and activists dedicated to radical imagination and collective action. Their stories explore a shared legacy of care within the diaspora, underscoring the privilege and responsibility of being guests on another's land. This aligns with broader efforts by Filipino community groups, such as the NZ – FILIPINO STO NINO DEVOTEES TRUST, which works to promote Filipino culture and assist migrants in settlement.

The publication is authored by digital journalist and photographer Vivien Beduya, known for her podcast Bisaya Banter, and edited by visual artist and producer Marc Conaco, whose work often explores Bisaya culture. Contributors include prominent figures such as Ka Eugene of BAYAN Aotearoa NZ and Nic of AnakBayan, highlighting the community's active engagement in social movements. The choice to launch on Philippines Independence Day (Kalayaan) further amplifies the event's cultural significance, a day often marked by celebrations among the Filipino community in New Zealand, as observed by the Philippine Embassy.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the book for $32 on the evening. The launch serves as an invitation for readers to not only envision better futures but also to take active steps in creating them, fostering stronger relationships, solidarity, and community among Filipinos in New Zealand and beyond.