A Historic Filipino Chapter in New Zealand Politics Comes to a Close
After two terms in Parliament, Paulo Garcia—New Zealand's first MP of Filipino descent—has delivered his farewell speech.
But his final message was about much more than leaving politics.
It was the story of a Filipino migrant family that arrived in New Zealand, experienced the struggles familiar to many migrants, and eventually saw one of their own walk through the doors of Parliament.
Garcia recalled arriving in New Zealand with his family and renting a home where they had to ration heating during winter.
Years later, the same Filipino migrant would enter Parliament and make history.
“Gratitude for the opportunity to take the Filipino migrant story in New Zealand all the way to Parliament.”
During his time as an MP, Garcia also had the rare opportunity to return to the Philippines representing New Zealand—including joining official government and trade delegations.
But behind the privilege of public office, he revealed another side of political life.
Garcia spoke openly about the hostility he experienced—being threatened, having objects thrown at him, nearly being run over, and eventually having to move house with his wife because of concerns for their safety.
His experience led to one of the strongest messages of his farewell:
Words have consequences.
He warned that when political language is used to divide people or encourage anger and suspicion, those words can travel far beyond Parliament.
His message to those in public office was simple:
Disagreement does not have to become hatred.
Firmness does not require contempt.
And leadership comes with a responsibility to use words carefully.
Garcia also paid tribute to Filipinos across New Zealand—from Kaitāia to Invercargill—acknowledging the community that supported his journey.
And perhaps the most Filipino moment came at the end.
After years of politics, meetings, campaigns and public responsibilities, he looked forward to something much simpler: more time with his wife, Malu; more unhurried coffees; and more time with family.
He concluded with a message that goes beyond politics:
Through all the challenges we face in life, may we find more reasons to smile, appreciate what we have, and be thankful.
His farewell ended with the Auckland Choral Ensemble performing Paraiso—“Paradise”.
From a Filipino migrant family adjusting to life in New Zealand to becoming the first Filipino New Zealander to sit in Parliament, that milestone remains part of our community's history—whatever our political views may be.
🇵🇭🇳🇿 Maraming salamat, Paulo Garcia.
A Filipino story.
A New Zealand story.
And another reminder of how far our kababayan can go.