Filipinos love Wellington – and they love rugby

By Claire Murphy

Go to Wellington’s waterfront stadium any time there’s a big rugby match on and you will find more than one Filipino in the crowd.

Yes, people from the Philippines love rugby New Zealand’s national game.

And many young Filipinos are now taking to the sport like ducks to water, starting at school and moving on through the grades.

No Filipino has made it into the national side, famously known worldwide as the All Blacks, but that should only be a matter of time.

But it’s more than rugby that brings Filipino families to New Zealand’s Capital.

Wellington has a growing Filipino community at last count some 1,572 Filipino’s — not as many as other metropolitan areas but enough to add to the wide mix of cultures, with Newlands and Johnsonville proving most populist places to settle into.

One Filipino woman who came to New Zealand 21 years ago says she now regards herself as a Wellingtonian even though she is still proud of her Filipino heritage.

“I love Wellington although it took me a long time to get used to the weather, it can be real cold at times, especially when the southerlies come blowing through.”

But she says that aside Wellington is a great place to live.

“It’s got all the advantages of a big city while still being easy to get around, no traffic problems like they have in other cities. And being the political centre gives it something extra.”

For newcomers, community groups are an ideal way to keep up to date with annual events in the area and meet other Filipino families.

President of the Mabuhay Association Lonie Martin, of Johnsonville, is something of a Filipino role model for Wellingtonians. For her it’s important to represent the Filipino culture. She is the National Treasurer of Pan Pacific South East Asia Women’s Association and contributes to the Wellington Ethnic council.

As for social activities rugby is not the only game Filipinos have a passion for - basketball is on the agenda too.

Filipino Arlyn Rupita who has lived in the Capital 13 years says basketball has become a family activity, especially on a Saturday morning at Onslow College.

“My kids love going to basketball in the weekend, they love watching their dad play while I enjoy catching up with friends.”

Filipinos are finding ways of contributing themselves in one way or another, which has brought a real togetherness for everyone in the community.

Over the years Wellington has grown into a outstanding multicultural city.

The capital of New Zealand has also become the capital of culture. Whether you’re passing through the city or looking into a new move Wellington just might be the thing your looking for.