The call reaches many, but the honour is reserved for a rare few.

AUCKLAND – On Saturday, 7th of June 2025, Auckland Showgrounds will once again be the stunning venue for the Filipino flagship event in New Zealand – the Filipino News ‘Grand Annual Philippine Independence Day Commemoration’, where the spotlight will shine brightly on Filipino overachievers at the 8th Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards.

A beloved and long-standing tradition, the Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards organised by Filipino News is the most prestigious recognition program for outstanding Filipinos in New Zealand. It honours modern-day heroes who have gone above and beyond in their professional fields or in service to their communities.

Since its inception in 2014, over 150 outstanding Filipino-Kiwi heroes have been recognised for excellence in business, health, sports, arts, community service, youth leadership, civic engagement, and more.

“Our process for selecting awardees is deeply community-focused,” adds Mel Fernandez, editor of Filipino News NZ. “We rely on public nominations, interviews, and feedback from peers and community leaders to ensure we are honoring truly deserving heroes and not random individuals.”

For the first time ever, this year’s hero award show features the brand-new category – “Filipino-Kiwi Influencer of the Year.”

Introduced four years ago, the ‘Filipino-Kiwi Hero of the Year’ award represents the ultimate tribute to Filipinos in New Zealand. Recipients of unquestionable integrity who have progressed into the ‘Filipino-Kiwi Hall of Fame’ include Dr Lira Lecias (https://www.filipinonews.nz/featured/had-she-been-vaccinated/) and Ashburton’s high-profile advocacy group the Filipino Dairy Workers in New Zealand.

Among the heroes in the ‘Filipino-Kiwi Hall of Fame’ are ‘Chef of the Year’ Awardees Leo Fernandez, NZ MasterChef runner-up, and Angel Apun, a pioneer of vegan Filipino cuisine. The 2025 recipient is Gian’s Sorbetes, a family-run Filipino ice cream business that has made a name for itself across Auckland, even featuring on the shelves of Foodie Asian Grocery Store.

The Hero Awards are part of an all-day cultural extravaganza – Barrio Fiesta – expected to draw over 20,000 visitors. From 10am to 6pm, guests can enjoy hundreds of Filipino food and drink options, featuring dishes like Halo-Halo, Lechon, Batchoy, Chicken Inasal, and more.

NZ’s largest-ever showcase of Filipino entertainment including non-stop cultural performances, music from top Filipino-Kiwi artists during the ‘Filipino-Kiwi Music Awards’, and choreographed traditional fashion shows.

This massive Barrio Fiesta experience, bringing together community groups, local businesses, and information stalls in a true celebration of Filipino identity and unity.

The 2025 Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards and Philippine Independence Day Commemoration on 7th June 2025 is FREE to attend. There’s plenty of parking (free parking at Cornwall Park, 1 min walk), and activities will run from 10am to 6pm at Auckland Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom.

To book a stall or get involved, contact: ricky@include.co.nz | mob: 0277888090

or melfernandez@xtra.co.nz | mob: 0274958477

Stay updated at www.filipinonews.nz and www.fiestapilipinas.nz.

Save the date – June 7, 2025 at the mega Auckland Showgrounds – and celebrate our modern-day heroes!