Welcome to the Filipino Dairy Workers in New Zealand Inc. (FDWNZ)!
Let's come together and strengthen our Filipino dairy farming community in New Zealand!
Who we are?
Founded in 2007 and based in Ashburton, FDWNZ is a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of Filipino dairy workers in New Zealand. Our mission is to provide essential support and guidance to our members, helping them navigate immigration processes, address employment issues, and successfully settle into their new communities.
Our vision
At FDWNZ, we envision a thriving, well-connected, and informed community that not only contributes economically but also enriches the social fabric of New Zealand. As the Filipino community and the demand for skilled dairy workers grow, we remain steadfast in our dedication to safeguarding the welfare of our members, ensuring they feel at home away from home.
Team Members
Our team will help you grow
Chairperson
Kristine Asuncion
chairwoman_kristine@fdwnz.com
Deputy
Mark Varias
Dpchairman_mark@fdwnz.com
Secretary
Lenie Manalo Ramos
Secretary_lenie@fdwnz.com
Treasurer
Cherlyn Gay Ilumin
Treasurer-cherlyn@fdwnz.com
Board Member
Acel Salvador Aguila
bd_acel@fdwnz.com
Board Member
Aline Ciron
bd_aline@fdwnz.com
Board Member
Ronnie Lopez
bd_ronnie@fdwnz.com
Board Member
Eric Tao-ey
bd_eric@fdwnz.com
Board Member
Dada Trinidad
bd_dada@fdwnz.com
Board Member
Antonio Reyes
bd_jun@fdwnz.com
Latest News
Stay tuned for informative, content that connects you to the world of Filipino dairy farmers in New Zealand.
Date: Jan 18, 2025
By: Gay Ilumin
FDWNZ Interzone Basketball 2025
Join us for the much awaited opening Ceremony of the 18th Season of the FDWNZ Basketball League.
Date: Feb 07, 2025
By: AWC
FDWNZ - AWC VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
Ashburton Warriors Club, in collaboration with FDWNZ, is bringing you Season 6 of PVL!
Date: Apr 20, 2025
By: Gay Ilumin
FAMILY FUN DAY Season 2
The Annual FDWNZ Family Fun Day is back and it's our 2nd Season. Open to the public let us enjoy the day with our families, friends and loved ones. Free food, games and live music. Food Sellers are welcome
FDWNZ INTERZONE BASKETBALL LEAGUE 2025 PLAYER OF THE GAME
Board Member
Eric Tao-ey
Eric has been dedicated to the dairy industry for 17 years, working with 8 different employers and specializing in contract milking for 7 years.
A devoted family man, he is married to Candice Padong Tao-ey, and they have 4 boys.
Originally from Bontoc, Mountain Province, and Baguio City, Eric is an active member of the Cordillera Canterbury NZ community.
Board Member
Antonio Reyes Jr.
Tony from Batangas has 14 years of experience in the dairy industry. He began without any prior agriculture background and previously worked for 10 years at Coca-Cola in the Philippines across different departments.
He transitioned from soda in the Philippines to milk in New Zealand, emphasizing healthier drinks.
He holds a degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and currently works as a Contract Milker.
Board Member
Maria Acel Aguila
Acel, originally from Bocaue, Bulacan, is a contract milker since 2017 and a devoted mother of five.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science from the University of Santo Tomas, which would enrich her ability to positively impact her community. Maria finds joy in baking and cooking, delighting in preparing delicious treats for her family.
Board Member
Raymond Daryl Troy Trinidad
Dada, a Registered Nurse from the Philippines, previously served as an Internal Auditor II at the Public Attorney's Office (Central Office-Executive Support Staff) for 7 years.
He arrived in New Zealand on March 31, 2023, joining Dairy Holdings Limited as a Dairy Farm Assistant.
His background in auditing and public service brings valuable expertise to his role as a member of the board and would contribute effectively within the community.
Treasurer
Cherlyn Gay Ilumin
Gay from Bulacan currently serves as the Manager at Lepoutre-Kroef Farm Ltd. and also holds a directorship at R&C Ilumin Ltd.
With a background as a certified engineer, Gay brings robust problem-solving skills and analytical thinking to her role as Treasurer of FDWNZ, where her expertise plays a crucial role in financial management and strategic decision-making.
Deputy
Mark Varias
Macky, originally from Alfonso, Cavite, has been actively serving his community since 2017 as a commissioner of the Basketball League for several years. He and his wife are proud parents of 4 children.
Mark brings extensive experience from his 12-year tenure at Al Marai in Saudi Arabia and another 12 years in New Zealand, all within the dairy farming industry.
Board Member
Ronnie Lopez
Ronnie, hailing from Valencia City, Bukidnon, began his career in dairy farming in Saudi Arabia from 2009 to 2011 before relocating to New Zealand in 2012.
Since 2017, he has actively contributed to his community, initially through basketball participation and later by sharing his talents in various community events.
Board Member
Aline Melitante Ciron
Aline from Legazpi City, Albay currently holds key roles: Managing Director at Roundtable Workplace Solutions, HR Manager at Jimenez Immigration, and Treasurer of the Ashburton Warriors Club, a sports group.
Her expertise in HR not only enhances organizational efficiency but also plays a pivotal role in community initiatives, underscoring her dedication to community development through her leadership roles.
Chairperson
Kristine Asuncion
Kristine moved from the Philippines to New Zealand in 2008, earning a bachelor's degree and postgraduate diploma in Commerce from the University of Otago. She has built a successful career in Human Resources while contract milking in Canterbury with her husband.
A dedicated advocate for immigrant rights and fair labor practices, Kristine supports the dairy farming and Filipino communities, all while running two businesses and raising two young children.
As the Provincial Junior Vice President of Federated Farmers, North Canterbury, she brings her leadership and passion to the Filipino Dairy Workers of New Zealand (FDWNZ).
Secretary
Lenie Ramos
Lenie, originally from Batangas, has been the FDWNZ secretary since 2015. She is known for her positivity and jovial nature, dedicated to spreading happiness within her community.
Together with her husband, Lenie has accumulated over 13 years of experience in the dairy sector.
They are proud parents of two boys and are planning to venture into contract milking next season, aspiring to advance further in the dairy industry.