2024 FDWNZ CHAIRPERSON
Kristine Santos-Asuncion, the newly appointed chairperson of the FDWNZ, brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for the dairy industry.
Originally hailing from the Philippines, Kristine embarked on her New Zealand journey in 2008.
Kristine pursued a Bachelor of Commerce and later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce with a major in Entrepreneurship from the University of Otago in Dunedin. This education helped her develop smart strategies and creative ideas, which she now uses to handle the challenges of the dairy industry.
Kristine's career spans over five years in Human Resources, with notable contributions in both the Dairy Manufacturing and Dairy Farming sectors.
In 2014, Kristine married a dairy farmer. Together with her husband, she has ventured into dairy farming in diverse regions including the West Coast, Otago, the Waikato, Southland, and presently on a contract milking job in Canterbury.
Beyond her professional and personal achievements, Kristine's advocacy for fair labor practices and immigrant rights stands out.
She has provided FDWNZ valuable assistance in previous dealings with Immigration New Zealand and the Philippine Embassy. She also played a key role in strategizing how to address situations where other migrant dairy workers were being taken advantage of. Her invaluable assistance in navigating issues related to exploitation and immigration exemplifies her dedication to supporting and empowering dairy workers.
"First, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring this organization to where it stands today. Your efforts have built a strong foundation for us to move forward.
When I received the news of my appointment, I was surprised. However, the support from FDWNZ, various dairy farming industry groups, and community leaders has been incredibly encouraging.
While I am aware of the challenges and responsibilities of this role, my commitment to the betterment of Filipino dairy farmers and our farming communities is far greater.
In this role, I will focus on three key areas: settlement support, community integration, and advocacy.
- Providing settlement support will help our farmers transition smoothly and thrive in their new environments.
- Community integration will foster a sense of belonging and unity among us, strengthening our collective resilience.
- Advocacy will ensure that our voices are heard and our needs are addressed at every level.
To achieve these goals, we must work together. Collaboration and unity are vital to creating a thriving and sustainable dairy industry.
Thank you, and I look forward to working with you all!"
Kristine š·
Welcome to the Filipino Dairy Workers in New Zealand Inc. Blog section
At FDWNZ, we believe in the power of community and engagement. We organize a wide range of activities and events to support and celebrate our members.
FDWNZ is committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of Filipino dairy workers. We have successfully lobbied for mobile consular services, amnesty for those caught in scams, and better residency pathways. Our involvement in research projects, such as those conducted by Massey University and Lincoln University, aims to improve working conditions and integration for migrant dairy workers.
