Filipino News Issue 170

Auckland - As more and more migrants
make New Zealand their new home, they
often encounter challenges when it comes
to settling into a new environment. Among
these challenges is the desire to create a
comfortable and inviting living space,
which includes having a well-maintained
outdoor area.
At a time where costs are high and the
planet is warming, Saturnino Requiroso,
from Turf Man Landscaping, is offering a
natural grass alternative that is both easy
on the planet and the wallet.
Requiroso is part of a new wave of
Filipino entrepreneurs that are taking
their ideas to the New Zealand market. He
brings a wealth of landscaping experience
to New Zealand, having worked in the
industry for over six years in the
Philippines and several more internationally
in locations like Dubai.
Requiroso has embarked on his entrepreneurial
journey by carving out a niche
in the market with his artificial grass
installation business. However, this venture
is not his first foray into the industry;
he previously ran a similar enterprise in
the Philippines.
The benefits of artificial grass are clear,
as Requiroso explains: “People are turning
to artificial grass because of less maintenance
and electricity savings. People
don’t want to spend time watering and
mowing the lawn, so with artificial grass
you can save time. And, with artificial
grass, you spend money only one time,
ISSUE 170 | ELEKSYON | www.filipinoheroes.nz | email: filipinonews@xtra.co.nz | www.filipinonews.nz | 07 BUHAY
www.filipinoheroes.nz : Over a 120 Filipino Kiwi Heroes have been recognised over the years by Filipino News NZ.
NZ
Serbisyo: Grassroots contacts boost
natural grass alternative business.
MASKRA FESTIVAL IS
BACK IN BACALOD
Saturnino Requiroso,
Turf Man Landscaping
then it lasts a long time. With natural
lawns you have a high water and electricity
bill.”
With less watering and mowing
required, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful
lawn without the hassle. Furthermore,
Requiroso says that his installations can
last up to 10 to 15 years, making one a
cost-effective and environmentally friendly
choice.
One unique
aspect of
Requiroso's
business is his
close connection
to and understanding
of the
Filipino community
in New
Zealand. "Most
of the people I
help are Filipino
houses with
nurses, because
they have no
time to mow the
lawn, no time to
water. They ask
for artificial
grass for their
lawns.”
These grassroot
ties to the
community are
what helps Turf
Man survive in
the competitive landscaping market in
New Zealand. “It is very hard, because
there is a lot of competition,” Requiroso
admits. “There are many landscaping
companies here. I'm small and I'm only
starting." However, he is persevering,
relying on word of mouth, social media
and the support of his fellow Filipinos to
build his business.
By Ricky Matthew, Migrant News
Reflecting on his journey, Requiroso
shared a comment about his passion for
landscaping: "I love landscaping and it's
always been the same whether I was in the
Philippines, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Saudi
Arabia. I've never changed my job. It's
what I do best."
His dedication to his craft is what he
hopes will propel him to the forefront of
the artificial grass scene in New Zealand,
making him a name to watch in the industry.
BACKSTORY: The rapid increase of
Filipino migrants settling in New Zealand,
a shade over 100,000 according to the
Philippine Embassy, has created a corresponding
increase in business opportunities
catering for this market.
Small business heavyweights who have
been honoured with the Business
Excellence Award at the annual Filipino-
Kiwi Hero Awards over the years have
included: Oscar and Mercy Catoto of Tres
Marias Trading, Edith Carpenter of
Planet Earth Travel, Jeths Lacson of
Epiphany Donuts, Lito Banal of Kiwi
Roofing and Marjorie Bennett of Boracay
Garden Restaurant.
A new generation of start-ups are getting
their opportunity to crack into the
Filipino and mainstream markets via
community events like the trail blazing
Halo Halo NZ (previously Fiesta
Filipinas) and other Filipino events.
Bacolod was recognized for Best Festival
Practices and Performances in the Aliw
Awards 2022 in December last year, with
the return of the Masskara after a two-year
hiatus due to the pandemic. (PNA)
The Food Festival that started it all in
Auckland is back - Halo Halo NZ!
To experience a Food Festival unlike any
other, check out details at our event website:
www.halohalo.nz
To participate as a vendor in the event
please text: 027 271 5948.