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Auckland Cambodian Youth and Recreation Trust is a registered Charitable Trust (953880) as of March 1999. The aim of the Trust is to service the Cambodian community by providing various social support services, educational support for youth and recreational activities.
The mission of the Auckland Cambodian Youth and Recreation Trust is to provide:
“To contribute to the social, recreational and educational wellbeing of the Cambodian community” ........
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Chanmony Lim -
Administrator
Chanmony
is a mother of 2 children. Her skills in accounting and
office management is very needed for the trust . She worked
as a nurse assistant at Cambodian Refugee camp Khao I dang
and later worked in the Inland Revenue Department in
Christchurch before moving up to Auckland.
Chanmony previously taught Cambodian language to young
people in Christchurch.
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Trustees
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Lisa Ho
- Trustee Monitor and
Researcher (On
leave)
Lisa Ho - Trustee Monitor and Researcher She has worked
in the fields of social entrepreneurship, human rights
and the arts for the past four and half years.
In 2008, Lisa backpacked through Asia and fell in love
with Cambodia, her mother’s homeland. She then
spontaneously committed a year to working as the
Administrative Director in 2009 at Tiny Toones in
Cambodia (www.tinytoones.org) - an NGO using hip hop
arts to serve underprivileged youth. Upon her return to
NZ, Lisa founded Zyon Studio (www.zyonstudio.co.nz) to
help raise funds for Tiny Toones. The studio offers hip
hop dance classes in West Auckland.
In 2012, Lisa organised a ten day tour for 12 Tiny
Toones members including dancers, musicians, and its
founder to Auckland.
She has spoken at various events including the Christ
College Emerging Leaders' Conference, University of
Auckland Spark Roadshow Series and Future Dragon's
ichange. Lisa has also been a member of the Asia NZ
Young Leaders Network since 2010.
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Chakara Lim, QSM - Co
Chairperson
Chakara is the
founder of the Cambodian radio program in Auckland after
completion of his study in broadcasting media at new Zealand
broadcasting school. He has been working as a producer,
presenter for “Khmer Voice Samleng Khmer” since 1997, which
required lots of in dedication and hard work.
He initiated in
forming the Auckland Cambodian soccer team, and upon seeing
the need to have a proper organisation, he gathered soccer
team to create the Auckland Cambodian Youth and Recreation
Trust to help not just the youngsters but the Cambodian
community in Auckland. Chakara has been serving as its
chairperson on and off since 1998. He is a mover and shaker
in the trust, and his enthusiastic in putting Khmer Culture
present in the NZ landscape don’t go unnoticed.
Chakara was associate
producer for the film Brother Number One, directed by Annie
Goldson (2012) - film highlights human rights issues, the
search for justice and the trial of Khmer Rouge perpetrators
through the story of New Zealander Kerry Hamill. he made
many short TV stories on Asian community for Asian Down
Under and Asian Dynamic (TVNZ). Through radio, Chakara have
become the voice of Cambodian community.
Chakara is always keen
to help others and the force to bring people together. His
involvement in the Cambodian community is dated back since
the day he arrived in Christchurch in the 80s. Currently he
works for SKYTV and develope his ununpished work into screen
play and hope to make it into a film in Cambodia.
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Rotha Touch - Co-chairperson/Co
Secretary
Rotha Touch was a journalist and researcher for a
English newspaper “Cambodia Daily” in Cambodia. His
knowledge in information technology, accounting and
computer, is greatly appreciated by the Trust.
Rotha is also involved in the entertainment industry as
a freelance actor and entertainer. Rotha has had parts
in movies, theatre and has been instrumental in
promoting interpreting duties as well as helping
families and individuals. on urgent human problems . He
makes assessments on whether people need- taking to a
lawyer, work and income, the family doctor, or need
assistance at a shop in buying computers, iPhones,
electronic gear ..etc He teaches people on how to use
computers, use the internet and helped people into small
business.
He
also speaks on Khmer radio, often talking about social
issues and gathering opinions.
Rotha loves socialising during his spare time.
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Paul
Protheroe
- Trustee - Co Secretary
Paul Protheroe - Trustee - Co Secretary Been
involved in the Cambodian Community in Auckland almost
20 years through a personal relationship and an interest
in Cambodian culture. Now retired. Was a former union
official and NZ Post employee. Stood twice for
Parliament for the Alliance party. .Has published two
books of poems.
Paul
is also a qualified ESOL teacher and teaches at the Mt
Eden Remand Prison. Divorced, three children, 2 grand
children. Believes the Cambodian Community needs to
participate in the wider New Zealand society without
"losing its unique and ancient culture''. Regards the
Trust as a "catalyst" for stimulating Cambodians,
through its radios and sporting programmes... etc... |
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Amara Kevern -
Co-Treasurer
Amara Kevern -
Co-Treasurer She is married and a mother of a
three-year-old girl and a little boy. She teaches
languages at high school She is experienced in working
with students with a non-English speaking background,
through her work as a teacher with international and new
immigrant students.
Amara worked
as a volunteer in the Christchurch Cambodian community
in such activities as the Language Nest Programme during
the 80’s , Khmer cultural performances, translating and
liaising with government departments and directing and
presenting ”Khmer Voice”,
a radio programme for the
Cambodian community in Christchurch in the early ‘90s.
She was also the secretary of the Christchurch Ethnic
Federation in 1990 – 1992. |
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Marann Keo
- Trustee
Marann Keo - Trustee Maran is a proud mother of three grown
children who still retain much of their Khmer culture. Maran
says she enjoys assisting people with interpreting, advising
as well as giving time and support and useful information on
the radio.
She is a big fan of pre-war
era- classic Khmer music. We can hear Mrs Marann Keo on
radio on Tuesdays. Norina Kuy - Trustee A father with one
son, he is a home-care health worker. He has been helping
the Cambodian community in Auckland since he first moved
from Dunedin to Auckland in 1996. Initially he helped with
the Khmer Cultural dance group, then as a radio announcer, a
producer and even co-ordinator.
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Bin Song -Trustree
Bin Song is a
master of Khmer Kickboxing. He has been a strong member
of
Cambodian community for many years serving at Takanini temple.
His passion lies in combining self-motivation and
defensive skills training both for adults and the youth
of the next generation.
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Sokunlita Yi -Trustree
Sokunlita is an
active mother of two boys. Balancing her busy life
with her passion for music. Currently she is a lead vocalist
for the group "Reach Sey band" based in Auckland, New Zealand.
On top of this active schedule she finds time helping the Cambodian community in
Papatoetoe for which she thoroughly enjoys.
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Benjamin Brundle - Trustee
Benjamin originally born in
Ireland, is a world traveller and explorer settling in
New Zealand in 2013. With a Masters in Film and a Degree
in Media it has enabled him to journey to various parts
of the globe engaging with communities. In the Pacific
he has trained local youth in broadcast, and in India he
has worked with university students. As a Trustee he
wishes to help raise the charities' profile in the media
and reach the youth community.
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Dany Kim - Trustee
Trained as a lawyer, now a full time mother of 2 young children. Dany is very keen to assist the community in every way she
can, from helping people with transportation to advising
people on various matter.
As a Trustee, she services the Trust as a Trust secretary.
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Oudom Prak- Trustee
Oudom Prak, graduated from Cambodian University and is
proficient in the English language. He helped in
coordinating Cambodian migrants in finding work
overseas. He has
gained much experience working on a farm, a bakery, a
butchery and in a supermarket and distribution company .
He
is interested in Khmer classical music and dance –
drumming is one his passion. His contribution to our
Trust in cultural activities is very valuable and he is
always available to help the trust. We are delighted to
have him as one of our trustees. |
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Advisory Trustee
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Ratana SOM, (Cambodia),
Advisory Trustee
Som successfully completed a Master of Law (LLM) from the
Royal University of Law and Economics in 2007. A year before
that, he was awarded a Master of Arts in Journalism from the
Ateneo de Manila University of the Philippines. In 2002, Som
attained a Bachelor of Education in English (TEFL) from the
Institute of Foreign Languages of the Royal University of
Phnom Penh (RUPP), where he was also awarded a Bachelor of
Science in Biology in 2001.
Since 2004, Som has been
working as a lecturer for the Department of Media and
Communication of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. From
2002, he has also been teaching B.A. and B.Ed. students at
the Institute of Foreign Languages of the RUPP. Som was also
a visiting lecturer at the Royal School of Administration of
the Council of Ministers in 2002.
Besides teaching, Som
worked extensively as an administrator and media expert
assistant for a joint project between the Konrad Adenauer
Foundation of Germany and the Royal University of Phnom
Penh, and the European Union Election Observation Mission in
Cambodia respectively.
He
is currently the director the Department of Media and
Communication at the Royal University of Phnom Penh,
Cambodia |
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Dr.
Man Hau Liev, Advisory Trustee
Man Hau has recently completed a PhD
in Development Studies at the University of Auckland, and has worked as a
Senior Lecturer at AUT’s Centre for Refugee Education since 1991. His
CV is so extensive it is difficult to summarise, but includes work
experience with ethnic communities in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and
Eastern Europe, the publication of a number of academic papers, and
membership of numerous professional societies and community groups. He
is also multi-lingual; listing Khmer, English, French and Cantonese as
languages he has proficiency in.
Man Hau has had a deep involvement with Cambodian communities around New
Zealand for a number of years, and is keen to bring his wealth of
skills and experience to help with the Trust. |
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Sarath Lim,
Advisory Trustee
Sarath has an impressive work history in both the fields
of medicine and translation. While still in Cambodia he
worked with the United Nations and the Cornell Medical Team,
and since arriving in New Zealand in 1985 he has spread his
skills across Auckland, Greenlane, Starship, Middlemore and
North Shore hospitals. His specialist area is dialysis but
he also helps provide translation services to hospitals
across the Auckland region. Sarath has also been active in
Cambodian community groups here in Auckland since his
arrival, and is currently President of the Cambodian (Khmer)
Community of New Zealand Inc. We are pleased that he is able
to bring this wealth of knowledge and experience to his
advisory role with the Youth and Recreation Trust. Outside
of work his interests include sports, music and computing. |
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Meng Ly - QSM - Advisory Trustee
Meng Ly arrived in New Zealand in the early 80s as a
refugee. He was trained as a pharmacist in Cambodia, but he
had to work as a machine operator when he first arrived in
the country. Meng Ly is now a success business entrepreneur
and investor and an out standing community volunteer.
Meng Ly is on the Board of Social Services in Auckland and
many other organisations, Deputy Chairman of the New Zealand
Chao Zhou Association and the honorable president of the
Cambodian Association Auckland Inc. Mr. Meng Ly have four
successful children, all in medical field. |
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Kevin Chiv -
Advisory Trustee
A Graduate from AUT University Business School in Auckland,
holding BBus (Accounting & Management) GradDipBus (Auditing
& Taxation), Master Degree in (Accounting), a PhD candidate
in Taxation at the University of Auckland, and a former
student at both Royal University of Phnom Penh, Faculty of
English and National University of Management, Faculty of
Business in Cambodia
Immigrated to New Zealand in 2002, Kevin is now a current
member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants
CA College, working as an Accountant and Immigration Advisor
to the Cambodian community at JL Partners Chartered
Accountants and Business Advisors and Gate2NZ Immigration
Advisors firm.
Kevin’s career as an accountant began when he joined
American International Group (The American International
Assurance- the life insurance arm of AIG in New Zealand) as
Graduate Accountant in 2007.
Kevin is also a Part-time lecturer at UUNZ Institute of
Business, an education partner of the University of Southern
Queensland, Australia, lecturing Management Accounting
discipline.
He is inspired to participate in community work and has a
vision to promote Khmer culture at both local and
international levels. His interests include soccer,
badminton, gym, swimming and going out to see movies. Kevin
can speak English, Khmer, Mandarin Chinese, Chao Zhou, Thai,
a little of French and a little of Japanese
Currently president of the Cambodian Association Auckland
Inc. |
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Former Trustees
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Stuart Pidgeon
Stuart’s main job is
working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at
Auckland City Council, but he also dedicates a few hours
each week to teaching English to Cambodians living here
in Auckland. He is not a trained teacher, but having
spent 3 years in Cambodia from 2004–2007 his passable
Khmer helps him to communicate with students whose
English isn’t so good. While in Cambodia he called
Preah Vihear home, and worked there with the Mine Action
Planning Unit (MAPU) which still operates as part of the
provincial government. While generally quite busy,
Stuart tries to find ways he can usefully offer his time
to helping with the Trust’s planning and activities. |
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Kol Noun
He is amarried and is a proud father to his little boy.
Kol is a land surveyor. His outstanding contribution to
Cambodian soccer in Auckland is highly praised by the
Cambodian community in Auckland. He also generously
donated his time and skills surveying land for the
Cambodian Buddhist association in Auckland.
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Soriya Em
(BTech – Biotechnology, MSc – Biological Sciences) is
currently working as a contracts manager in the area of
commercial science research. Soriya represented New
Zealand at the Japanese programme: Ship for World Youth
2008, and was also a NZ representative at the UNEP
EcoMinds Forum (Philippines - 2005). She currently lives
on the North Shore, where she is on the committee of
another community based non profit organisation. Soriya
is interested in helping Cambodian youth to achieve
success in education.
Soriya is aways
available to help the trust.
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Jessica Macormick
Jessica is currently completing her Masters degree in
Social Anthropology at Auckland University. Cambodian
families and their strategies towards living
successfully within New Zealand society, as well as some
of the challenges and triumphs experienced in this
process are at the heart of her thesis. She is deeply
interested in all things Cambodian and hopes to travel
and work in Cambodia in the near future. Jessica's
background is in film production, having worked in the
film and advertising industry for several years. She
brings her research skills, enthusiasm and knowledge of
Cambodian culture to the Trust |
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Dr. Theary Thou
Theary graduated as a medical doctor from The
University of Auckland and is currently working at
Middlemore Haospital as a Doctor. He is passionate about
sports, in particular Soccer. Theary represented New Zealand
in the Junior All White Soccer team. He is interested in
learning more about Cambodian culture and way of life..
Theary conducted some work experience in medical practice in
Cambodia, which has motivated him to work closely with the
Cambodian community in New Zealand |
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Sokunthea
Som
is a mother of
2 children. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and
Arts at the University of Phnom Penh. In Cambodia, she
worked for various NGO organizations and not so long ago,
she also worked for Home Tutor Scheme in Auckland.
She worked for Adhoc Cambodian Human Rights, and also helped
as an interpreter during the UN organized elections in
Cambodia. Sokunthea has been assisting with teaching young
children, and is very keen to pass on her knowledge to young
Cambodian youth in New Zealand. |
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Robert Lay - Trustee
Robert Lay, BBS (Hons), MBA (with distinction)
Upon completion of his high school education from Preah
Sisovath High School in Cambodia, Robert moved to New
Zealand to pursue further education in 2000. Having
achieved a BBS (Finance and Economics) and a first-class
Honour in Economics from Massey University in 2004,
Robert decided to reside in New Zealand permanently and
chose his career in a banking industry. Robert has,
since, completed an MBA program (with distinction) and
is now a Relationship Manager at the ASB Corporate and
Institutional Banking.
Robert has been a member and is a huge fan of the
Kamarak soccer team since 2002. He was assisting the
management of the Kamarak soccer team in 2010. Now, as a
trustee, Robert hopes to contribute significantly to the
Trust which has been the backbone and the sponsor of the
Kamarak soccer team. |
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Dr. Lychhun Kouch
- Trustee
Dr. Lychhun Kouch was
born in Cambodia. He speaks fluent Khmer. He has been in
New Zealand more than 10 years and trained as a doctor
at the Auckland school of medicine. He received a
University of Auckland scholarship.
Currently he is a General
Practitioner in one of South Auckland clinics. Dr. Kouch
has worked in all the major hospitals in Auckland. His
interest is to promote the health of the Cambodian
community here in New Zealand and for the people of
Cambodia. He was part of the student health council
during his high school years.
He was also a
mentor for high school and university students and now
runs health workshops for the Cambodian community. He
regularly contributes to our radio program on health
topics.
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Norina
Kuy - Trustee
Norina is one of
the founding members of the Cambodian Ponleu Thmey Band
that started in 2008. Working for the community can be
hard, but Norina is happy to be part of it.
The trust is
fortunate to have him as a Trustee. His interest in
Khmer Cultural dance is crucial for the Trust.
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Seng Lee Liev
- Trustee--Secretary
Assistant
Seng-Lee is born in New
Zealand and is currently a student doing a degree in
Computer Science at The University of Auckland. Fluent in
English, he speaks Khmer and a bit of Cantonese.
He would like to see more
of our youth excelling academically. He specializes in
Information Technology, Hardware Technology, Computer
Engineering, Communications etc. Besides this he loves
Rugby, Soccer, and Basketball. He is no stranger to how
the community works as his family has a long involvement
in the Cambodian community here.
As a Cambodian Chinese
born in New Zealand, he is well equipped to help his
community here, both newcomers and the second generation
locally born. We are gladly to have him as a trustee and
contribute to the trust. |
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