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 well-being of the Cambodian community”
Chakara is the founder of the Cambodian radio program Khmer Voice Samleng Khmer in Auckland, where he has served as a producer and presenter since 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications from the New Zealand Broadcasting School in Christchurch and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Canterbury.
A passionate advocate for community development, Chakara initiated the formation of the Auckland Cambodian soccer team. Recognizing the need for a structured support network for Cambodian youth, he helped establish the Auckland Cambodian Youth and Recreation Trust in 1998. He has served as its chairperson intermittently and remains a driving force within the organization, championing Khmer culture and community engagement in New Zealand.
In addition to his community work, Chakara has made significant contributions to film and television. He was an associate producer for Brother Number One (2012), a documentary directed by Annie Goldson that explores human rights issues and the quest for justice through the story of New Zealander Kerry Hamill and the Khmer Rouge tribunal. He has also produced numerous short television segments focused on Asian communities for TVNZ’s Asian Down Under and Asia Dynamic.
Chakara is also involved in the Kim Hak ALive project and continues to be a vital voice for the Cambodian community through his radio and media work. Since arriving in Christchurch in the 1980s, he has remained deeply involved in community initiatives, consistently working to unite and empower others.
Currently employed at SKY TV, Chakara is developing an unpublished screenplay that he hopes to bring to life as a feature film in Cambodia. His enduring commitment to cultural preservation, storytelling, and community building underscores his role as a key figure in the Cambodian diaspora in New Zealand.
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.
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.
Bin Song is a master of Khmer Kickboxing. He has been a strong member of Cambodian community for many years serving at Takanini temple. 
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.
Born and raised in Cambodia, Lundi moved to New Zealand as a teenager to pursue his education. He began his journey at a local high school, embracing the challenges of a new culture and language with determination and resilience. His curiosity for science and love of food led him to the University of Auckland, where he completed a degree in Food Science.Outside of work, Lundi is deeply involved in his community. He plays football with local teams and helps manage Kamarak FC, a club that supports and connects young people through sport. In his free time, Lundi enjoys exploring New Zealand’s stunning natural landscapes—whether it’s hiking up mountain trails or uncovering hidden waterfalls, he finds inspiration and balance in the beauty of the outdoors.
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Today, as a mother of three teenagers and a successful co-owner of a thriving bakery and café business with her husband, Thyda has once again committed her time and energy to the Trust. She now serves as a trustee and Khmer cultural dance tutor, sharing her knowledge and experience with a new generation of young dancers. Known for her kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication, Thyda is more than just a tutor—she is a mentor, guiding and inspiring her students in both cultural practice and personal growth.
Thyda’s passion for the community is evident not only in her teaching but also in her willingness to go above and beyond. Whether coordinating dance lessons, ensuring young dancers are prepared, or even volunteering to drive the team in her beloved big van, she is always ready to support the Trust and its members.
