Who are we
Our mission
We promote social development through arts, community projects, outreach programmes, training and educational initiatives for the social inclusion and well being of diverse communities.
Our Vision
Our vision is to “empower multicultural communities”.
Our Values
Our core values are
Inclusivity, Empowerment, Compassion and Integrity.
What do we do
CATNZ is particularly successful at promoting community participation and cultural awareness through festivals and community engagement programmes.
We aim to achieve our mission through art activations, community services, outreach programmes, training, educational initiatives and projects.
People who make this happen
At CATNZ, we believe in building stronger and inclusive communities.
Our mantra is to Give & Grow
Francine Tan
Programme Manager
Francine is from Singapore. With a strong multicultural background, she is passionate about bringing people from different ethnicities together.
Priti Garude
Communications Manager
Priti has a passion for helping the diverse communities of New Zealand grow and thrive.
Praney Ly-Kemso
Cultural Advisor
Originally from Cambodia, Praney went to the Khmer Royal Ballet (classical dance) school in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. She runs the Khmer Royal classical dance class in Wellington where she resides. She has been involved in multi-cultural activities since childhood and loves working with people. Praney currently works at Inland Revenue.
Our Board
Sharron Cole QSO
Board Member
Sharron Cole served as the former Deputy Chief Commissioner of Families Commission, Director of Catholic Education and most recently as the Chief Executive of Midwifery Council.
Murali Kumar JP
Founding Board Member
Murali Kumar, a former Teacher from Singapore, has extensive experience working with diverse communities through his community engagement roles with Families Commission and Wellington Council. He also worked as a Relationship Manager with the Ministry of Social Development and most recently as a Place Manager with Auckland Council. Murali is currently the Centre Manager for English Language Partners. He is also the founder of CATNZ.
Sultan Eusoff JP
Founding Board Member
Sultan Eusoff served as a Diplomatic Officer with the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singapore. He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Islamic Associations New Zeland (FIANZ).
Dr George Thien
Board Member
Since joining the academia more than fifteen years ago, Dr Thien, a Senior Lecturer at AUT has taught papers in various disciplines, such as the professional Masters paper, Managing Organisations and People. Dr Thien is also the past Chair of the Auckland South East Asian Society.
