Meet The President

Meet the President

Tyrone Anaru Witehira

As President in MANZA’s 75th year, I see my role as a steward of a long-standing and valued community. For decades, MANZA has brought people together through friendship, shared experiences, and a shared sense of belonging — something made possible by the many members, volunteers, and committees who have guided it across generations.

Founded in 1951, MANZA has grown from a small group of Australian and New Zealand families into a respected and enduring community in Kuala Lumpur. This 75-year milestone reflects not only its history, but its resilience — shaped by those who have supported it through changing times and challenges.

When I first arrived in Malaysia in 2014, MANZA was one of the first places I turned to. It’s where people connect, build genuine relationships, and find a sense of home away from home. Today, that role remains just as important.

As a New Zealander of Māori heritage, I value the importance of whakapapa — lineage, continuity, and connection. Community is not built overnight; it is carried forward by the people within it.

Now, as we mark 75 years, our focus is not only on honouring the past, but on shaping the future — strengthening our community, growing membership, and ensuring MANZA remains welcoming, relevant, and active for years to come.