Minahasa · Manado · North Sulawesi — in Aotearoa
Torang samua basudara.
Kawanua New Zealand unites Kawanua people and friends of North Sulawesi across New Zealand — as one family, since 2013.
About us
A home away from home for the Kawanua people
Kawanua New Zealand is a non-profit incorporated society of the Indonesian Manadonese community, formally established in Auckland on 1 April 2013 to unite all Kawanua people living in New Zealand.
Our members mainly come from the Minahasa people of North Sulawesi, in the northern part of central Indonesia. Its capital is Manado — which is why Kawanua people are also known as Manadonese.
We welcome every Kawanua in Aotearoa — and anyone of any background with a special interest in our community and North Sulawesi — to join and support us.
One lives to give life to others.
Mutual aid — we work together and help each other.
Torang samua basudara — we are all family.
Our objectives
- Foster unity among members in a family atmosphere.
- Develop Kawanua people in NZ to be critical, creative and responsible.
- Promote Minahasan arts and culture in New Zealand.
- Build close, harmonious ties with the NZ government and local communities, and embrace local culture.
What we stand for
- Social and familial — open to all Kawanua, generation to generation.
- Trust, honesty and good ethics.
- Respect for Pancasila and the values of Indonesia, and for Western and Māori culture in New Zealand.
- Present across New Zealand, with groups in every major city.
Pengurus
Committee 2025–2027
Volunteers who keep the Kawanua family connected.
Committee history since 2013
2023–2025
Ketua: Della Way (2023–Jun 2024), Eriana Sudrajat (Jul 2024–2025) · Wakil: Eriana Sudrajat · Sekretaris: Ine Sompie, Marisa Tombokan · Bendahara: Santia Bernard, Heidy Lumintang2021–2023
Ketua: Marisa Tombokan · Sekretaris: Sandra Tuju · Bendahara: Selly Manicad · Penasehat: Ronald Sorongan, Grace Prasad2019–2021
Ketua: Della Way · Wakil: Nancy Lumintang · Sekretaris: Suzanna Jean · Bendahara: Sendy Rondonuwu2017–2019
Ketua: Adhianto Utomo · Wakil/Sekretaris: Carla Woodman · Bendahara: Sendy Rondonuwu · Acara: Ine Pingkan Sompie, Suzanna Jean2015–2017
Chair: Ine Pingkan Sompie · Deputies: Jeffry Liando, Susy Sanders, Syully Dobson, Carla Woodman · Secretary: Dian Budiman · Treasurer: Yanti Utomo · PR: Adhi Utomo2013–2015
Chair: Yance Tumundo · Vice: Michael Tenglewier · Deputies: Ronald Sorongan (AKL), Jeffry Liando (WLG), Susy Sanders (CHC) · Secretaries: Sandra Tuju, Carla Woodman · Treasurers: Yanti Utomo, Nelli SoronganEvents
Moments we've shared
Christmas services, anniversaries, Kawanua Nights and festivals across Aotearoa. Members see upcoming events and RSVP in the members area.
Our roots
North Sulawesi, Minahasa & Manado
North Sulawesi (Sulawesi Utara) sits in the northern part of central Indonesia. Its capital, Manado, is the heart of the Minahasa people — known for warm hospitality, music, strong faith and great food.
Through Kawanua New Zealand we keep this culture alive in Aotearoa, and share it with our New Zealand neighbours.
Kawanua around the world
- Kerukunan Keluarga Kawanua — national organisation in Indonesia
- Kawanua Se Dunia — international organisation
- indo.nz — Indonesian community in NZ
- detikNews — "Bertemu Kawanua di Negeri Kiwi" (2013)
Become an anggota
Membership is open to all Kawanua in New Zealand and friends of North Sulawesi. Sign in with your Google account — the committee will approve you.
Join with Google- Open anggota.kawanuanz.com
- Continue with your Gmail / Google account
- Committee approves you — then see events, RSVP and notices
Contact
Kontak torang
Questions about Kawanua New Zealand, Minahasa, Manado or North Sulawesi? We'd love to hear from you.
Pakatuan wo Pakalawiren
"Wishing you long life and good health" — a traditional Minahasa blessing.