Welcome to the Y
The YMCA movement in New Zealand is a member of the World Alliance of YMCA’s. It is the oldest and one of the largest youth organisations in the world. Founded in London in 1844, it has grown to reach over 65 million people a year across 120 countries. It has deep roots in communities, decades of experience enabling young people and communities to thrive, and an extensive global network. It’s member organisations collectively employ nearly 90,000 staff, have some 920,000 volunteers and 12,000 branches worldwide.
The link to the World Alliance website is https://www.ymca.int/
In New Zealand, the YMCA was first established in Auckland in 1855, and 170 years later there are ten YMCA Associations across the country, supported by a National Council. The Council is made up of representatives from each of the ten Associations and they appoint a National Board to oversee the national support functions of the Council. In turn, the National Board appoints a Secretary General who manages the day-to-day functions of the National Office.
The ten member Associations are independent regionally based charities, each with their own governance structures and focus to support their local communities. However they are aligned under the Y banner and work together collaboratively. They all share the same values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility.
The members are shown in the table below:
| Association | Operations in |
|---|---|
| Y North | Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua |
| Y South Waikato | Tokoroa |
| Y Taranaki | New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North, Dannevirke |
| Y Gisborne | Gisborne |
| Y Hawkes Bay | Napier, Hastings |
| Y Central | Wellington, Masterton, Whanganui, Palmerston North |
| Y Wainuiomata | Wainuiomata |
| Y Nelson | Nelson |
| Y Central South Island | Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru, Twizel |
| Y Invercargill | Invercargill |
For contact details for each of these Associations see the ‘Locations’ tab in the toolbar.
Each of these organizations sets their own strategic direction, to best position themselves in their local communities. They provide a wide and varied range of services including, including low-cost accommodation, fitness & recreation centres, gyms, outdoor education camps, childcare services, youth development programmes, social services, tertiary education, alternative education and employment support. The common theme running through them is a focus on youth, which then flows through into families and communities.
At a national level, the strategic framework sets out the purpose and priorities for the National Office, as below:
| Purpose: | “To lead and promote the Y movement across Aotearoa New Zealand in partnership with member Associations”. |
| Strategic Outcome Sought: | “For the Y movement to still be relevant and making a significant impact in 100 years’ time”. |
| Strategic Priorities: | Priority #1: Survive Priority #2: Thrive |
For the full 2025-2027 Strategic Framework see the ‘Publications’ tab in the toolbar.