About | YMCA Hawke's Bay

YMCA Hawke's Bay History

Delivering quality recreation and community programmes in the Bay for 135 years

The Y Hawke’s Bay provides a number of community focused services including: school holiday programmes, before and after school care, youth programmes, our Y Ki Waho Play trailer, 'The Y's' Podcast and volunteer opportunities. We offer vibrant and energetic programmes that cater to all individuals.

The Y Hawke’s Bay has a rich past, we have been in Hawke’s Bay since 1895. We are committed to promoting healthy living, fostering a strong sense of social responsibility and supporting the holistic development of all people to help them reach their potential. The Y Hawkes Bay has a strong emphasis on youth, empowering their mind body and spirit.

Y Hawke’s Bay works alongside other Y groups across the country, sharing the objective to build strong people, strong families and strong communities.

Read our news article on the 2022 logo update

Leadership and Staff

Office Bearers

President: Paul Hursthouse
Vice President: Phil Matcham
Treasurer: Heather Hallam
Board Members: Roger Coleman, Sue Smith, Kev Carter, Leigh Gibson & Janene Dixon-Smith

Y Head Office Staff

Acting General Manager: Kev Carter
Programme Manager: Chanelle Dennison
Youth Development: Petra Goodhue-Morrison
Bookings & Administration: Gemini Henare-Hiki

National and International Connections

The YMCA movement has a long and proud history in Aotearoa New Zealand. The first YMCA was established in Auckland in 1855, and 170 years later there are ten YMCA Associations operating across the country, supported by a National Council. The Council is made up of representatives from each Association, who appoint a National Board to oversee national support functions. The Board then appoints a Secretary General to manage the day-to-day operations of the National Office.

YMCA New Zealand: https://ymca.org.nz/

YMCA New Zealand is part of the World Alliance of YMCAs — the oldest and one of the largest youth-focused organisations in the world. Founded in London in 1844, the YMCA now reaches over 65 million people each year across 120 countries. With deep roots in local communities, decades of experience empowering young people, and a strong global network, the YMCA movement collectively employs nearly 90,000 staff, supports around 920,000 volunteers, and operates more than 12,000 branches worldwide.