http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.ymcahb.org.nz en-us Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:16:13 +1300 Rocketspark http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/post/159376/a-milestone-moment-the-y-hawkes-bay-outdoor-adventure-hub-begins-/ This week marks an exciting milestone for the future of The Y Hawke’s Bay 🙌At first glance, the photos might look like a bit of summer fun—but they actually capture the very beginning of Stage One of our Y Hawke’s Bay Outdoor Adventure Hub, based at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park.This week, we took our very first test groups out on the water.Children from our Marewa, Raureka, and Taradale Y-Kids Holiday Programmes were the first to trial the space and activities, helping us test... Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:12:22 +1300 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/#post159376 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/post/157299/-get-ready-for-an-epic-summer-y-kids-holiday-programmes-are-back-for-january-2026/ The countdown to summer fun is officially on! Our Y-Kids School Holiday Programmes are set to bring four huge weeks of excitement, adventures, creativity and friendships across Napier, Hastings and Taradale.Whether your tamariki love splashing at the pools, building sandcastles, making slime, cooking, crafting, bouncing, or teaming up for big outdoor challenges — there’s something happening every single day at the Y this January!With full-day care from 7:30am–6:00pm, OSCAR-approved program... Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:15:36 +1300 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/#post157299 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/post/156282/adventure-confidence-and-sunshine/ Adventure, Confidence and Sunshine: Our October Holiday Outdoor Experience at Guthrie SmithDuring the October school holidays, our YMCA team took 90 Holiday Programme kids and 12 youth on an unforgettable two-day outdoor adventure at the Guthrie Smith Outdoor Activity Centre in Tūtira. Tamariki and rangatahi could choose to join for one or both days, and these quickly became the most popular days of the entire holiday period — and for good reason!Set against the stunning backdrop of rolling h... Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:09:07 +1300 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/#post156282 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/post/151208/the-y-is-getting-back-outdoors-/ Last school holidays, our tamariki and rangatahi had a fantastic day out at the beautiful Ranui Farm Park. Set against rolling hills and sunshine, the trip was more than just a fun day in nature—it was part of our ongoing commitment to getting kids outdoors. These experiences give young people the chance to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and try new things in a safe, supportive, team-focused environment.And we’re just getting started.This spring, we’re excited to take ... Thu, 28 Aug 2025 18:06:39 +1200 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/#post151208 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/post/148101/before-school-care-a-fresh-start-to-the-day-with-the-y/ We’re excited to announce that The Y Hawke’s Bay is launching a brand-new Before School Care Programme!Starting this term, our programme will provide a safe, structured, and supportive space for tamariki to begin their day the right way—surrounded by caring staff, friends, and opportunities to learn and grow.Why Before School Care MattersWe know mornings can be tough—for kids and for whānau. Whether it’s juggling work commitments or ensuring children get to school on time and ready to... Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:11:08 +1200 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/#post148101 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/post/147386/reflecting-on-2024-a-year-of-purpose-pou-and-people-at-y-hawkes-bay/ 2024 was a remarkable year for Y Hawke’s Bay – a year where we didn’t just talk about purpose, we lived it. With our new guiding kaupapa firmly embedded – “To tautoko rangatahi of Hawke’s Bay, nurturing their mind, body and spirit” – we centred youth voice and wellbeing in everything we did. From hands-on projects to innovative programmes, the year was all about empowering our tamariki and rangatahi to grow, connect, and lead.Throughout the year, our four pou – Y Tautoko, Y Ara... Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:26:56 +1200 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/#post147386 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/post/144600/the-y-takes-18-young-leaders-on-an-unforgettable-summer-camp-adventure/ In December, 18 of our incredible young people kicked off their summer with an action-packed Leadership Development Camp at the beautiful Ranui Farm Park. Set against the backdrop of rolling hills and sunshine, this three-day adventure was all about fun, friendship, and building leadership skills that last a lifetime.The camp was part of our ongoing commitment to youth development—giving rangatahi the chance to step outside their comfort zones, grow their confidence, and try new things in a su... Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:05:52 +1200 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/#post144600 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/post/144597/rolling-into-fun-the-y-ki-waho-play-trailer-brings-play-to-the-people/ Since its launch , the Y Ki Waho Play Trailer has been hitting the road and turning everyday parks into pop-up play havens for tamariki across Hawke’s Bay. With over 1,000 participants already engaged. This mobile play service is proving to be more than just fun and games; it's a way of bringing communities together and creating spaces for joy, connection, and discovery.Designed especially for 6–10-year-olds, the Play Trailer is packed with games, activities, and all the gear needed to get k... Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:06:38 +1200 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/#post144597 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/post/144596/reflecting-growing-and-looking-ahead-a-big-year-for-ymca-hawkes-bay/ 2023–24 has been a transformative year for YMCA Hawke’s Bay—one filled with connection, learning, and the courage to pivot when needed. While challenges like Cyclone Gabrielle and ongoing funding pressures have tested us, we’re proud of the resilience shown by our staff, volunteers, board, and wider community. Here's a look at some key highlights and milestones.Strengthening National ConnectionsThis year we’ve had the chance to connect more intentionally with YMCA Presidents across Aot... Tue, 16 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/#post144596 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/post/144594/rangatahi-turning-cyclone-gabrielle-destroyed-power-pole-into-pou/ Hawke's Bay youth are turning a power pole broken during Cyclone Gabrielle into a pair of pou, under the guidance of a local carving master.Lines company Unison donated the pole it to the YMCA so rangatahi could learn to carve and create something special to stand tall outside their Hastings building.On a hot December day - which would be the first of many - five rangatahi with chisels in hand chipped away to turn bland, grey wood into something beautiful, guided by carver Henare Norris."We've b... Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.ymcahb.org.nz/blog/#post144594