Why the Y?

At the Y, we are a lot of things to a lot of people but the essence of what we do is quite simple: we connect people to their communities to live happier, healthier lives.

In everything we do, we focus on family, healthy living, developing young people and those less fortunate. We do this through our core operational divisions of Outdoor Education, Children’s Services, Community Recreation, Education, Youth Development, Early Childhood Education and Affordable Housing.

The Y always has been, and always will be, dedicated to building strong people, strong families, and strong communities. Every day our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a child is inspired or when a community comes together for the common good.

We are proud of our 155-year history of service and excited by the potential of working with you in your community.

About Us

My son goes to the Y (Y-Kids) and we visited around 15 different daycares and he chose it. The most important thing for me was that he was in a nurturing, loving environment and I didn’t want him being left to cry and lots of cuddles etc. The Y went above and beyond all my expectations. And the teachers in the babies room (and big kids room) are so so so amazing I literally can’t praise them enough.

They also have a chef there who makes the most amazing food and they supply all the nappies and wipes. It’s the best!!!

You can tell all the kids are happy you hardly ever hear anyone crying. I have never once felt guilty about leaving my son there and sometimes he cries because he doesn’t want to leave lol

They are also great teachers all of the kids have great vocabularies and all the kids are so social and friendly!!!

Happy Parent, Whanganui Early Childcare

OUR VALUES

Caring - Atawhaitia

Respect - Whakanui i te Tangata

Honesty - Te Whakapono

Responsibility - Te Awenga Atu

OUR PROGRAMMES & SERVICES

We run programmes in over 30 communities across the lower North Island

OUR PILLARS

Family - Whanau

The Y is dedicated to bringing families together, providing a ‘third place’ away from the pressures of work and home where they can connect and be active together.

We recognise that families come in all shapes and sizes and are the building blocks of the local community. A strong family can come in many forms and positive impact on those around them can be profound. Through initiatives such as Family Memberships, the whole family can spend quality time together without financial burden.

At the Y, anyone connected and living under one roof is family under ours.

Healthy Living - Oranga Hauora

Improving the physical, social and mental health of the communities we serve.

We understand that being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It’s about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

The Y has a direct impact on the physical, social and mental health of individuals, families and communities through diverse programs spanning recreation, children’s services, and camping.

At the Y, it’s not about the activity you choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside.

Developing Young People - Whakawhanake Matatahi

Nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life.

Because of the Y, more young people in communities around the region are taking a greater interest in learning, building self-confidence and making smarter life choices.

At the Y, children and young people learn values and positive behaviours, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realise their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

Social Responsibility - Haepapa Papori

Because of this intention, the generosity of others, especially our members, is at the core of the Y’s existence as a not-for-profit charity. It is only through the support of our volunteers and public and private donors that we are able to support and give back to the communities we engage.

The Y believes that participation in any of its programs and services should not be restricted to the financially privileged. As a charity, the Y also runs many benevolent programs which are designed to have a positive impact on disadvantaged groups within the community.

LATEST ARTICLES

Some of the great things happening in our communities

View all our articles

Safeguarding children, young people, families and staff

Every year we employ staff to work with thousands of children, young people and their whānau across YMCA Central programmes, across the lower North Island. The welfare of children and young people is paramount to our work and at the heart of everything we do.

The Y’s vision is ‘We build strong kids, strong families and strong communities’. So strong is our commitment to keeping our tamariki and rangatahi free from abuse and neglect, The Y goes above our legislative requirements and lead safeguarding best practice in all our undertakings.

Safeguarding is a fundamental part of our culture and a culture we are proud to share with all of our staff, customers and members.

For more info click here

WHAT WE OFFER

Early Childhood Education
Y-Kids
Outdoor Education
Education
Youth Services
Sport, Recreation & Fitness
Accommodation 
Venue Hire 

About Us

Donate
CONTACT US

Ph: 0800 YMCA 4u (962248)
Email: contact@ycentral.nz

FIND US

YMCA Pilmuir Accommodation
YMCA Upper Hutt
YMCA Kaitoke Outdoor Education Centre
YMCA Porirua
YMCA Masterton
YMCA Whanganui
YMCA Palmerston North
YMCA Camp Raukawa

FEEDBACK & COMPLAINTS

Y-Central is fully committed to listening and responding to all customers, staff and public concerns, questions or comments about our organisation. Our priority is to have an open and accountable organisational culture that understands the needs of children, their whanau, and our community. We welcome your feedback.

Send Us Feedback
DO YOU HAVE A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN ABOUT A CHILD, YOUNG PERSON OR STAFF MEMBER?

Contact the safeguarding advisor

Contact Us