Get to know Y Central’s new CE

Meet Anthony de Rose!

Y Central is pleased to welcome Anthony as its new Chief Executive, bringing a wealth of experience, passion for community service, and a deep connection to the YMCA. Having spent half of his career in the corporate world as an accountant, Anthony then transitioned to the purpose-driven sector. He’s now been in the job for a month and has been impressed by the great mahi happening in our communities.

Anthony has worked extensively with organisations such as Mental Health Services and Ngāti Toa Community Housing where he played significant roles in driving community-centred initiatives and fostering partnerships. He then moved on to become Chief Executive of Skylight Trust, providing counselling and support services for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.

Born in Sri Lanka and having migrated to Te Whanganui-a-Tara 25 years ago, Anthony cites his formative experiences as a driving factor to his passion for serving vulnerable communities. ‘Growing up in a nation facing challenges like poverty, migration, decades long civil conflict and mass displacement of people exposed me to personal hardships and the challenges that communities are faced with, and that influenced me to support vulnerable communities.’

With a long-standing connection to the YMCA, starting as a basketball player in his youth in Sri Lanka, Anthony emphasises the personal significance of The Y’s mission to develop the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. This philosophy guides his leadership approach and desire to build a culture of respect, care, and responsibility within Y Central. He believes in the pivotal role that The Y can play in supporting education, vocational training, and mental health awareness, while promoting inclusivity and cultural awareness.

Married with three sons, Anthony enjoys spending time in the kitchen and says he makes ‘a mean date and nut cake.’ When asked about what the Y’s values mean to him personally, and how he plans to incorporate them into his leadership style, he reflects thoughtfully: ‘That’s deep! The Y to me is about developing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. How successfully I embody these values, only time and my new Y whānau can vouch.’

If you’d like to reach out to Anthony to talk about how Y Central can work with your community group or organisation, Anthony would love to chat. Anthony.derose@ycentral.nz