The National Council of YMCAs of New Zealand consists of 14 local affiliated associations that operate from 48 different YMCA centres.
The National Council meets annually and elects a 9 person National Board, whose members hold office for two years. Voting at National Council is weighted according to the size of each YMCA apart from Constitutional issues where each YMCA no matter how big has 1 votes.
The National Council operates a small National office, which is about 75% funded by local associations paying a National version of "Fair Share".
The National council has approved a Five year Strategic plan which operates at the National level and which all local Associations are asked to implement locally. A Memorandum of Agreement between the National Council and local associations commits local associations to meet certain standards and to regularly supply the National Council with specified information. This is designed to ensure that all local associations are managed effectively.
A current emphasis at the National Council is to work on developing the YMCA vision so that all local associations understand and are fully committed to working together to implement the YMCA mission and values. The National Council has recently adopted the 4 core values of Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility, and local associations are being encouraged to add to this National list.
The National Council has recently adopted a common National YMCA logo and national visual standards that all associations are asked to follow.
The first YMCA was founded in Auckland in 1855 and its work expanded rapidly.
At Dunedin, work started in 1861 with Bible study and prayer groups. Later the activities included public evangelistic services.
The Christchurch association was founded in 1862 as a group which met for religious fellowship, prayer and Bible study, but later included educational classes, athletics and lectures in its activities.
A fourth association was established in Taranaki in 1881. From the beginning these associations worked closely with the YMCA's in Australia. A first joint conference was held in Sydney in 1877; at the second joint conference in Melbourne in 1880 Australia and New Zealand adopted the Paris Basis.
In 1886, the National Council of the YMCAs of Australia and New Zealand was formed; this body was affiliated to the World Alliance. This Council continued to supervise the affairs of both countries until 1916 when New Zealand withdrew from the joint Council and formed its own national body. YMCA programmes have included work with children and young people, recreation, sports, service clubs, camping, and community work. Mobile gymnasiums and trucks enabled the YMCA to extend physical education and recreational facilities to new housing areas. Family nights have been regular features of many YMCAs, and some associations had women's auxiliary groups. In 1966 the National Council commenced the first Training Centre for full-time youth workers to be established in New Zealand.
YMCA New Zealand Annual Report 2012
YMCA New Zealand Annual Report 2011
YMCA New Zealand Annual Report 2010 (1.98 MB)
YMCA New Zealand Annual Report 26 Jul 2009 (1.65 MB)
YMCA New Zealand Annual Report 13 Jun 2008 (614.54 KB)
YMCA New Zealand Annual Report 19 Jun 2007 (871.67 KB)
YMCA New Zealand Annual Report 08 Dec 2006 (529.79 KB)
YMCA New Zealand Annual Report 07 Dec 2005 (696.07 KB)
YMCA New Zealand Annual Report 06 Dec 2004 (611.24 KB)
NEWS
January 10, 2013
For more than 50 years Lynette Thornton has worked with mainly elderly people to help them to better their health. But at 78 she is looking to slow down a bit and "maybe do three days a week" instead of five. Mrs Thornton, who may be New Zealand's most experienced fitness instructor, said she was "flabbergasted" by her Queen's Service Award. It recognises her near six decades in the fitness industry.
August 7, 2012
Congratulations to YMCA Nelson Boxing Gym (Y-Boxing) runner up (to Nelson Arts Festival!) in the Sport and Leisure category.
June 5, 2012
It is with great delight that Claire Ballantyne has been awarded a QSM for services to ophthalmology and to the community.
June 5, 2012
Ric Odom, National CEO, YMCA New Zealand has today announced his resignation. Ric joined the YMCA in September 2003 and has provided dedicated service and leadership since, working tirelessly to promote the YMCA as a significant and trusted community organisation.
