At its recent AGM, the National Council of YMCAs of New Zealand Incorporated awarded National Life Membership to David Jones.
David Jones was appointed as a director of the YMCA Auckland (now Y North) Board in 1997 and twenty-eight years later he remains a dedicated board member. Prior to 1997, he served on the advisory board for YMCA Auckland.
Throughout his tenure at Y North, he has held numerous roles, including multiple terms as President, a long standing member of the Remuneration Committee, as well as providing legal counsel and sound governance advice to the board and the senior executive team of Y North. His leadership has ensured Y North has navigated significant organisational challenges, the most recent being the inability to trade during the extended periods Auckland was in Covid lockdown. David has also been on the National Board, during times of significant stress and change, and his contribution has been invaluable. His inspired governance has guided the board through various operational and strategic challenges, and enabled a culture of transparency, accountability and collaboration with members.
Additionally, he has contributed significantly to “The YMCA, NZ Soldiers Great War Memorial Trust.” There, his efforts have ensured the protection and growth of the fund’s capital for the future, allowing the Trust to support the Y community without compromising the original capital provided by New Zealand soldiers in 1918. At this time he was awarded life membership of Y North.
He exemplifies the vision and values of the YMCA, with his work both locally and nationally. He has truly left the organisation in a better shape than he found it. He engenders trust and confidence and is a very interesting man to work with!