The first term of school seems to get busier every year – with good weather comes sports, camps, fairs, and extra-curricular activities, along with balancing a new teacher, new friends, and maybe even a new school. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with how to give your children the best holiday, relax and read on – we’ve got you covered.
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From the CEO's desk
Kia ora koutou,
Wow – what an exciting year 2025 is already, and we’re only a few months in.
I’m delighted to have joined The Y this year, and to be bringing you our first newsletter of 2025.
My priority has been getting to know the fascinating, complex and energetic organisation that The Y is.
I have been humbled, inspired and moved by meeting the teams on the ground and not just witnessing the work they do, and the care they have for the community, but also to hear people’s ideas and vision for how we can do even better – we have so much potential.
This edition of Aroha Nui truly showcases our range. The Y’s Raise Up, our youth development programme, has delivered an astonishing number of community outreach activities this year. I, and I am sure like many of you, am so impressed at the social conscious of our young people.
From giving back to the community to giving back to our natural world, we’re also sharing the story of how Camp Adair has transformed the challenge of climate change and a flooding river into an environmental project to regenerate the area. The Y’s River Restoration project is in its early stages, and has huge opportunity ahead for hands-on environmental education and inspiring school children.
With a burst of energy, the world’s new fitness craze, HYROX, landed in New Zealand in February, and The Y team were here for it. Both The Y and HYROX are all about fitness being available for everyone, so we’re excited to be an Official HYROX Training Club.
And finally, like many parents, I can’t believe how quickly we’re rocketing towards the Easter break, after a HECTIC first term. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unprepared – we’ve got you covered with some great options for an epic holiday.
Happy reading,
Becs
What's on at the Y
Despite being only partway through the first term of 2025, Raise Up, The Y’s youth development programme, has already delivered an impressive array of community outreach events across Auckland. and Hamilton.
Tough Mudder, Ultramarathons and Spartan racing take note – the new word in fitness competition is… HYROX. And what’s more, one of the reasons that HYROX is the fastest growing fitness sport in the world is because at its core, HYROX is designed to be inclusive and open to everyone.
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We all remember the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle across New Zealand, and some of you may remember the devastation the storm caused to The Y’s Camp Adair, when the normally peaceful Wairoa River, which flows through the camp, burst its banks. The force of the water took out the bridge, fences, and buildings, leaving chaos in its wake.
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The Y has been a part of so many people's lives - particularly in their early working life. We're proud to be tracing the journey of one of our team from The Y in Auckland's Lynfield to winning his debut UFC fight in Florida in 2024.
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With the School Holidays approaching, we know how challenging it can be to find reliable and engaging childcare. The Y is here to help with a variety of affordable programmes designed to keep your children active and happy over the summer break.
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The fitness team at The Y have launched a new Functional Fit programme, which fits seamlessly into a busy schedule. Available at The Y Auckland City and The Y Massey, the classes provide a streamlined, carefully crafted 45-minute workout that caters for all fitness levels.
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Summer will soon be in full swing and it’s the perfect time to soak up all that sunny, vibrant energy. We’ve put together our top five handy tips to help you focus on your wellbeing and overall health, at a time where it might take a backseat.
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The Y currently operate 10 of Auckland Council’s pools and leisure centres across Auckland. As the result of a competitive procurement process, Auckland Council has approved new contracts for its centres.
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Christine Pears, Board President: On behalf of the Board of YMCA North, I am delighted to announce that Rebecca Russell has been appointed as our new CEO, effective 3 February 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in our history as the first female CEO.
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As many of you know, in 2021 we proudly announced our name change from the YMCA to The Y. This change reflects our commitment to being an inclusive organization that welcomes everyone, regardless of background or identity. Our journey towards this new identity has been a phased process, and we are thrilled to share our latest milestone with you.
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When people choose to work with a charitable organisation like The Y, making a difference to individuals and the community are usually at the top of the list. A career filled with rewarding experiences and the opportunity to leave a lasting impact to the lives of others is a special calling.
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