Our association covers the top part of the North Island – with locations across Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. The rest of Aotearoa is then supported by other YMCA associations across the country. To make a significant change, we needed to join forces and take action simultaneously.

Happily, everyone else was on the same page. Over the course of the next few years, we collectively gained official support and confirmation, working out a plan to reach where we are today: announcing that from today, we are: The Y.

More than a new name, we’re launching a new era – showcasing the current reality of and future of our movement, which is relevant to the changing needs of families, and inclusive for all. We are taking steps forward in our bicultural journey to honour Te Tiriti, and we will also have a greater focus on sustainability, as part of our commitment to our young people.

But we’re still keeping much of our rich heritage. While we’ll start looking a bit different, you’ll still recognise the logo colours, and our causes – Raise Up Youth Development, Fee Assistance, and Send a School to Camp – will remain the same. We are still committed to the safeguarding of children and young people, and our values are unchanged.

Some of you may recognise the statement, ‘We build strong kids, strong families and strong communities'. We’re evolving this statement into ‘we believe in the power of connected communities, where people are safe to reach their full potential'. This new statement still delivers strong kids, families and communities and also reflects our future, which extends our reach into neighbourhoods and locations beyond where our centres are located now.

Today, we are making a significant step into our future, but we are bringing with us the power of our heritage and our communities. I welcome you all onboard.

Julian, CEO.