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As we start to see the world recover and get to BAU, what does this mean for those of us who have found a sense of rhythm and routine in that lockdown chaos? For some of us, it is quite straightforward – thrilled to be back at the gym! But for some, this is still a bit blurry especially when you have started to enjoy those outdoor walks, bike rides or online classes.

The New Zealand Royal Honours system is unique to New Zealand. Honours lists are administered by the Honours Unit, which is part of the Cabinet Office. The honours lists are approved by The Queen of New Zealand on the Prime Minister's advice. This year YMCA North is excited that the New Year's Honours 2022 Companion of the Queen’s Service Order – For services to the community and youth, is awarded to our Board Member Kenneth James Durbin (Ken).

It’s amazing that our beautiful beaches, rivers, lakes and pools are available for everyone again this summer. However, at the end of November the week’s news started with stories of sad loss of life and a large number of rescues at some known drowning hot spots. We have come up with some splashing tips to help keep you and your family safe while having fun in the summer waters.

For many kids, heading back to school may be a source of anxiety after a long period of lockdown and the school holidays. Kristina Ineson Operations Manager for Y Out of School Care shares her top tips on easing the transition back to school.

After 100 days or so of lockdown we opened our doors to our members, and it’s been wonderful to see the excitement and happiness in centres. Especially from our GoldFit community. For our new members – YMCA GoldFit is an exercise programme for our seniors group. A social bunch who loves to keep active together and when they are not working out you can see them catch up over a cup of tea and laughs. Oh what FUN!

While Covid and lockdown bring a certain amount of stress to just about everyone, the complexities of lockdown life affect young people in a multitude of ways. Raise Up Youth Programme Coordinator Caitrin Mooney and Raise Up Crew Member Aira Li break down simple life hacks to help motivate young people coming out of the lockdown space.

At last, we are out of lockdown, which means fitness centres can reopen again. Many of us will be eager to get back to our pre-lockdown fitness levels in time for summer. Lead Physiotherapist Sithon Sok from Physio Rehab Group shares their top tips on how to get back into the swing of things without causing yourself injury at the gym.

During our first session of the multi-sport drop-in zone at YMCA Lagoon Stadium, we had parents who brought their children with special needs to participate in this programme. As this number grew to an average of 15 families participating on a weekly basis, we wanted to provide a programme that would benefit this community - so their children felt safe, secure and had a sense of belonging to help them thrive.

The Outward Bound (OB) course is all about discovering your full potential through challenge and adventure in the outdoors. Every year, the YMCA partnership scheme makes scholarships available for our employees to enable them to take this opportunity. This year, Claudia Fraser, an outdoor instructor from YMCA Camp Adair, shares her time at the Outward Bound, as she calls this a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

The YMCA's youth development programme, Raise Up is always looking for new ways to get involved and help out in the community. One such event was when the Raise Up crew planned a disco night with the seniors in our community. Shreya Badal, the organiser and one of Raise Up's prefects within the Puketapapa crew, shares the story.

You might feel the easiest solution is to ban your young person from all leisure use of devices or place strict rules around usage; but the most likely outcome of these sorts of ‘helicopter parent’ strategies is to drive your young person underground – they’ll continue to use, they just won’t tell you about it. There are better, trust-focused strategies that are far more likely to keep your young person safe online – Here's our top five ways to help you out.

The Apprenticeship Boost Initiative launched by the government last year supports employers with funding, enabling them to offer staff, access to an on-the-job qualification. This scheme has enabled us to provide a fantastic opportunity for our staff to undertake an apprenticeship while they work, and obtain an industry qualification. Staff members Grace Thompson and Belinda Jooste share their experiences and the value this course is bringing to their professional lives.