Why the Y?

At the Y, we are a lot of things to a lot of people but the essence of what we do is quite simple: we connect people to their communities to live happier, healthier lives.

In everything we do, we focus on family, healthy living, developing young people and those less fortunate. We do this through our core operational divisions of Outdoor Education, Children’s Services, Community Recreation, Education, Youth Development, Early Childhood Education and Affordable Housing.

The Y always has been, and always will be, dedicated to building strong people, strong families, and strong communities. Every day our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a child is inspired or when a community comes together for the common good.

We are proud of our 155-year history of service and excited by the potential of working with you in your community.

About Us

My son goes to the Y (Y-Kids) and we visited around 15 different daycares and he chose it. The most important thing for me was that he was in a nurturing, loving environment and I didn’t want him being left to cry and lots of cuddles etc. The Y went above and beyond all my expectations. And the teachers in the babies room (and big kids room) are so so so amazing I literally can’t praise them enough.

They also have a chef there who makes the most amazing food and they supply all the nappies and wipes. It’s the best!!!

You can tell all the kids are happy you hardly ever hear anyone crying. I have never once felt guilty about leaving my son there and sometimes he cries because he doesn’t want to leave lol

They are also great teachers all of the kids have great vocabularies and all the kids are so social and friendly!!!

Happy Parent, Whanganui Early Childcare

OUR VALUES

OUR PROGRAMMES & SERVICES

We run programmes in over 30 communities across the lower North Island

OUR PILLARS

LATEST ARTICLES

Some of the great things happening in our communities

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Safeguarding children, young people, families and staff

Every year we employ staff to work with thousands of children, young people and their whānau across YMCA Central programmes, across the lower North Island. The welfare of children and young people is paramount to our work and at the heart of everything we do.

The Y’s vision is ‘We build strong kids, strong families and strong communities’. So strong is our commitment to keeping our tamariki and rangatahi free from abuse and neglect, The Y goes above our legislative requirements and lead safeguarding best practice in all our undertakings.

Safeguarding is a fundamental part of our culture and a culture we are proud to share with all of our staff, customers and members.

For more info click here

FEEDBACK & COMPLAINTS

Y-Central is fully committed to listening and responding to all customers, staff and public concerns, questions or comments about our organisation. Our priority is to have an open and accountable organisational culture that understands the needs of children, their whanau, and our community. We welcome your feedback.

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DO YOU HAVE A SAFEGUARDING CONCERN ABOUT A CHILD, YOUNG PERSON OR STAFF MEMBER?

Contact the safeguarding advisor

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