
The Y’s new name reflects growth
Y South & Mid Canterbury is now Y Central South Island.
The name change was approved at the not-for-profit organization’s recent annual meeting and was prompted by the expansion of its operations in Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru.
Y Central South Island chief executive Keith Shaw said the change confirmed that the previous name no longer accurately described the Y’s geographical service area and was therefore no longer “fit for purpose”.
“Over the last few years, the Y has expanded its education program to Christchurch and Oamaru, as well as the operation of our Y•Drive driving school to Ashburton and Oamaru.
“We are also increasing the intensity of our youth development and whānau support programs across the motu, to towns such as Methven, Mayfield, Hinds, Twizel, Temuka, Waimate and Oamaru, so our new name is a much better description of where our mahi (work) space is heading. “
The Y was founded in Timaru in 1917 and then in Ashburton in 1993. It took over the delivery of the Youth Guarantee education program from the former Christchurch YMCA in 2017 and commenced education in Oamaru in 2022.
Several years ago, the Y also changed its name from the familiar “YMCA” to better reflect the fact that its programs and services are open to all, regardless of ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic conditions background.
The organization has 42 employees and its revenue for the 2023–2024 fiscal year was $3.7 million.