Strategic Plans

The YMCA is committed to providing facilities and programmmes that meet the diverse needs of our community in three key areas: Recreation, Health & Well being and Education.

To download a PDF copy of our strategic plan, please click here.

To download a PDF copy of our National Early Strategic Plan, please click here

Maori Responsiveness Plan

The Gisborne YMCA embraces the spirit of partnership embodied in Te Tiriti O Waitangi.  All activities, programmes and initiatives undertaken at the Gisborne YMCA seek to empower participants in a culturally appropriate manner.  The Gisborne YMCA seeks to contribute to the development of a stronger community by promoting, understanding, equality and acceptance.  The Gisborne YMCA is therefore committed to the pursuit of equity.  The Treaty of Waitangi in particular Article 3 serves as our foundation, to initiate training and education initiatives so we may be responsive to the needs of Maori and other cultures.
 
The main causes of serious health issues for the Gisborne community are linked to poor education, high unemployment and low income.  Tairawhiti still experiences higher levels of deprivation than New Zealand as a whole, with almost half (47.5%) of the population living within deciles 9 and 10 (TDH, 2008).  There are 11,115 families in the Gisborne community of which 27.5% are one parent families.  The median income of $15,000  for Gisborne is the third lowest median income in the country and Tairawhiti shows the largest proportion of youth (0-14 years).
 
All these profiles are dominated by high rates of Maori with Tairawhiti showing the greatest Maori population for the country (44.4%).  These factors and characteristics mean that the affordability and access issues become complex affecting inequalities not only in health but also in recreation and educational opportunities.  The YMCA recognises and values the need to reduce inequalities, especially amongst the Maori population in the Gisborne area.  Our programmes are being designed and will evolve to contribute to the improvement of health and social issues for this community.  Because Maori make up almost 50% of this district’s population the YMCA will ensure that programmes and services will use tools to improve Maori responsiveness and equity. (Whanau Ora HIA, HEAT Tool).
 
Currently 55-60% of staff employed by the Gisborne YMCA are Maori, with some programmes having up to 90-95% Maori employees such as the Y Tamariki Bilingual Early Childhood Centre and other services provided at the Kaiti YMCA.  The YMCA recognises cultural diversity and that success for Maori is inextricably linked with New Zealand’s success.  All  services operated by the YMCA  explicitly recognises that as an organisation we accept ownership, leadership and accountability for significantly improving opportunities for Maori throughout our services in Gisborne.