Tokomaru Bay YMCA
Te Ohonga Mauri YMCA
The awakening of the life force, YMCA
The Gisborne YMCA was officially welcomed into the Tokomaru Bay, East Coast community at Pakirikiri Marae on Tuesday the 8th of September 2009.
The blessing and official opening of the Te Ohonga Mauri YMCA was officiated by Bill Hughes at the new centre.
The Gisborne YMCA is proud to be part of the East Coast community's and we look forward to a strong and long relationship.
We welcome a new employee Trevor Maru to the YMCA whanau together with Rhonda Milner and Elaine Kahaki (Porky). The new centre looked amazing and the YMCA is grateful for the work that was carried out by the Community steering committee but recognise that Trevor, Rhonda and Elaine contributed a significant amount of volunteer hours to get the centre to the fantastic way that it was at the opening.
The unveiling of the signage for the building, Beritane Milner (also mokopuna of the late Buff Milner, All Black who was capped on Friday) and Brodie Chaffey.
CEO Leigh Gibson and former Y-Fitness Manager Michael Podbury
Four of the Gisborne YMCA staff team supporting the opening
Snatched, new YMCA employee Trevor Maru
Official blessing and opening of the Te Ohonga Mauri YMCA centre
Gisborne Director James Barnes and Auckland YMCA/National Board member Tony Jones at the opening
Pakirikiri Marae celebration and lunch
Meng Foon, Alan Davidson (President Gisborne YMCA), Jack Chambers, Noel Raihania (seated) and Tate Pewhairangi
Tony Jones speaking on behalf of the Auckland and National YMCA on the YMCA's mission to Build Strong Kids, Strong Families and Strong Communities
CEO Leigh Gibson thanked the East Coast community for welcoming the YMCA into the Tokomaru Bay community and that it was heartwarming to see the YMCA's presence once again on the East Coast working with communities to reduce the inequalities faced by many especially with regard to health and wellbeing.
President Alan Davidson addressing the Tokomaru Bay community
Blessing was officiated by Bill Hughes
Support staff from Gisborne participating in the opening of Te Ohonga Mauri
