About Us

The Y Southland is a place for everyone.

We are part of a part of the national and international Y organisation, but rely fully on local contracts and funding and income generated from our Fitness Centre to support the work that we do for the Southland community.

With a wide range of programmes, services, and facilities, we’re all about community and about supporting people to be their very best.

Our vision is strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Through our youth services, education programmes, our fitness centre, climbing and bouldering walls, and Omaui Camp, we seek to ignite potential and empower greatness in every person that comes through our doors.

We’re about young people
Our youth services team works alongside young people as they navigate life’s challenges, providing mentoring and support. With a focus on ensuring young people have an opportunity to be heard and to participate meaningfully in the community, we run a range of free youth development programmes (including Y Squads and Get an Edge) designed to empower youth in Murihiku.

We’re about education
The Y Southland offers free education programmes that present unique opportunities and pathways to NCEA. The NZ Certificate in Foundation Skills is a free 20 week programme designed as an alternative education pathway that is a fantastic stepping stone into more education or employment pathways.

We’re about health and fitness
We operate a full not-for-profit fitness centre. We have 24/7 operations, group fitness classes, a sauna, friendly staff, and a genuine community feel. All profit generated from our fitness centre goes back into the community through other Y services, programmes, and facilities.

We’re about getting outdoors
Our outdoor camp at Omaui is the perfect spot for schools, community groups, organisations, families and businesses who want to enjoy nature at its best. Just 30 minutes from Invercargill, the coastal camp offers a 45-bed accommodation block and numerous outdoor activities.

We’re about empowering the leaders of tomorrow
We run leadership days and a weekly leadership programme to give young people key skills in teamwork, leadership, and communication, and that give them the confidence they need to be future leaders.

We’re about recreation
With a full climbing and bouldering facility and an indoor stadium right in the heart of town, the opportunities are endless!