New Chairperson to the Y Central South Island Board

The Y Central South Island (YCSI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Andrea Leslie as the new Chairperson of its Board, following the organisation’s first Board meeting since its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in May.

Outgoing Chairperson Jonathan Pow made the decision to step down from the leadership role and subsequently nominated Andrea as his successor. The Board unanimously supported the nomination, appointing Andrea with immediate effect. Additionally, Anna Bolland was reappointed as Deputy Chairperson.

Jonathan Pow will remain on the Board, ensuring his valuable governance experience and continued commitment to the Y CSI are retained in Mid Canterbury. Chief Executive Keith Shaw expressed deep gratitude for Jonathan’s leadership during his term as Chairperson.

“The Board and I are thankful to Jonathan for his outstanding chairmanship and his ongoing dedication to our organisation as a continued Mid Canterbury based Board member,” says Keith Shaw. “We are immensely grateful for his guidance and leadership and his governance support of the wider Y both locally and nationally.”

The incoming Chairperson, Andrea Leslie, returned to the Y Board in March 2026, having recently finished her tenure at the end of last year as the Executive Director of the Primary ITO. Andrea brings over thirty years of extensive experience within vocational education and community-focused governance roles. Crucially, she shares a deep alignment with the Y’s core mission, maintaining a lifelong commitment to empowering rangatahi (youth) and individuals to reach their full potential.

Andrea previously served on the Y Board from 2016 to 2018 and expressed her excitement about returning to the YCSI governance team in this new capacity.

“I am looking forward to meeting staff across the regions over the coming months and leading the organisation into its next chapter of community development, youth empowerment, foundation tertiary education, employment pathways and driver licence support. I am honoured and delighted to be working alongside the Y once more” Mrs Leslie said.

With a newly solidified governance team now spread across Timaru, Ashburton, and Christchurch, the Y Central South Island is well-positioned to strengthen its regional impact and continue delivering vital education, training, and youth services.

“I am looking forward to working alongside Andrea and our full governance team,” says Keith Shaw. “Please join us in congratulating Andrea on taking up the Chairperson role as we continue our mahi to support and uplift our local communities.”

Media Contact:

Mary Strachan:  mary@ymcasc.org.nz or 0274 839 899