About Us
Ko wai mātou

Tāngata centred education, backing the next generation of Aotearoa.

Our Story

Y Education is part of the Y movement in New Zealand which is all about tāngata and empowering communities' and people.

We believe the greatest support you can have, is the support from other people behind you. To be backed by someone. When you have that kind of support, anything is possible.

Every young tāngata deserves the chance to be educated and shape their future. That’s why we’ve created a unique approach to education, designed specifically for youth who want more than the traditional school system offers.

We are on a journey to guide young tāngata toward positive outcomes through unique educational experiences. We understand that everyone’s path is different, and by elevating mana, we change learner’s lives for the good.

At Y Education, you’ll find a supportive environment where your tutors will have your back. It’s a place where you can learn in a way that makes sense to you, pursue what excites you, and gain the qualifications that open doors to meaningful careers.

At Y Education, you can discover who you want to be. At Y Education, we believe in you.

For more information about the Y in New Zealand see the YMCA site here.

We’re creating better futures for the next generation

We’re tāngata centred

Here, it’s all about you. We’ve created a unique approach to education, designed for young tāngata, providing opportunities tailored to you.

We elevate mana

Our environment is positive, for you to build your mana, work towards something, and know that the future is bright...always.

We provide unique opportunities

Learn in a way that makes sense to you, pursue what excites you, and gain the qualifications that open doors to meaningful careers.

Our Team

We believe the greatest support you can have, is the support from other people behind you.

Our team are here for the next generation. We’re proud of our learners, and we’re proud of what we do. We work across the country in different locations and as part of separate YMCA organisations, all making up one national Education team, creating better futures for the next generation. 


North Island Centres

South Island Centres

Our National Team

Our National Y Education Team are responsible for the oversight and management of Y Education.

Leona van der Heyden

Leona van der Heyden

General Manager

Fiona Breen

Fiona Breen

Academic and Quality Manager

Millie Mischefski

Millie Mischefski

Education Coordinator

David Perry

David Perry

Senior Data Analyst

Our Partners

We’re a category one tertiary provider

Y Education is part of the wider YMCA group. The YMCA PTE operates a NZQA and TEC approved subcontracting model. The National Council of YMCAs of New Zealand is a category 1 registered provider. NZQA is highly confident in the educational performance and self-assessment capability of our tertiary education organisation. Find relevant links below.

Dyslexia Friendly Charter

See Dyslexia Friendly Charter here

DFQM certificate

See DFQM certificate here

2024 Pastoral Care Attestation

See 2024 Pastoral Care Attestation here

2024 Pastoral Care Self-Review Summary

See 2024 Pastoral Care Self-Review Summary here

Students Complaints Policy

See Students Complaints Policy here

EER Report

Read our EER Report here