06/11/2025
A Heart for Community: New CEO Michelle Duley Returns to Lead YMCA Gisborne
The YMCA Gisborne has welcomed a familiar face back into its fold with the appointment of Michelle Duley as its new Chief Executive Officer.
She may have only recently stepped into the role, Michelle says it hasn’t taken long to recognize the heart of the organization.
“Obviously I’ve been here just a short time,” she shares, “but what I’ve seen is that the staff here are pretty amazing. They’re all here for the right reason — they’re passionate about what they do and understand how their roles help this community flourish.”
Coming Home to Where It All Began
For Michelle, her connection to the YMCA runs deep.
“The YMCA, for many of us, once it gets into your blood, it never gets out,” she laughs.
Her memories of the local Y stretch back to her childhood in Gisborne.
“I remember coming here as a kid to roller skate inside the stadium on Friday nights — it was such fun! Later, when I became a mum, two of my children went to Y Kids. I’ve always stayed connected, and I really love what the Y does for this community, for our youth, and for families.”
Originally from Wairoa, Michelle considers Gisborne her home.
“Gisborne has been home to me since I was a child,” she says proudly. Today, she is the mother of three grown children and grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters.
A Lifetime of Service
Michelle brings with her over 37 years of leadership experience in community, disability, and aged care services. Her career has been dedicated to improving lives and creating opportunities for others — values that align perfectly with the YMCA’s mission.
“I don’t want to take the YMCA in any particular new direction,” she explains. “But I do want to help people understand the true reach we have — that we’re a not-for-profit organization here for our community. By supporting our rangatahi and their whānau, including our elders, we can be a safe place for everyone to come and grow.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
Michelle emphasizes that her focus will be on nurturing both the community and the YMCA team itself.
“I really want the YMCA to be an employer of choice — a place where our staff can grow and flourish as well,” she says. “I have so much respect for the people who were here before me, and I hope I can do their work justice.”
With her deep roots in the region, decades of leadership experience, and an unwavering passion for community wellbeing, Michelle Duley is poised to guide YMCA Gisborne into a bright and connected future — one where every person, young and old, can thrive.
