Keith Shaw

I'm a proud South Islander and have been CEO of the Y Central South Island (formerly YMCA South and Mid Canterbury), based in Timaru, for the past 15 years.

My wife and I have four adult children, but ultimately I became connected to youth work through my connection in leading the Y. 

Previously I was employed in the finance sector, working throughout New Zealand, Singapore and Melbourne, before returning with my family to South Canterbury.

I love working alongside people, empowering them to reach their full potential. The whakataukī “Whakamana takata, whakamana taiohi | Through empowering the mana of people, we empower the mana of youth” resonating strongly with me.

I was co-opted on to the Ara Taiohi Board in 2024 and am passionate about contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand’s peak body to do more. Whilst I bring a wealth of finance and governance experience to the organisation, I am most at home learning from others and from taiohi that I meet and engage with in my daily life.