A Māori lawyer who has spent her career fighting for the rights of children and families has been made the first female head of the YMCA.

Arama Ngāpō-Lipscombe is now the Acting National Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Ngāpō-Lipscombe of Marutuahu, Ngati Tamatera, Ngati Pukenga, Ngati Porou ki Harataunga and Irish and Scottish descent, is a lawyer, mother and successful business woman.

She says it's a privilege to be leading an organisation thats focus is addressing social needs for children and young people.

"We have regional YMCA associations that understand their regions needs well and serve their communities with dedication," she says.

Since taking on the role late last year, Ms Ngāpō-Lipscombe has been instrumental in implementing major changes to the organisation's policies and procedures.

"Every child that walks through the YMCA doors are our taonga (treasures), and that's why we put our children and young people at the centre of everything we do. We expect our associations to be child safe and committed to this practise." she says.

The YMCA both nationally and internationally is a vibrant and dedicated Not for Profit organisation that focuses on quality delivery of programmes and outcomes.

It has associations in 13 cities and towns across New Zealand. 

Their mission is to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities and their children's programmes alone cater for over 20,000 children nationwide.