About Us

Volley South Inc, Association is the governing body, and Regional Sporting Organisation as well as the club Volley South for all Volleyball within the Southland and Queenstown Lakes Regions, and is one of fourteen Associations linking back to the National Sporting Organisation,  Volleyball New Zealand. Volley South is a non-profit organisation that run many indoor programmes from the  ILT Stadium Southland and throughout our region. They also run Beach Volleyball from their new beach courts located at Otepuni Community Hub, 40 Forth Street, Invercargill. Read more below.

About Us

Why Fund and Partner with Volley South?

Welcome to Volley South – where community meets momentum.

We’re not just playing volleyball – we’re building a movement.

Volley South is one of the fastest-growing sports organisations in the South, with a 257% explosion in participation since 2020. From 1,149 to over 4,100 participants, we’re now the fourth largest sport in the region – and we’re just getting started.


A Game-Changer for the Region

Volleyball is more than a game – it’s connection, confidence, and community.

We create inclusive, exciting, and safe opportunities for everyone – from grassroots beginners to emerging athletes. Whether you're a school student, a working parent, or discovering sport later in life, Volley South is your place to play, belong, and grow.

  • 63% of our players are women – smashing national trends in youth female participation

  • We proudly serve a diverse community including Māori, Filipino, Pacific Island, and Asian whānau

  • Over 25% of our players come from rural and remote areas, proving geography doesn’t define opportunity


We Bring the Game to You

Southland and Queenstown Lakes are beautiful – but vast. That’s why we innovate.

From beach volleyball in summer, to grass courts in country towns, to community leagues across the region, we bring the game closer to home. Our flexible formats break down barriers so no one misses out.


Pathways That Matter

We’re not just growing participation – we’re growing people.

Volley South offers real pathways for players, coaches, referees, and emerging leaders. We’re laying the foundations now to future-proof the sport – from school gyms to national stages.


Powered by Passion, Driven by Purpose

As a not-for-profit, we invest every dollar back into the community. Our lean team of casual staff and dedicated volunteers make magic happen – but we can’t do it alone.

Partner with us to support:

  • More schools and rural communities

  • Affordable programmes and gear

  • Leadership and development pathways

  • Vibrant, inclusive events across the region

Whether you're a funder, business, or donor, your support directly fuels participation and impact in our region.


Let’s Grow Volleyball Together

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved – and we know the best is yet to come.

Join us as we inspire the next generation, break down barriers, and create a thriving volleyball ecosystem that welcomes everyone. When you partner with Volley South, you’re not just supporting a sport – you’re investing in stronger communities, healthier lives, and a whole lot of heart.

Let’s grow the game – together.

💼 Our Structure

From Global Governance to Local Impact

Volley South is part of a connected volleyball network that spans from the international stage to your local gym. Here’s how we’re structured to grow the game, serve our community, and deliver results.


🌍 International Level

FIVB – Fédération Internationale de VolleyballThe global governing body that sets the rules and standards of play. FIVB shapes the sport worldwide – and we’re proud to be aligned with its values and mission.


🇳🇿 National Level

Volleyball New Zealand (VNZ)VNZ is our national partner, responsible for strategy, competitions, and development pathways across Aotearoa. We work closely with them to ensure strong delivery and growth at the grassroots level.


📍 Regional Level – Volley South

We are the heart of volleyball in Southland and Queenstown Lakes – connecting communities, empowering athletes, and leading sustainable sport growth in our region.


🧭 Governance – 2024/25 Board


Brent Jamieson Chair Appointed

Opini Toomalatai Deputy Chair Elected

John Knowler Board Member Appointed

Suzannah Schwarz Board Member Appointed

Joy Freemantle Board Member Appointed

Co-opted Members (Fixed Term – Strategic Support):

  • Jorgenlia Levia – Coach Representative

  • Ryne Saldana – Player Representative

  • Rosalia Lo – Chair, Youth Group Voice

  • Jose Carlos Cagasas (Carl) – Community Representative

  • Kaieti Talalelei – Community Representative

  • Tutuila Koila Vine (Vine) – Community Representative


👥 Operations Team

Executive Officer Donz Milne – info@volleysouth.org.nz | 📱 027 471 0782

Coach Developer Jorgenlia Levia

Chief Referees Warren Smith & Jorgenlia Levia


🏐 Local Delivery Teams

📍 Invercargill Coaches:

  • Twice

  • Suzannah

  • Julian

  • Jo

  • Tomoka

📍 Queenstown Coaches:

  • Duane

🏆 Competition Staff – Invercargill (Paid):

  • Donz Milne

  • Jorgenlia Levia

  • Xiara Patino

  • Keila Patino

  • Julian Patino

  • Mark Sales

🎓 Competition Assistants (Work4Fees Students):

  • Various student placements

🏆 Competition Staff – Queenstown (Paid):

  • Alexa Peters

  • Work4Fees student assistants


🌟 Our Champions

Patrons:

  • Duncan McKenzie

  • Dave McKissock

Life Members:

  • Duncan McKenzie

  • Dave McKissock

  • Donna Milne (formal recognition to come)