​​​​​​​Volley South Inc is the recognised Regional Sporting Organisation (RSO) and governing body for volleyball across the Southland and Queenstown regions of New Zealand.

We connect communities, empower athletes, develop coaches and officials, and lead sustainable sport growth across the lower South Island. From grassroots participation to representative pathways, we exist to strengthen volleyball at every level.

As one of 15 regional associations affiliated with Volleyball New Zealand, Volley South works alongside national, regional and community partners to grow and strengthen volleyball throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we deliver indoor volleyball competitions, events, representative programmes and development opportunities throughout the region. During summer, we also operate beach volleyball programmes, competitions and community activities from our dedicated beach volleyball courts at Otepuni Community Hub, 40 Forth Street, Invercargill.

From grassroots participation to representative pathways, Volley South is committed to creating accessible, inclusive and high-quality volleyball opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

About Volley South

As the Regional Sporting Organisation for volleyball across Southland and Queenstown, Volley South is responsible for:

• Delivering indoor and beach volleyball competitions

• Developing athletes, coaches, referees and volunteers

• Managing representative programmes and regional pathways

• Supporting affiliated schools, clubs and community groups

• Promoting good governance and organisational sustainability

• Growing participation opportunities across urban and rural communities

We are proud to serve one of New Zealand's most geographically diverse sporting regions, providing opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate in volleyball.

From Invercargill to Queenstown, Volley South works to create positive sporting experiences, strengthen communities and provide meaningful pathways for athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers.

Strategic Priorities

Volley South is committed to the sustainable growth and development of volleyball throughout Southland and Queenstown.

Our strategic priorities focus on:

• Growing participation across all ages and abilities

• Strengthening community volleyball opportunities

• Developing athletes, coaches, referees and volunteers

• Providing quality representative pathways

• Supporting affiliated schools, clubs and community groups

• Ensuring strong governance and financial sustainability

• Creating safe, inclusive and welcoming environments

• Building future community and sporting leaders

These priorities guide the work of our Board, staff, volunteers and community leaders across the region.

Governance

Volley South operates under a constitution compliant with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and is governed by an elected and appointed Board responsible for providing strategic leadership, regional stewardship and effective governance.

The Board is committed to organisational sustainability, financial accountability, risk management, independent oversight, volleyball sector representation and the long-term growth and development of volleyball throughout Southland and Queenstown.

Board Members

Brent Jamieson Chair – Independent Appointed Member

Suzannah Schwarz Appointed Board Member

Joy Freemantle Independent Appointed Member

Jorgelina Leiva Elected Board Member (Co-opted following a mid-term resignation)

Patrons

Duncan McKenzie

Dave McKissock

Life Members

Volley South recognises individuals who have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to volleyball within the region through the awarding of Life Membership.

Duncan McKenzie

Dave McKissock

Donna Milne

Community Leaders Committee

To strengthen youth, cultural and community representation, Volley South has established a Community Leaders Committee.

The Committee provides advice, feedback and community perspectives to the Executive Officer and the Board Member responsible for the Community Portfolio.

The Committee serves as an important connection between the volleyball community and the organisation's governance structure, ensuring diverse voices, cultural perspectives and community needs are considered in decision-making.

Recommendations, feedback and emerging community priorities identified by the Committee are communicated through the Community Portfolio Board Member to the Board, supporting informed governance, strategic planning and community-focused outcomes.

The Committee plays an important role in strengthening engagement, fostering inclusive leadership and supporting the continued growth and development of volleyball across Southland and Queenstown.

Committee Members

Jorgelina Leiva Coach Representative (Argentina / New Zealand)

Ryne Saldana Youth Representative (Male) (Philippines / New Zealand)

Karscell Teremoana Youth Representative (Female) (Cook Islands / New Zealand)

Bella Taula Tofilau Community Representative (Faith Warriors)

Sammy Oppo Samuela Community Representative (Tautai A'e)

Sone Leuma Community Representative (Tautai A'e)

Ruben Tofilau Community Representative (KST)

Operations Team

Volley South employs a full-time Executive Officer and a team of casual staff to support the delivery of competitions, events, development programmes, representative pathways, community initiatives and administrative operations across Southland and Queenstown.

Together, the operations team works to ensure the effective day-to-day management of the association while supporting the Board's strategic objectives and the continued growth of volleyball throughout the region.

The operational structure enables Volley South to deliver regional programmes while maintaining strong governance, financial sustainability and community engagement.

Executive Leadership

Donna (Donz) Milne Executive Officer

📧 info@volleysouth.org.nz

📱 027 471 0782

Casual Workforce

Volley South is supported by a workforce of more than 15 casual staff engaged on an as-required basis. This workforce includes coaches, referees, event personnel, programme delivery staff, community development leaders and competition support personnel.

These team members play a vital role in delivering competitions, events, representative programmes and participation opportunities throughout Southland and Queenstown.

Through its Work4Fees model, Volley South also creates opportunities for participants to contribute to the sport while helping offset their own sporting and participation costs.

Volunteers

Volunteers remain at the heart of volleyball throughout Southland and Queenstown.

While many individuals supporting Volley South receive a casual payment through the association's Work4Fees programme, dedicated volunteers continue to make an invaluable contribution to representative programmes, events and community initiatives.

Each year, volunteer coaches, managers and community leaders contribute hundreds of hours to athlete development, team operations, player welfare and programme delivery. Their contribution helps ensure representative opportunities remain accessible and sustainable for athletes across the region.

2026 Representative Programme Volunteers

2026 Coaches

• Suzannah Schwarz

• Julian Patiño

2026 Team Managers

• Mark Sales

• Ruben Tofilau

• Duane Te Paa

• Keila Patiño

• Susan Van Vliet

Volley South sincerely thanks all volunteers who contribute their time, skills and experience to support the development and success of volleyball across our region.

Volunteer Leadership

In addition to programme volunteers, Volley South benefits from the significant contribution of Board Members, Patrons, Life Members and Community Leaders Committee members who provide governance, strategic advice, cultural leadership and community engagement.

Their collective contribution helps ensure the organisation remains community-focused, sustainable and responsive to the needs of its members and stakeholders.

Accountability and Transparency

Volley South is committed to operating with integrity, transparency and accountability.

The association maintains policies, procedures and governance practices that support:

• Good governance

• Financial responsibility

• Risk management

• Participant wellbeing

• Child safeguarding

• Volunteer support

• Ethical decision-making

• Organisational sustainability

We are committed to continuous improvement and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us by our members, participants, funders and community partners.

Safe and Inclusive Sport

Volley South is committed to providing safe, inclusive and positive environments for all participants.

We support the principles of:

• Fair play

• Respect

• Participant wellbeing

• Child and youth safeguarding

• Inclusion and accessibility

• Positive sporting experiences

• Respectful behaviour on and off the court

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in volleyball in an environment where they feel safe, respected and valued.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Volley South is committed to building a volleyball community that reflects the rich cultural diversity of Southland and Queenstown.

Our governance, leadership, workforce and volunteer network includes representation from Māori, New Zealand European, Argentine, Brazilian, Korean, Chinese, Fijian, Cook Islands, Filipino, Samoan, Kiribati and wider Pacific communities, along with many other cultures and backgrounds that contribute to the strength of our region.

We believe diversity enriches our sport, strengthens leadership, broadens perspectives and helps create welcoming environments where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and succeed.

Through our programmes, governance structures and community partnerships, Volley South actively works to ensure volleyball remains accessible, inclusive and representative of the communities we serve.

We Believe

• Volleyball should be accessible to everyone regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, ability, background or financial circumstance.

• Youth voices are important in governance and decision-making.

• Diverse leadership strengthens organisations and communities.

• Safe and positive sporting environments are essential for athlete wellbeing and development.

• Strong communities create strong sporting environments.

We Actively Work To

• Remove barriers to participation wherever possible.

• Support culturally responsive leadership.

• Develop youth pathways into coaching, officiating and governance.

• Create welcoming competitions and community programmes.

• Foster positive environments where everyone feels valued, respected and connected.

Volley South stands for respect, opportunity and belonging — on and off the court.

Our Values

Respect

We treat all participants, volunteers, officials, partners and stakeholders with dignity, fairness and integrity.

Opportunity

We create pathways that enable people to participate, develop and succeed.

Community

We recognise that volleyball is strongest when communities work together.

Belonging

We strive to ensure everyone feels welcome, valued and connected.

Working Together

Volley South works in partnership with schools, clubs, community groups, volunteers, officials, coaches, athletes and Volleyball New Zealand to support the continued growth and success of volleyball throughout Southland and Queenstown.

Together, we are building a stronger, more connected volleyball community for current and future generations.

Volley South

Growing Volleyball. Building Communities. Creating Opportunities.

Southland • Queenstown • New Zealand