Volley South – Regional Volleyball Leadership in Southland & Queenstown Lakes

Volley South is the recognised regional governing body for volleyball across Southland and Queenstown Lakes, 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.

About Volley South

As a regional association, Volley South is responsible for:

• Delivering indoor and beach volleyball competitions

• Developing athletes, coaches and referees

• Managing representative programmes

• Supporting schools and clubs

• Ensuring strong governance and financial sustainability

• Growing participation across rural and urban communities

We are proud to serve one of New Zealand’s most geographically diverse regions — from Invercargill to Queenstown.

Governance – 2025/26 Board

Volley South operates under a 2025 Incorporated Societies Act–compliant constitution and is governed by a Board committed to transparent leadership, strategic growth, and community representation.

Appointed & Elected Board Members

• Brent Jamieson – Chair (Māori / New Zealand)

• John Knowler – Board Member (New Zealand)

• Suzannah Schwarz – Board Member (New Zealand)

• Joy Freemantle – Board Member (New Zealand)

• Jorgenlia Levia – Elected Board Member (Co-opted following mid-term resignation)

Co-opted Members (Fixed Term – Strategic Support to February 2026)

To strengthen cultural, youth and community representation, the Board has appointed the following co-opted members:

• Jorgenlia Levia – Coach Representative (Argentine / New Zealand)

• Ryne Saldana – Youth Representative – Male (Filipino / New Zealand)

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

• Jose Carlos “Carl” Cagasas – Community Representative (Filipino / New Zealand)

• Kaieti Talalelei – Community Representative (Kiribati)

• Ruben Toflina – Community Representative (Kiribati)

Operations Team – Delivering Volleyball Across the Region

Our operations team oversees competitions, development programmes, representative pathways, events, and community engagement.

Executive Leadership

Donz Milne – Executive Officer📧 info@volleysouth.org.nz📱 027 471 0782(Māori / New Zealand)

Coach Development

Jorgenlia Levia – Coach Developer

Casual Workforce

Supported by 25+ casual staff, delivering competitions and development programmes across Southland and Queenstown Lakes.

Representative Coaching Team

Invercargill Representative Coaches

• Jo

• Twice (Kiribati / New Zealand)

• Suzannah

• Julian

• Ruben

Queenstown Representative Coach

• Duane

Patrons

• Duncan McKenzie

• Dave McKissock

Life Members

• Duncan McKenzie

• Dave McKissock

• Donna Milne

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Volley South

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

Our Board and wider leadership include representation from:

• Māori

• Pacific communities including Kiribati and Cook Islands

• Filipino communities

• Multicultural and migrant backgrounds

We believe:

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

• Youth voice matters in governance and decision-making.

• Community representation strengthens leadership and outcomes.

• Safe, inclusive environments are essential for athlete wellbeing and development.

We actively work to:

• Remove barriers to participation

• Support culturally responsive leadership

• Develop youth pathways into governance and coaching

• Ensure competitions are welcoming and community-focused

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

Invest in One of Southland’s Fastest Growing Sports Organisations

Welcome to Volley South — where community meets momentum.

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

Since 2020, Volley South has experienced a 257% increase in participation, growing from 1,149 to over 4,100 participants. Today, we are the fourth largest sport in the region, with continued upward growth across Southland and Queenstown Lakes.

This isn’t accidental growth. It’s strategic, inclusive, and community-led.

A Game-Changer for Southland and Queenstown Lakes

Volleyball is more than a sport — it builds confidence, connection, resilience, and belonging.

Volley South provides inclusive and safe opportunities for:

• Primary and secondary school students

• Rural communities

• Women and girls

• Multicultural and migrant families

• Emerging athletes and leaders

• Adult and social players

Whether someone is picking up a ball for the first time or representing their region, Volley South is a place to belong and grow.

Participation That Breaks Barriers

Our data tells a powerful story:

• 63% of participants are women and girls – significantly outperforming national youth female participation trends

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

• Over 25% of players live in rural or remote communities

• Participation continues to grow year-on-year across all age groups

Geography, background, and financial circumstance do not define opportunity in our region — and we work hard to ensure they never do.

Bringing Volleyball to the Community

Southland and Queenstown Lakes cover a vast geographic area. Access matters.

Volley South delivers:

• Indoor competitions across multiple centres

• Beach volleyball in summer

• Grass volleyball in rural communities

• Flexible social formats for working adults

• School-based development programmes

We innovate to meet communities where they are — reducing travel barriers and increasing access.

Real Pathways. Real Impact.

We are not only growing participation — we are growing leaders.

Volley South provides structured pathways for:

• Representative players

• Coaches and coach development

• Referees and officials

• Youth governance representatives

• Emerging community leaders

We are future-proofing volleyball in the South — from grassroots to national stages.

A Not-for-Profit with Community Impact

Volley South is a registered not-for-profit organisation.

Every dollar received is reinvested into:

• Affordable participation opportunities

• Equipment and facility access

• Coach and referee education

• Rural delivery and outreach

• Safe and inclusive environments

• Youth leadership development

Our lean operational model — supported by casual staff and volunteers — ensures funding goes directly to impact.

Why Partner with Volley South?

When you fund or partner with Volley South, you are investing in:

✔ Youth development✔ Female participation in sport✔ Rural inclusion✔ Cultural diversity and representation✔ Community wellbeing✔ Leadership pathways✔ Regional growth and activation

We offer partnership opportunities including:

• Event sponsorship

• Programme naming rights

• Rural activation support

• Representative pathway backing

• Equipment and accessibility funding

• Community impact partnerships

Let’s Grow the Game Together

Volley South is proud of what we have achieved — but we are only just getting started.

We invite funders, businesses, philanthropic trusts and community partners to join us in:

• Removing barriers to participation

• Expanding regional delivery

• Strengthening leadership pathways

• Building healthier, more connected communities

When you partner with Volley South, you are not just supporting a sport.

You are investing in stronger communities, confident young people, and a thriving regional ecosystem.

Contact Us to Discuss Partnership Opportunities

Donz MilneExecutive Officerinfo@volleysouth.org.nz027 471 0782

Let’s grow volleyball — together. 🏐