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?

Volley South is a dynamic and rapidly growing organisation that is committed to making volleyball accessible and enjoyable for everyone in the Southland and Queenstown Lakes regions. We have experienced phenomenal growth, with our participation numbers soaring by 257.3% from 1,149 participants in 2020 to 4,100 participants today. As the fourth largest participation sport in the region, volleyball is a vital part of the local sporting landscape, and our reach and impact continue to grow.

A Sport for Everyone

At Volley South, we pride ourselves on creating inclusive opportunities for players of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Volleyball offers a safe, fun, and engaging environment where people can connect, build confidence, and stay active. We are especially proud of our strong female participation—63% of our players are women—ensuring that volleyball remains an appealing option even at the stage where many young women often drop out of organised sports. Additionally, our ethnically diverse participant base—including Filipino, Māori, Pacific Island, and Asian communities—demonstrates the inclusivity of our programmes.

Breaking Barriers

Volley South is more than just a sporting organisation; it is a community movement. With more than a quarter of our participants residing in rural and remote areas, we work hard to overcome the challenges posed by Southland’s vast geographical spread. By offering beach volleyball, grass volleyball, and community-based competitions, we ensure that people don't have to travel long distances to enjoy the sport they love.

Sustainable Growth and Development

Our growth is not just in numbers; it is in the development of the sport itself. We are committed to providing pathways for players, coaches, and referees to grow and advance within the sport. Our vision for the future includes expanding beach volleyball, introducing grassroots opportunities, and making sure that the game can be played closer to where people live. We are focused on building a sustainable future for volleyball in our region, ensuring that the sport remains accessible to all.

Impactful Partnerships and Community Support

By partnering with Volley South, funders and sponsors can directly support the growth and development of volleyball in Southland and Queenstown Lakes. Your contribution will help us expand our programmes, provide more opportunities for participation, and strengthen our community outreach. We are a not-for-profit organisation with a passionate, dedicated team of volunteers and casual staff. Our goal is to keep costs as low as possible for participants, ensuring that the sport remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Join Us in Growing Volleyball in Southland and Queenstown Lakes

We are proud of the positive impact we have had on our community, and with your support, we can continue to grow and develop the sport we all love. By partnering with Volley South, you are investing in the future of volleyball and helping us create more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the joy and excitement of the game.

Together, we can make a lasting difference and inspire the next generation of volleyball players. Let’s grow the game and succeed together!

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Organisational Structure of Volley South

Welcome to the organisational structure of Volley South, where we are dedicated to fostering volleyball excellence. Our structure is designed to ensure smooth operations from international governance to grassroots involvement, ensuring the growth and development of volleyball in our region. Below, you'll find an overview of our organisational framework:

International Governance

At the top of our hierarchy is the FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball), the global governing body overseeing volleyball on the international stage. Volley South works closely with the FIVB to uphold the sport's standards and values worldwide.

International Governance Body:

  • FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball)

National Governance

Volleyball New Zealand (VNZ) plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of volleyball in New Zealand, providing the structure and guidance necessary to support domestic operations and development.

National Governance Body:

  • Volleyball New Zealand (VNZ)

Regional Governance

The Volley South Board is responsible for overseeing volleyball activities and development within the Southland region. Their dedicated efforts are focused on promoting and expanding the sport at the local level.

Regional Governance Body:

  • Volley South Board

2024-2025 Volley South Governance Board Members:

  • Brent Jamieson – Chair (Appointed)
  • Opini Toomalatai – Deputy Chair (Elected)
  • John Knowler – Appointed
  • Suzannah Schwarz – Appointed
  • Joy Freemantle – Appointed

The following individuals have been co-opted for a fixed term to assist in delivering our strategic plan:

  • Jorgenlia Levia – Co-opted Fixed Term, Coach Representative
  • Ryne Saldana – Co-opted Fixed Term, Player Representative
  • Rosalia Lo – Co-opted Fixed Term, Chair, Youth Group Voice
  • Jose Carlos Cagasas (Carl) – Co-opted Fixed Term, Community Representative
  • Kaieti Talalelei – Co-opted Fixed Term, Community Representative
  • Tutuila Koila Vine (Vine) – Co-opted Fixed Term, Community Representative

Casual Staff

Volley South Executive Officer:

  • Donna (Donz) Milne
  • Contact Donz for inquiries and information:Email: info@volleysouth.org.nzCell: 027 4710782

Coach Developer:

  • Jorgenlia Levia

Chief Referee:

  • Warren Smith and Jorgenlia Levia

Coaches and Competition Staff

Queenstown Coaches:

  • Macerana
  • Alan
  • McKinley

Invercargill Coaches:

  • Twice
  • Suzannah
  • Julian
  • Jo

Volley South Paid Invercargill Competition Staff:

  • Donz Milne
  • Jorgenlia Levia
  • Xiara Patino
  • Keila Patino
  • Julian Patino
  • Kris Milne

Competition Assistants (Work4Fees Students):

  • Various work placement students

Volley South Paid Queenstown Competition Staff:

  • Denise Lockhart
  • Macerana
  • Alan
  • McKinley

Competition Assistants (Work4Fees Students):

  • Various work placement students

Patrons

We are honoured to have the support and guidance of our esteemed patrons, who share our passion for volleyball:

  • Duncan McKenzie
  • Dave McKissock

Life Members

We proudly recognise individuals whose unwavering commitment and contributions have significantly impacted volleyball in our region:

  • Duncan McKenzie
  • Dave McKissock
  • Donna Milne (Formal recognition in 2025)

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Work4fees

Student Staff help run competitions and events, as well as helping with the up keep of the Otepuni Community Hub.

At Volley South, we're united by our love for volleyball, and our organisational structure is designed to support every aspect of the sport, and to be agile.

We're grateful for the dedication of our team, from grassroot to board level and all the in between.

Together, we serve as the driving force behind the success of volleyball in our region.


Acknowledging Our Heroes

A heartfelt thanks to our volunteer coaches and casual paid staff. Your passion and dedication keep the volleyball spirit alive in our community.