As 2025 draws to a close, YWAM Ships Aotearoa is reflecting on a year marked by growth, deepening partnerships, and meaningful impact across the Pacific and New Zealand.
Managing director Marty Emmett said volunteer teams reached 5136 patients throughout Pacific nations and provided care to more than 1400 patients across New Zealand.
In November, the Trinity Koha Dental Clinic's work in Tauranga continued with volunteer dentists providing care to 45 people and giving away $32,000 of treatments.
“In total, more than 31,000 individual health services were delivered in 2025 – ranging from dental and optical care to maternity services, health education, and clean water initiatives,” Emmett said. “Each number represents more than a statistic. It’s a life touched, a community strengthened, and a story of hope renewed.”
New patron
The organisation’s medical ship, YWAM KOHA, which returned to Tauranga two months ago, played a central role in two major milestones this year.
Youth with a Mission Ships managing director Marty Emmett.
One was the appointment of a new patron, Ioane Naivalurua, Fiji’s Minister of Policing and Communication. “We were honoured to welcome Minister Naivalurua,” Emmett said. “His support underscores the deepening partnership between YWAM Ships Aotearoa and the people of Fiji.”
Tuvalu
Another highlight was the organisation’s first-ever outreach to Tuvalu, expanding its reach to a new Pacific nation. During the mission, the YWAM KOHA crew and volunteers delivered 126 water tanks to improve access to safe drinking water and provided 345 essential health services to local families.
The YWAM KOHA team delivered 126 water tanks to the islands of Tuvalu in 2025. Photo / Supplied.
Emmett emphasised that none of this work would be possible without the dedication of volunteers, donors, and supporters.“To every doctor, nurse, captain, engineer, deckhand, cook, and partner – thank you,” he said.
“Your generosity has helped bring vital care to some of the most isolated communities in the Pacific.”
Looking ahead, YWAM KOHA will undergo drydock in Auckland, a crucial step to extend the ship’s operational life.
While there, the organisation would host public tours, offering the community a firsthand look at how the ship operates and the impact it makes. Following drydock, the vessel will return to Fiji for further outreaches.
The Trinity Koha Dental Clinic's week in Tokoroa in October where 107 people were seen in one week, with 166 fillings and 150 extractions completed. Photo / Supplied.
Closer to home, the Tauranga-based Trinity Koha dental team will continue providing oral health services across the Bay of Plenty and South Waikato.
“The level of local support for YWAM is incredible,” Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell said. “Many people give their time and resources to change other people’s lives, bless them all.”
Simple but powerful (sidehead)
“At the heart of everything we do is a simple but powerful mission – to serve, equip, and empower people across the Pacific,” Emmett said. “We move into the year ahead with deep gratitude for every partner, every volunteer, and every life changed through shared compassion.”
To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit www.ysa.nz