YMCA world president Peter Posner takes time with kids in Whanganui

YMCA world president Peter Posner took time to read a story with some of the organisation's youngest clients during a brief visit to Whanganui. Photo / Liz Wylie

Peter Posner may be world president of an international organisation but he is also a granddad who is pretty good at reading stories to preschoolers.

Mr Posner visited Whanganui yesterday as part of a whirlwind New Zealand tour and took the time to read Hippo Has a Hat to a receptive audience at the YMCA's Early Years Learning Centre.

"I have a granddaughter named Harriet and she is 4, like some of you," he said.

"I also have a grandson named Oscar and they both just got new bikes."

The YMCA leader arrived in New Zealand on Thursday and started his tour at Christchurch YMCA before visiting centres in Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Wellington and Lower Hutt before heading to Palmerston North.

"I experienced my first hongi there," he said.

"I met a young man who has come from a place where he has struggled and I feel very privileged that he was willing to greet me like that."

Empowering youth to reach their full potential is what drives him, he says, and it's what motivated him to join the YMCA as a volunteer 37 years ago.

"I am chair of our local branch in Derbyshire and I love to keep in touch with the young people in my own community."

Mr Posner was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2013 for his services to the YMCA and was elected world president the following year.

He divides his time between England,the YMCA headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and travelling to visit some of the 1200 YMCA centres in 119 countries.

"This is my first visit to New Zealand and it is even better than I expected," he said.

"I've met a lot of English people who have been here and they have all said it is a wonderful place filled with nice people.

"On this short visit I have seen that it is true and I want to come back for a holiday with my wife next year."

Mr Posner's term as president will end in September, when his replacement will be elected from a list of nominated candidates.

The YMCA, or Young Men's Christian Association, was founded by philanthropist George Williams in London in 1844 and was based on developing "body, mind, and spirit".

Mr Posner said those principles have not changed and although the organisation works with people of all ages, youth are still the main focus.

YMCA Whanganui will soon welcome Aaron Palmer as its new chief executive.

Whanganui-born Mr Palmer has been living and working overseas and is about to return with his young family to live in his home town.