Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say.

“Heading to the beach for a day of fun in the water is part of the Kiwi way of life, particularly in summer.

“With that comes inherent risk and these frontline organisations do critical work to help ensure people can head home safe.

“This funding will ensure that Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand can continue to deliver water safety services and save lives, and keep up their efforts to reduce New Zealand’s high drowning toll on the water and beaches.

“Costs are rising across the board for these largely volunteer-driven organisations. The funding will cover operational expenses for both organisations as well as rescue equipment, facilities and maintenance.

“The work of close to 4,500 volunteer lifeguards at Surf Life Saving New Zealand provide the public with an incredible service.

“I want to thank all of those people who help keep Kiwis safe in, on, or around the water for the work that they do each summer.

“This funding injection will contribute to lifeguard training and gear, beach and coastal safety initiatives, as well as maintaining and upgrading lifesaving club buildings.

“Coastguard New Zealand rescues over 6,000 people who get into trouble on the water each year and, with demand for their water safety services growing, this funding will ensure they can continue to deliver their essential prevention and rescue services.”

Funding for Coastguard New Zealand will cover personal protective equipment, critical marine communications equipment and the continued provision of emergency call-out rescue services for recreational boat users that get into trouble out on the water.

“New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll, and this Government is committed to investing in these frontline organisations so they continue their work saving hundreds of lives each year and ensuring thousands of people return home safe after a day at the beach or on the water,” Matt says.

“Our Government is investing in the frontline and New Zealanders can expect to see more of that in Budget 24, as well as tax relief for low-and-middle-income workers,” Simeon says.

SLSNZ Welcomes Funding Boost from the Government

Surf Life Saving New Zealand has welcomed a significant boost in funding from the Government, which promises to enhance the support available for it’s largely volunteer-based surf lifeguards nationwide.

The Government announced this morning that it will allocate $44.12million to SLSNZ over the next four years. 

“Surf lifeguards are incredibly passionate about what they do,” says Steve Fisher, SLSNZ CEO.

“They’re great New Zealanders who often put their lives at risk to help others.

“I’m so pleased the Government has recognised this and acknowledged them as an integral part of New Zealand’s frontline emergency and protective service.”

This investment aims to bolster a range of essential activities, including beach and coastal safety initiatives, equipment and patrol vehicles, rebuilding and upgrading of club facilities, and surf lifeguard training.

“We’ve been around for over 110 years,” says Steve.

“However, recently it’s become increasingly hard for our Surf Life Saving Clubs to keep the lights on. 

“Along with putting in many hours to keep beachgoers safe, they’ve also had to find ways to fundraise to support patrols, training programmes, and operational costs. 

“This funding will come as a welcome relief.”

SLSNZ represents 74 Surf Life Saving Clubs, over 18,000 members, including more than 4,500 surf lifeguards who, during the summer months, patrol over 90 beaches, from Northland to Southland.

It also provides emergency search and rescue services, coastal safety assessments, public education, member education, training and leadership development.