Targeted
community
initiatives
We are taking a different approach for 2024/25. We won’t be calling for funding applications as usual. Instead, in this period of significant funding instability, we are choosing to focus on sustaining the critical water safety programmes already being delivered by those funded last year.
We intend to do this by negotiating to extend existing funding agreements for well performing programmes. We are keen to do all that we can to ensure that existing well performing programmes are sustained so the gains made through past support are secured for the future. This is a one-off change for 2024/25 only.
All programmes went through the contestable funding application process in 2023/24. Decisions were made by the Board of Water Safety New Zealand and endorsed by the Board of Sport New Zealand. This process confirmed that these programmes are well aligned with the funding priorities and were assessed as the most impactful and cost-effective interventions.
By choosing to support existing well performing partners for another year, we understand the impact on others and the risk that new ideas and opportunities that could potentially drive a bigger impact won’t be supported in 2024/25. But, given current uncertainties we believe that it is better to sustain and help strengthen existing programmes first before creating new relationships and actions. expectations.
Existing funded partners will be contacted by Water Safety New Zealand to confirm the process. Once agreements have been renegotiated and decisions have been made, we will publish key information on this page to give the water safety community visibility of who is being supported, to what level, and the focus on each programme.
Water Safety New Zealand’s contestable funds invest in community-led initiatives that tackle the most pressing drivers of drowning in Aotearoa. By investing in this way, we aim to have a positive impact on the drowning rate over time and to build water safety focused community capability where the risk is greatest.
This funding is possible thanks to Sport New Zealand, ACC, and the Lotteries Grants Board extending their support for another year.
Free dive training led by wāhine Māori
Waka Hourua as the medium to learn water competence. North Island marae-based wānanga.
Kai gathering, specifically scuba, free diving and snorkelling competence in the Bay of Plenty.
Marae based wananga in Hawkes Bay supporting kai gatherers to haveimproved knowledge. Will be supported by Splash Gordons/Dive Wellington.
Experiential learning focussed on supporting rangatahi to grow their mātauranga andskill base in natural water settings using authentic learning environments (waka, kai moana). Participants will come from across Te Tauihu and Te Tai Poutini.
Multi-day Wellington programme focussed on enabling rangatahi to learn water safety skills in the sea undertaking a range of water based activities.
Otago and Southland based delivery of snorkelling, free diving and scuba diving training to increase skills around gathering kai moana.
Basic water skills, scuba diving, free diving and snorkelling in collaboration with iwi, hapu and marae in Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty
Wahine driven kaupapa. Kai gathering wananga focused on safety, environment and traditional kai preparation
Supporting local iwi, Ngati Toa and Te Atiawa marae kai gatherers in Wellington to encourage safe diving/free diving/snorkelling practice.
Leveraging Church networks to support Samoan, Tongan and Tuvaluan communities to lift water survival awareness amongst teenagers and older males.
Five-day long river/lake skills programme for rangatahi from Rotorua, Murupara and Te Urewera.
Expanding existing under-fives initiatives in the Waikato
Haumaru Wai wananga (Water Safety/Survival) in Waikato
River safety programme supporting rangatahi from four Kura located near Waikato awa.
Hokianga marae-based delivery focusing on increasing knowledge and awareness around safely gathering kai in a range of situations.
Multifaceted programme lifting water safety competence amongst the communities of Tairawhiti.
Under-fives focused initiatives. Parent/whānau/community led approach combining education and hands on elements. Bay of Plenty region
Upskilling surfers to help them be better prepared to rescue others as a first line of rescue response. Delivered nationally
Multi-faceted behaviour change campaign in response to river drownings. Waikato focussed
Wellbeing focus and a gateway to connecting whanau with wai - holistic programme aboutsafe interaction with water. National focus
Under-fives programme supporting engagement and parental responsibility. Multi-faceted method combining education and hands on elements. National focus
Mix of practical training and communication programmes targeting Auckland based, Asian New Zealanders swimming and rock fishing
Promotion of dive safety through online training, refresher certification nationally
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Water Skills for Life - Beach programme targeting years 5-8 from coastal schools inNorthland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti, Hawkes Bay,Wellington, Canterbury and Otago. Equity index 446+
Capability support to Kaiako help them deliver in school pools. Equity index 446+ in Christchurch
Capability support to Kaiako help them deliver in school pools. Equity index 446+ in Bay of Plenty
Capability support to Kaiako help them deliver in school pools. Equity index 446+ in Waikato
Poriruas chools, equity index 446 and above
Rotorua schools, equity index 446 and above
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Dunedin and Central Otago schools, equity index 446 and above
Christchurch City schools, equity index 446 and above
Southland District schools, equity index 446 and above
Tauranga schools, equity index 446 and above
North Canterbury schools, equity index 446 and above
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Northland schools, equity index 446 and above
West, Central and East Auckland schools, equity index 446 and above
Tairawhiti schools (mostly rural)
South and East Auckland schools, equity index 446 and above
Wai Ora Aotearoa the New Zealand Water Safety Sector Strategy 2025 represents the sector’s collective approach to saving lives.
Water Safety New Zealand works to raise awareness, educate communities, and promote preventative measures.
