Tēnā koutou

As Chair of the Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) Board, I am honoured to present the annual report for 2022/23.

The challenges Aotearoa faces with preventable drowning remain significant. Despite the tireless efforts of our members and sector organisations, the number of preventable drownings and water-related injuries remains a concern. Special mention to our core members - Coastguard New Zealand, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, and Swimming New Zealand for your lead role. I want to acknowledge and thank all these individuals and groups; without their dedicated efforts the situation could be far worse. The 94 preventable drownings recorded in 2022, represented the highest annual drowning fatalities in the last decade. This figure was 12 fatalities above the 10-year average of 82 and reminds us of the work ahead.

Our commitment to the Wai Ora Aotearoa Strategy 2025 - NZ’s Water Safety Sector Strategy remains unwavering. This strategy represents our collective effort to enhance water safety in New Zealand and as the lead agency for this kaupapa, WSNZ is tasked with ensuring its effective implementation. The sector’s aspirational goals and action plans have been crafted with collaboration at their core.

Our vision that “Everyone connects to and enjoys the water safely” can only be realised if we continue to work hand in hand, evaluating and refining our strategies. To best enable progress on the Sector Strategy, WSNZ has undergone a transformation, aligning our objectives and operations to be partner-centric, evidence-driven, and focused on long-term behavioural change. The WSNZ Board is confident that by working collaboratively, aligning our efforts, and making evidence-based investments, we can enhance community well-being and prevent future tragedies.

The ongoing development and evolution of our Board have been truly positive. The dedication and expertise each member brings has been invaluable. A special acknowledgment to our new Board members who joined last year – Anna Toothill, Corinna Gage, James Helmore and Peter Kara. Thanks also to the chairs of our two Board sub-committees, Kira Schaffler and Anne-Marie Jackson, both have played a lead role in assuring and leading work to successfully govern WSNZ this year.

While I extend my heartfelt thanks to all Board members for their dedication, I must give a special mention to Michael Bassett-Foss, who, like me, is concluding his six-year journey with WSNZ. Michael’s unwavering commitment and significant contribution to the water safety sector has been incredible and his legacy will undoubtedly influence

As I prepare to step down after six years on the Board, I reflect on the positive changes and the consolidation of WSNZ’s role as the lead agency for water safety. I also want to express my appreciation to the WSNZ staff who have delivered so strongly in support of us achieving our goals. My special thanks to Daniel, our Chief Executive, for his unwavering commitment to our mission and for being a strong voice for action to prevent drowning.

As a sector we must continue to bring our strengths together for no single entity alone can achieve real change for water safety in Aotearoa.

Nāku, nā

Kate Wareham.

As I reflect on the journey of Water Safety NZ throughout 2022/23, I am humbled and proud to present to you the achievements, challenges, and ongoing transformations that have defined our year. The essence of our mission, to ensure every Kiwi can enjoy our country’s beautiful waters safely, has never been more critical.

This 2022/23 year was another internally focused, capability-driven year for us. Recognising the importance of strengthening our foundation, we invested significantly in our internal capacities. Our commitment to developing internal talents, tools, and strategies has positioned us to make more impactful and sustainable contributions to water safety in Aotearoa.

Every year brings with it its own set of challenges, and 2022/23 was no exception. The Ministry of Transport led review into the Recreational Safety and NZ Search & Rescue system reached its conclusion. The review, while focusing upon refining and aligning the “system” also posed interesting questions regarding the leadership of the sector elements. These questions presented the Advisory Group members with moments of introspection.

These moments were invaluable, for they provide us all with opportunities to reassess each organisations path, ensuring we are always aligned with the highest standards and best practices. These moments, while challenging, have definitely sharpened WSNZ’s focus and commitment to excellence.

Another hurdle that impacted many of our members and community providers was the refocus of the 2022/23 Contestable Funding process. WSNZ acknowledges the challenges faced, by many, due to these changes. We understand there have been teething issues, and we genuinely appreciate the feedback from our community.

We want to assure you that we have taken this feedback on board and have incorporated it into the 2023/24 funding round. The core purpose of Water Safety New Zealand’s contestable funds is to invest in community-led initiatives that directly address the primary causes of drowning in Aotearoa. Our goal is to make a tangible difference in the drowning rate by supporting and investing in water safety focused community capabilities throughout the nation.

Historically, our funding was channelled directly to specific key delivery partners through National Infrastructure Agreements and via a contestable fund named the Drowning Prevention Fund. However, we recognized the need for change. Given the alarming and disproportionate rate of Māori drownings – where Māori face more than double the risk compared to their representation in the New Zealand population – a pivotal decision was made. With guidance from the Water Safety New Zealand Board, WSNZ reintroduced an additional dedicated fund. This fund, named Kia Maanu Kia Ora, is designed to stimulate, and support interventions rooted in Te Ao Māori.

I must extend a profound thanks to our outgoing Chairperson, Kate Wareham, and the equally long-serving Board member, Michael Bassett-Foss. They have both committed six years of service to WSNZ and the water safety sector. They have been transformative, especially during our crucial re-shaping stage. Kate has been a beacon of support for me. Her guidance, both as Chair and often offering a fellow CEO perspective, has enriched not just my leadership journey but has greatly benefited our organisation. Both Kate and Michael’s legacies will undoubtedly influence Water Safety NZ’s trajectory for years to come.

Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi - The old net is cast aside while the new net goes fishing.

Daniel Gerrard
Chief Executive

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