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.
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.
