Major funding boost to benefit surf lifesaving capability in New Zealand

A major funding boost from the Infinity Foundation is set to increase the capability of Surf Life Saving in New Zealand.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand has received a $1 million grant from the foundation to provide essential rescue equipment across the country and contribute to frontline operations.

All 74 Surf Life Saving Clubs in New Zealand will benefit from the grant; they will each receive a new rescue board and tablet for entering patrol information direct from the beach.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand senior executive Matt Warren says this generous grant from Infinity will have a long term benefit to the charity organisation.

"The funding will enable us to bring to life many of the projects that, in the past, we have not been able to complete. The projects will have an ongoing effect for Surf Life Saving Clubs to improve services and leave a legacy in the coming years," he says.

Mr Warren says the grant will help strengthen surf lifesaving services and ultimately benefit communities across New Zealand.

"Rescue equipment is vital to the clubs' ability to provide core surf lifesaving activities but it is expensive and needs to be renewed on a regular basis. Assistance with this frees up cash for the clubs and using bulk buying helps keep the cost down," he says.

The organisation has recently redeveloped its computer system which captures key operational information in real time at the beach, saving huge amounts of time.

Mr Warren says central to this is the use of tablets at each patrolled beach to make this a reality for clubs. "Time saved here will allow clubs to redirect resources from the back office to the beachfront where it's needed most," he says.

Also included in the grant is support for the High Performance sport programme and supporting the New Zealand Black Fins in their efforts to win the lifesaving world championship title for the third consecutive time.

Infinity Foundation was founded in Hawke's Bay in 2006.

CEO Jason Fleming says "Infinity Foundation is excited by the opportunities that exist as a result of their funding support. The partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand is one where we will see tangible, immediate outcomes across so much of NZ. Ensuring safer beaches, where all Surf Lifeguards are well resourced, means everyone can enjoy these unique taonga," he says.

To find out more about Infinity Foundation visit www.infinityfoundation.co.nz.

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Smith, Media & Communications Manager, SLSNZ
Phone 09 303 9335 or 0276 488 823
Email lisa.smith@surflifesaving.org.nz