Surf Life Saving and Fulton Hogan partner to keep kids safe at the beach

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) and Fulton Hogan have today announced a major new national partnership to support beach safety education and lifesaving sport across Aotearoa. 

From 1 July 2026, Fulton Hogan will become a major partner of SLSNZ, with naming rights to the Fulton Hogan Surf Lifesaving New Zealand Beach Education programme and presenting partner for the Fulton Hogan Oceans Festival of Junior Surf Lifesaving. 

Ben Hayward, Fulton Hogan New Zealand CEO said, “Every summer, surf lifeguards prevent drownings and protect families at beaches right around the country. As a company that builds and maintains the infrastructure connecting communities, we also care deeply about people getting home safely after enjoying our coastlines. 

“Through Fulton Hogan Surf Lifesaving Beach Education and the Fulton Hogan Oceans Festival Junior of Surf Lifesaving, we’ll help equip more than 27,000 children a year with practical skills and confidence in and around the water, while also celebrating the 2000+ young and emerging lifeguards. This partnership is about preventing harm before it happens, across the communities where New Zealander’s live, work and play.” 

SLSNZ operates through 74 clubs, with more than 18,000 members and over 90 patrolled locations each summer. Beach Education is a world‑leading national water safety programme delivered at surf clubs around the country, while Oceans Junior Festival of Surf brings together around 2,000 junior competitors and supporters annually in Tauranga. 

Steve Fisher, CEO or Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, said, “We rely on the support of partners who share our commitment to keeping people safe. Fulton Hogan’s investment as a Major Partner will help us sustain and grow our education programmes, support our clubs and volunteers, and ensure more Kiwi kids have the skills they need to stay safe at the beach. 

“We’re looking forward to working alongside the Fulton Hogan team to enhance Beach Education, grow Oceans, and create meaningful opportunities for their staff and families to connect with surf lifesaving in their own communities.” 

Fulton Hogan’s support will also back school Beach Ambassador days and community initiatives that align water safety education with coastal stewardship. 

This partnership complements Fulton Hogan’s existing 10-year Department of Conservation sponsorship and forms part of a broader community investment strategy focused on education and knowledge, healthy communities, and environmental restoration and enhancement. 

About Fulton Hogan

Fulton Hogan delivers high-quality infrastructure to improve the lives of people in New Zealand and Australia every day. Our 10,300+ strong team works in every kind of weather, creating, connecting, and caring for communities. After 90 years in business, we believe resilient infrastructure will help tackle the challenges of a changing world, and we will continue to invest and innovate to play our part.