Surf Life Saving New Zealand and the Coastguard will receive a funding boost of $63.6 million over four years, the government has announced.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Transport Minister Simeon Brown,and Associate Minister Matt Doocey outlined the new funding as part of a pre-Budget announcement this morning.
"Both organisations are facing across the board cost increases. At the same time New Zealand has a tragically high drowning toll and services of frontline services keeping people safe in and around water are needed more than ever before," Brown said.
About 90 people drowned every year and the government was intent on seeing that number reduced.
Lifeguards and Coastguard were at the frontline of efforts to reduce the country's high drowning toll, he said.
"Costs are rising across the board for these largely volunteer-driven organisations. The funding will cover operational expenses for both organisations as well as rescue equipment, facilities and maintenance."
The money would be divided as $19m for Coastguard and $44m for Surf Life Saving NZ.
There were around 4500 lifeguards, Brown said, and the extra funding would help with training and gear as well as the upkeep of their buildings.
They carried out around 31,000 "preventative actions" annually, he said.
Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
Coastguard rescued more than 6000 people who got into trouble on the water annually and needed more funds "to deliver their essential prevention and rescue services".
"Demand for Coastguard is growing."
He thanked both organisations for their "great work saving lives on the water".
Luxon said heading to the water was a Kiwi way of life, however, it came with risk and frontline organisations such as Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand needed more funds.
He said he was a huge admirer of both services and put in a plug for boaties to join Coastguard and take one of their education courses which he has done.
Christopher Luxon meets one of the people attending the briefing. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
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