Campaigns & initiatives

Water Safety New Zealand runs various campaigns and initiatives aimed at promoting safe behaviour and asking Kiwis to make smart decisions in, on, and around water. These campaigns and initiative have been tailored to reach different communities and age groups with relevant, engaging messaging that advocate for and inspire safer choices.

Key campaigns Water Safety NZ has run include:

• Manu with Mana, a culturally grounded initiative that celebrates the iconic Kiwi manu bomb while reinforcing water safety values.
• Swim Reaper: a darkly humorous yet effective campaign that targeted young risk-takers with a strong message about the consequences of poor decisions.
• Bathmat Campaign. A that focused on preventing toddler drownings in the home, particularly in the bath.
• Learn to Swim – launched 1950.
• Be Water Wise: 1958 campaign by what was then the Water Safety Council, promoting safe methods of swimming, diving, fishing and boating.
• Safe Kids Campaign –1990 – 2005.

Together, these initiatives reflect Water Safety NZ’s commitment to saving lives through education, cultural connection, and creative communication.