Government Funding of over $60m to support SLSNZ & Coastguard

Some exciting news for SLSNZ and all its incredible volunteers with the announcement of a funding boost this morning - just over $44 million dollars over four years. This will help us carry out our critical work in ensuring beachgoers return home safely to their friends and whānau after a day enjoying Aotearoa’s beautiful coastline.

The Government is spending more than $60 million over four years to allow Surf Life Saving NZ and Coastguard NZ to fund functions.

Surf Life Saving NZ would receive $44.1m over the four-year period while Coastguard NZ would receive the remaining $19.1m.

The $63.6m package comprised of reprioritised transport spending, primarily from underspends in the last financial year, according to a statement from Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Brown and Doocey made the pre-Budget transport announcement this morning in Auckland.

Luxon said today’s funding boost was “much needed”, given how important beach and coastal activities were to Kiwis. He said Surf Life Saving NZ and Coastguard NZ were facing “significant cost pressures”. Brown said there was a “tragically high drowning toll” and as such, the services provided by the two organisations were essential.

Of the four new Coastguard bases funded in this package, one would be in Mangawhai, Brown said. Doocey said the Coastguard would be involved in the Government’s broader work on improving the 111 emergency call system.

Some of the package was new funding as part of Budget 24. It wasn’t clear how much of the $63.6m was reprioritised or new funding.

Surf Life Saving’s funding would address service costs, upgrade clubs and equipment, help develop beach safety initiatives and build a regular donor base.

The Coastguard spending would go towards regular costs, national membership promotion, four new bases and ongoing maintenance of Coastguard vessels and aircraft.

“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,” Doocey said in a statement.

17 May 2024 NZ Herald