Zespri is making a splash in its key growing regions this summer, with the single desk marketer announcing it will be the Primary Regional Partner for Surf Life Saving New Zealand in the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Gisborne.
The deal will provide free training to over 1,150 lifeguards from 19 surf life saving clubs in these regions.
“We rely on the support of our partners to do what we do,” said Surf Life Saving New Zealand Eastern Region manager Chris Emmett. “In a typical season, lifeguards rescue 1,200 people nationwide and prevent thousands more from getting to the point of needing rescue in the first place so this support will literally help us save lives.”
Zespri chief operating officer Simon Limmer said around 85 per cent of Zespri kiwifruit is grown in these regions, with the partnership a way of giving back to the communities who support the industry.
“We will provide free training opportunities for all local lifeguards in the Eastern Region over the next three years, as well as providing rescue tubes and additional equipment to the Zespri Clubs of Year,” Limmer explained. “This is Zespri’s way of thanking the communities who’ve helped build our industry’s success – by doing our part to keep the beaches safe for everyone to enjoy.”
Zespri will contribute NZ$400,000 to the partnership over the next three years, as well as supporting Surf Life Saving New Zealand as a national partner.
