Contagion joins Surf Life Saving NZ to rally volunteers

Water safety and rescue authority Surf Life Saving New Zealand has launched a new national campaign, developed in partnership with creative and media agency Contagion.

It calls on everyday Kiwis to step up and volunteer, as fewer people are putting their hands up.

“We know a perception exists that surf lifesavers are young, and highly athletic,” says Jo Clark, SLSNZ’s GM of commercial and marketing.

“But the reality is far more inspiring. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of valuable skills. They are teachers, retirees, tradies, students, marketers – all people who want to contribute their time, skills and heart to their communities. We need more of them.”

A team effort

The campaign aims to show that surf lifesaving is a team effort that welcomes all kinds of contributions.

From strong swimmers to skilled administrators, anyone with a few hours to spare can help save lives at our beaches, says SLSNZ.

Dean Taylor, CEO and founder of Contagion, says: “We were thrilled to collaborate with SLSNZ. This campaign is about changing perceptions with humour and heart. It’s a call to action for all New Zealanders to realise they can make a life-saving difference.”

Contagion’s GM media Suzanne Breslin adds: “Our media team has loved working on this dynamic campaign for Surf Life Saving. It blends national awareness drivers while connecting with communities through targeted local OOH. Using platforms like LinkedIn, Meta and TikTok enables us to deliver a diverse range of audiences to support all of the vital volunteer roles at all levels. Click on the ads and get amongst it!”