Aon launches ocean-focused sponsorship programme

Global professional services firm Aon plc has launched a national sponsorship program in Aotearoa, dedicated to driving positive connections to te moana/the sea and supporting the protection of coastlines and water resources.

In Aotearoa, the oceans, coasts, and water resources are intertwined with its identity, history, and culture.
Approximately 65 percent of New Zealanders live within five kilometres of the ocean, and communities must navigate certain associated risks in and around the water; from swimming between the flags at the beach to ensuring the preservation of coastlines.

Today, Aon is proud to announce its commitment to three iconic New Zealand ocean and community-focused charity organisations through the sponsorship of Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ), the Spirit of Adventure Trust and Sustainable Coastlines.

New Zealand CEO Melissa Cantell says Aon is thrilled to be supporting these incredible New Zealand
organisations, which collectively make a meaningful impact across the country.

“At Aon, we are focused on shaping better decisions and supporting communities to thrive. I am excited to officially announce Aon’s sponsorship of SLSNZ, the Spirit of Adventure Trust and Sustainable Coastlines. We can’t wait to see our shared purposes come to life as we work together to protect and enrich the lives of people across the motu, in and around the water.”

Aon’s sponsorship of SLSNZ will be set in motion as the patrol season begins over Labour Weekend. The shared vision is for all beachgoers to return home safely, with SLSNZ providing essential service through 74 clubs, across 92 beaches.

As part of the sponsorship, Aon will also support various beach and coastal safety projects, such as the Club Public Rescue Equipment program, and will have naming rights for the Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships and the Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships.

Steve Fisher, CEO of SLSNZ, says, “Welcoming Aon as a Major Partner is a significant milestone for SLSNZ. Having Aon’s support as a leading risk management organisation is incredible and will be extremely beneficial not only for Surf Life Saving clubs and their members but also for everyone who enjoys Aotearoa’s beaches”.

Aon’s support of the Spirit of Adventure Trust will assist the organisation in continuing to provide youth
development courses for more than 1,000 rangatahi (young people) each year. These youth development
voyages enable them to develop communication, leadership, self-reliance, self-discipline, self-esteem,
resilience and confidence as they take part in a life-changing experience at sea around Aotearoa.

Aon will also provide 10 annual scholarships for rangatahi, aged between 16 and 19, to participate in a 10-day development voyage, helping the next generation reach their full potential.

Bruce Pilbrow, CEO of Spirit of Adventure Trust, says: “Our organisation is dedicated to empowering young New Zealanders to reach their full potential through the challenge of the sea. Aon’s vision to create positive change in this area aligns beautifully with our mission and we are excited about the collective impact we can achieve”.

Finally, Aon is proud to support Sustainable Coastlines, a leading environmental charity, which has helped remove more than 1.7 million litres of litter from coastlines across Aotearoa. Aon’s support will help the organisation to achieve its goal of 60 percent less litter on the coasts by 2030.

Aon colleagues will join their communities in cleaning up the coastline – recognising the impact that their workforce can collectively make across the country. The first Aon beach clean-up will take place on November 7 in Nelson, and Aon team members will take part in at least eight beach clean events this summer.

The new agreement also enhances the relationship between Sustainable Coastline and Spirit of Adventure Trust, enabling a new joint program for young people and the Litter Intelligence Program.

Ben Knight, Engagement Director for Sustainable Coastlines, says, “We all want cleaner beaches in Aotearoa, and to achieve this we need to reach as many people and places as possible. Aon’s support enables us to work alongside Spirit of Adventure Trust to bring our national litter monitoring program, Litter Intelligence, to their voyagers. The voyagers will collect litter data on their trip and can take what they have learned to continue litter-monitoring in their own communities”.

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