Surf Life Saving NZ
About SLSNZ
SLSNZ is the organisation that controls surf lifesaving in New Zealand. The purpose of SLSNZ is to protect people from drowning and injury in New Zealand. Their strap line is 'In it for life', emphasising the long relationship many members have with the organisation, and also alluding to the fact that the organisation is committed to preserving life by preventing drowning.
Surf Life Saving clubs patrol designated beaches. Patrolled areas are identified by yellow and red flags, between which beach users are advised to stay. Members dress in yellow and red clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, shorts and a pair of their own togs.
SLSNZ represents nine Districts and around 70 Surf Life Saving Clubs. Around 13,000 people are members of SLSNZ.
Surf Life Saving has a cascading membership structure. A member of a Club is automatically a member of that District and SLSNZ. In a broad sense, SLSNZ works directly with the nine Districts and in turn, Districts work with Clubs. Taylor’s Mistake Surf Life Saving is part of the Canterbury District which is represented by Surf Canterbury. Each District has adopted the organisations purpose within its region. Districts play a vital role in the structure of Surf Life Saving:
- Regional lifesaving plan, ensuring beaches offering the greatest risk are patrolled or, where this not possible, working within their region to minimise the risk.
- Delivering education programmes to those most at risk is another important role provided by the District
- Delivering lifesaving, coach and official accreditation programmes to support the development of our memberships skills
- Providing a sport training and competition programme for Clubs in its region.
A Governance Board of six is elected by the Districts. The Board employs the Chief Executive (CEO) and the CEO delivers an annual management plan to support the Boards strategies that will see the organisation fulfill its purpose; Preventing drowning and injury in New Zealand.
Project Groundswell
What is Project Groundswell About...?
Project Groundswell is simply about guaranteeing the future of Surf Life Saving
To do this we will look closely at...
- The structure of the organisation
- Being more efficient at what we currently do
- Removing duplication
- Creating a team culture
We want our members to...
- Have more fun
- Have more time
- Have the right tools/equipment for the job
- Receive quality training, support and development
- Shuffle less paper
- Feel proud to be part of ONE big team
- Be ‘in it for life’
Project Groundswell will make changes that directly benefits OUR Members
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