Aon plc, a global professional services firm, has announced a new sponsorship program in New Zealand aimed at supporting community groups focused on ocean and coastal conservation.
The initiative is designed to foster connections to the sea and contribute to the protection of the country’s coastal environments.
Aon launched the program amid increasing risks of coastal and inland flooding across the globe. Even under the more optimistic climate models, coastal flood risks are expected to nearly double by the end of the century, according to a recent study.
Aon New Zealand chief executive Melissa Cantell revealed that the firm has partnered with Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ), the Spirit of Adventure Trust, and Sustainable Coastlines, all of which work in areas related to water safety, youth development, and environmental preservation.
“At Aon, we are focused on shaping better decisions and supporting communities to thrive,” she said. “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 will coincide with the start of the summer patrol season, as lifeguards from SLSNZ’s 74 clubs begin overseeing 92 beaches across the country.
In addition to supporting beach safety initiatives like the Club Public Rescue Equipment program, Aon will take on naming rights for the Aon New Zealand Pool Rescue Championships and the Aon New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships.
SLSNZ chief executive Steve Fisher expressed appreciation for the partnership, noting that Aon’s involvement will enhance safety efforts for both the clubs and the general public.
“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,” he said.
Aon’s collaboration with the Spirit of Adventure Trust will help sustain youth development voyages for over 1,000 young people annually. These programs are designed to build leadership, resilience, and self-confidence through sailing experiences.
Aon will also fund 10 annual scholarships for participants aged 16 to 19, providing them with access to the 10-day sea voyage.
Spirit of Adventure Trust CEO Bruce Pilbrow said Aon’s commitment to creating positive change through ocean-based initiatives fits well with the organisation’s mission of empowering young people.
“Our organisation is dedicated to empowering young New Zealanders to reach their full potential through the challenge of the sea,” he said.
Aon’s sponsorship of Sustainable Coastlines will help the charity pursue its goal of reducing coastal litter by 60% by 2030.
As part of this initiative, Aon employees will participate in beach clean-up events, starting with a beach clean-up in Nelson on Nov. 7.
The partnership will also support a joint program between Sustainable Coastlines and the Spirit of Adventure Trust, allowing young participants to collect and monitor litter during their voyages.
Ben Knight, engagement director for Sustainable Coastlines, said Aon’s support will enable the organisation to extend its litter monitoring program to young people who will contribute during their time at sea and bring these skills back to their local communities.
“We all want cleaner beaches in Aotearoa, and to achieve this, we need to reach as many people and places as possible,” he said.
