Traded in Lifejackets Saving Lives in the Pacific

Coastguard’s highly successful Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade campaign will be saving lives beyond New Zealand shores with the delivery of traded in lifejackets to the Cook Islands this month.

The Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade campaign, which has been running across New Zealand for four years, is based on a simple concept – people bring their old, damaged or out-of-date lifejackets to the Old4New van and receive a great discount on a brand-new, quality lifejacket. The traded-in lifejackets that are still of a good quality and meet New Zealand standards, are kept for sending to communities across the Pacific Islands.

“Since the start of the Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade in 2014, close to 1,800 lifejackets have been donated to Pacific communities thanks to kiwi boaties who may have outgrown or wanted to update their otherwise good quality lifejackets,” says Coastguard New Zealand CEO Patrick Holmes.

“These lifejackets ensure local fishermen don’t risk their lives while out at sea and that local children are kept safe on their commute to school, they help ensure the safety of at-risk communities as they provide for their families and go about their daily tasks.

“We’re extremely grateful to Matson Shipping for transporting the lifejackets to the Cook Islands this year and to the Rarotonga Sailing Club for distributing them once they reach the Islands,” says Holmes.

The Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade campaign forms a key part of Coastguard’s advocacy for safe and enjoyable boating in New Zealand by providing an easy and accessible way for people to ensure they have the correct number of fit for purpose lifejackets to wear on their boats.

Over 3,600 lifejackets were traded in during the 10 week 2017/2018 summer campaign, which saw the Old4New van visit 55 communities the length and breadth of the country.
“Being safe on the water is everyone’s responsibility,” says Holmes. “The Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade provides the opportunity for people to be responsible and take the safety of themselves and their loved ones seriously, we’re incredibly proud of the difference this campaign is making in our communities in New Zealand and in the Pacific Islands.”
The Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade was made possible thanks to funding by Maritime New Zealand and the Southern Trust, in conjunction with generous support from kiwi companies Hutchwilco and the Giltrap Group.

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