Judith Collins National Internal Affairs Spokesperson

12 December 2002

No money for Water Safety

George Hawkins has let the people of New Zealand down by not taking steps to secure the funding of Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) says National's Judith Collins.

"George Hawkins' lack of action is an indictment on a Government that is big on talk and small on sensible action.

"One hundred and 11 people have already drowned in 2002 and yet the money spent on Water Safety is a mere fraction of that spent on road safety," said Ms Collins.

Water Safety New Zealand has had its funding from Lotteries halved over the last few years and now finds itself unable to run the very programmes that educate people about water safety.

"This is most important in the summer when more people are using beaches, swimming pools and rivers.

"Water Safety New Zealand has effectively been told to get out on the street with their buckets so they can fund water safety education. The Minister is responsible due to his lack of interest and action," says Ms Collins.

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