One of the largest not-for-profit vehicle fleets in the country will be formed thanks to a deal between Toyota, Surf Lifesaving NZ and Surf Lifesaving Northern Region.
The three-year, 48-car deal, announced last month, is valued at more than $380,000 per year and extends Toyota Financial Services’ existing sponsorship of the Northern Region to the entire organisation, nationwide.
Both the national and northern organisations receive 15 sponsored vehicles each to support lifesaving and community education programmes, while the Grassroots Trust and Toyota Financial Services will provide a further 16 4WD first-response vehicles to 13 northern region clubs and three Bay of Plenty clubs.
Northern Region chief executive Matt Williams says the new deal will help the movement face its current challenges.
“In the northern region we are increasingly being called on to assist with emergency callouts, often at remote, difficult-to-access sites – while also needing to maintain our regular patrols. Having access to fit-for-purpose, reliable vehicles will ensure our organisation can continue to respond to our communities’ needs in a safe and sustainable way.”
The Red Beach and Orewa clubs received a beach patrol vehicle each in time for the start of the season last month.
