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$75,000 Raised As Kiwis Take Mid-Winter Dip For Ocean Health

An estimated 400+ brave Kiwis took to beaches, lakes and rivers across New Zealand — and even Antarctica — over the Matariki long weekend as part of the Live Ocean Winter Dip, raising vital funds and awareness for ocean health. Generate, a leading KiwiSaver provider and long-time supporter of the Live Ocean Foundation, marked its sixth year backing the annual event – and in 2025, opened the challenge up to its members for the very first time. The result? A tidal wave of support, with participants taking the plunge from Tutukaka Coast to Lake Wānaka, helping Generate reach its goal and donate the full $75,000 to Live Ocean Foundation. 'The ocean is our greatest ally in the fight for a healthy planet,' says Generate Co-Founder and CEO Sam Goldwater. 'We're proud to support the critical work Live Ocean is doing to help protect and restore Aotearoa's marine environment — and it was incredible to see so many Kiwis jump in and back the cause.' Founded by champion sailors Blair Tuke and Peter Burling, Live Ocean champions marine science, innovation and public awareness. Right now, one of their focus areas is on securing greater protection for the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana, calling on decision makers to progress the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill. The Live Ocean Winter Dip campaign also saw a wave of well-known New Zealanders dive in, including: Blair Tuke Dame Lisa Carrington Dom Harvey Nathan King Seamus Marten Brodie Kane (and her mum!) Swims were reported across the country at Mission Bay, Waiheke, Raglan, Kapiti Coast, Mathesons Bay, and along rivers like the Kaipara and Waikato, as well as lakes Taupō, Tekapo, and Wakatipu. Even a Kiwi scientist in Antarctica joined in — taking a dip through a hole cut in the ice inside his research hut. 'This is our biggest Winter Dip yet — and the first time we've brought our members into it,' says Goldwater. 'It shows how much New Zealanders care about protecting our ocean and leaving something better behind.'