Kia Ora,

I am writing to advise that after much consideration, I’ll be moving on from Water Safety New Zealand at the end of December 2020.

Water Safety New Zealand is repositioning itself for the future, refreshing its strategic direction, and aligning with the pending launch of a new collective Water Safety Sector Strategy for the next five years.

This provides a great opportunity for fresh thinking, different perspectives and new leadership. I think succession planning is a critical part of the any organisations’ forward-looking agenda. I have been proactive in this dialogue with my Chair and Board in recent times and have their full support of my decision.

After four and a half years at the helm, the timing will be right for the next person to lead the organisation forward. In signalling early, this will also allow a smooth and timely transition while maintaining momentum with our busy work agenda.

I’m very proud of what we’ve collectively achieved as a water safety sector during my time. We’ve had many successes, as well as many challenges. We’re more joined up and the sector has a great platform moving forward, albeit in a challenging environment.

I’ll be around for a while yet but would like to take this opportunity to genuinely thank you all for your support and guidance throughout my tenure. I have never taken that for granted, nor the amazing people, partnerships and work we all do.  

Water Safety New Zealand is in great shape with a solid and sustainable foundation moving forward. Naturally, I’ll continue to follow the water safety cause closely, long after I move on. We’re a sector of genuinely passionate people who care.

Finally, I take this early opportunity to acknowledge and thank my fantastic team at Water Safety New Zealand, who love what they do and do it because they care. The same goes for the Water Safety New Zealand Board, who also give their time because they care.

Ngā mihi

Regards

Jonty Mills