SurfAid was founded in Gisborne in 2000 and although small in number of employees, New Zealand remains the heart of the SurfAid group of affiliates.  The NZ operation holds the original Memorandum of Understanding with the Indonesian Mentawai Health Department under which our Health & Development Programmes are authorized.

All SurfAid affiliates share the same mission:

The mission of SurfAid International, a nonprofit humanitarian organization, is to improve the health, wellbeing and self-reliance of people living in isolated regions connected to us through surfing.

Health & Development Programmes

SurfAid New Zealand has been instrumental in developing significant government support for field programmes.  Following lengthy evaluation and compliance processes, NZAID as represented by:

• ADAF (Asian Development Assistance Fund)
• KOHA-PICD (Partnership for International Community Development) (ex-VASS)
• Bi-lateral agreement with Indonesia

provide funding assistance for the following programmes:

• Mentawai Community-Based Health Programme
• Nias Community-Based Health Programme
• Malaria Free Mentawais

TSUNAMI & EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE

Following the tragic tsunami of 26 Dec 2004, immediate support from the New Zealand public and corporate donors permitted SurfAid New Zealand, who were already operating in Indonesia, to deliver specific aid to the stricken areas within reach.  As funding flowed in from the New Zealand public, nzaid matched contributions 2:1, enabling SurfAid  to extend its emergency coverage and deliver aid to northern islands including Simeulue and Aceh.

SurfAid became one of New Zealand’s principal partners in both the tsunami and March 28th earthquake.  SurfAid was “tremendously helpful at the time of the Tsunami.” New Zealand was “fortunate that we do have SurfAid pretty well on the spot after yesterday’s quake.”

Miss Helen Clark
New Zealand’s Prime Minister 1999-2008

2007 Mentawai Earthquakes

NZAID also contributed financially to the Mentawai relief operation that SurfAid conducted after two major earthquakes struck the islands in September 2007.  SurfAid delivered shelter, tool and hygiene kits, servicing a base population of 47,500 people.

Governance

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Phil Dreifuss – Chairman
• Dr Steve Hathaway – Secretary
• Tony Walsh - Treasurer
• Pete Force
• Dr Dave Jenkins
• Harry Hill
• Viv Hill

ACCOUNTABILITY

Registered in January 2000, SurfAid New Zealand is a not-for-profit incorporated society.

SurfAid is committed to transparency and accountability, reaching out to the general public in a number of ways:

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS (AGM's)

Held annually, this public forum invites supporters to a presentation by senior management detailing results for the year, and calls for questions and input from those attending.

2005 AGM -  7 May 2005
2006 AGM -  17 June 2006
2007 AGM -  24 November 2007
2008 AGM -  20 November 2008
2009 AGM - 22-23 November 2009

Web-Based Emails & Newsletters

SurfAid is accountable and available to the general public who contribute to our cause via a web based communication system.  Please see our Home Page, enewsletter, OnBoard New Zealand & Australia.

This is an open way for the public to contact us with questions, comments or requests, also on our web site at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

In addition we encourage our supporters to become active within our organization and use a wide network of volunteers. Postings for types of volunteers needed in the office, in the programme or at fundraising events are publicized under Volunteers.

Fundraisers

• Schools Programme Fundraisers
• Jack Johnson concerts – Napier & New Plymouth
• "SurfAid – The Music" CD
• SurfFest 08: Amateur Surf Film Festival – Auckland, Wellington, Gisborne & Dunedin

Corporate Partnerships:

• Air New Zealand
• Billabong NZ
• Wild Rock Wines
• LOOP

Management

• Phil Dreifuss, Legal Counsel & Administrator

Accountants:  Coates & Associates, Gisborne

Contact Information

SurfAid International NZ Incorporated
PO Box 55
Gisborne, New Zealand
E This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
T  +64 (06) 867 1379
F  +64 (06) 867 7473