New Water Safety Chief appointed

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has appointed Matt Claridge as its new CEO.

Mr Claridge, who has worked for Water Safety New Zealand since 2004 – most recently as its interim chief executive – has more than a decade’s experience in the swimming and water safety sector.

Board chairperson Sally Webb says Matt was the stand out candidate in an impressive line up of applicants for the role.

“Matt has already shown his ability during his months as interim chief executive, and coupled with his extensive experience in the sector we are excited about what he will be able to achieve as the organisation’s long-term leader.”

Mr Claridge says the role represents an exciting opportunity for him to lead the water safety sector to drive social change.

“It’s a huge challenge but I am determined that Water Safety NZ together with the wider industry can educate and engage New Zealanders in a way that will see a change in behaviour around water.”

“New Zealand’s annual drowning toll is one of the worst in the developed world and I’m committed to working with the sector to change this.”

Matt Claridge

Water Safety New Zealand’s new CEO Matt Claridge has more than a decade of experience in the water safety and swimming sectors.

Matt has worked for Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) since 2004 and has carried out several roles within the organisation, most recently that of interim chief executive.  In an earlier role as WSNZ General Manager, Matt launched  Swim for Life, the largest learn to swim initiative in New Zealand since the 1950s, developed school based resources for Be Waterwise and event managed two international conferences the World Aquatic Babies Congress in 2007 and 2009’s New Zealand Water Safety Conference.

During his time as a WSNZ project manager, Matt spearheaded the delivery of a number of water safety initiatives including Swim for Life, RiverSafe and Under five WaterWise.

An earlier role as regional development manager for Swimming New Zealand, saw Matt responsible for the delivery of a regional programme training teaches and swimming instructors.

Ten years playing international water polo (including captaining the New Zealand men’s team for three years) culminated in a stint as a professional water polo player for French club Nautique Club Angerian.

Matt has significant leadership experience and a proven track record building strategic and productive partnerships.  His skills also span the management, marketing, strategy, policy and business development areas.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys keeping fit (running and swimming) and spending time with his young family (who play sport and love the water).