Tap Project New Zealand

UNICEF (UN Children's Fund New Zealand)
Country-wide, New Zealand, 12 Mar 09

Tap Project NZ

On Monday 9 March, UNICEF NZ launched Tap Project NZ, now running across New Zealand until 9 April.

UNICEF invites all New Zealanders to donate $1 or more at participating restaurants or cafes each time they order a glass of tap water -something we all take for granted.

This is the second year New Zealand has taken part in The Tap Project (also running in the US) and a record 300+ restaurants and cafes across the country have signed up to participate - all listed on our website: www.tapproject.org.nz.

In the lead up to World Water Day on 22 March, the campaign celebrates the clean and plentiful tap water Kiwis are lucky enough to enjoy, while helping UNICEF provide safe drinking water for the world's poorest children, with this year’s proceeds going to specific projects in Laos.

There are five easy ways to get involved and make a life-saving difference to the futures of thousands of children:

1. Dine out or have a coffee at participating venues and make a donation whilst there – all venues listed at: www.tapproject.org.nz/restaurants.html

2. Make a donation online at www.tapproject.org.nz or by texting TAP to 833 ($3 automatic donation)

3. Join the Facebook group and help spread the word about the Tap Project. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=11175254404

4. Get your school or workplace involved by running water-themed events or activities, e.g. donations for drinking water from the water cooler. Download free education resources at www.tapproject.org.nz.

5. Come to UNICEF's World Water Day events:
- On World Water Day (Sunday 22 March), local councillors will join a water challenge to coincide with Wellington’s dragon boat festival.
- On Sunday 5 April, an attempt will be made in Auckland to break the Guinness World Record for the largest ever simultaneous squirting of water pistols.

Interesting facts

1. The second biggest killer of children under five worldwide is the lack of clean and accessible drinking water.

2. Nearly 5,000 children die every day as a result of water-related diseases including cholera, typhoid and malaria.

3. Just $1 can provide a child with safe drinking water for 30 days.

Celebrity support

Many New Zealand celebrities are supporting the campaign, including Mike McRoberts, Alison Mau, Jay Reeves and Amber Peebles.

Further Information:

For news, videos, online donation and useful info and links: www.tapproject.org.nz
Media enquiries: david@unicef.org.nz (David Youngmeyer)
General enquiries: carolyn@unicef.org.nz (Carolyn Shivanandan)
UNICEF NZ: www.unicef.org.nz

Contact: Joanna Hyde