Well-known statues get behind boat safety week

John Plimmer in Wellington. Photo / Maritime NZ

Some of the country's most famous statues are donning bright red lifejackets to promote Safer Boating Week.

Sir Dove-Meyer Robinson and John Plimmer are among the famous faces swapping their usual stone and bronze wear for the colourful accessory.

The initiative - which sees 11 statues in cities across the country dressed in the eye-catching lifejackets - has been organised by Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) alongside local councils and trusts, as well as lifejacket manufacturer Survitec Group, to remind boaties to always wear a lifejacket.

The Statues for Life(Jackets) campaign coincides with Safer Boating Week which runs from today until October 24.

Lindsay Sturt, MNZ deputy director, said it was an eye-catching way to remind boaties to wear their lifejackets.

"Some of these characters are a bit stoney-faced but I am sure they would be onboard for promoting water safety," Mr Sturt said.

"The campaign is fun but it carries a very serious message.

"Every year, we see an average of around 15 boaties die in recreational boating accidents. We know that around two-thirds of them could have been saved if they wore a lifejacket.

"Most people in New Zealand carry sufficient lifejackets for all on board when they go out on the water ? which is the law ? but too many people don't actually put them on. When trouble strikes, it can happen very quickly and you won't necessarily have time to grab your lifejacket.

"We encourage all boaties to wear their lifejackets all the time ? just like these fine monuments are this week."

The Statues for Life(Jackets) are:

- Sir Dove-Myer Robinson in Auckland

- Captain Hamilton and Riff Raff in Hamilton

- Peter Snell in Opunake

- The Spirit of Napier, Pania of the Reef, and a Wave in Time in Napier

- Solace of the Wind, and John Plimmer in Wellington

- The Seafarer's Memorial in Nelson

- William Rees in Queenstown