Thousands of New Zealanders around the country took on the challenge to go a whole day without turning on their taps – at home and at work – in a brand new project hoping to provide easy access to clean water for our Pacific neighbours.
Thousands of New Zealanders around the country took on the challenge to go a whole day without turning on their taps – at home and at work – in a brand new project hoping to provide easy access to clean water for our Pacific neighbours.
Taps Off Day was organised by a leading anti-poverty organisation Oxfam, and took place place all day, 22 March, in support of families and communities in places such as Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea who do not have access to safe water.
The project launched on 1 March with the release of a short film, starring award-winning satirist and writer Te Radar. The film can be seen at www.tapsoff.org.nz.
While going 24 hours without being able to turn on the taps might seem like a wild idea to most Kiwis, it is a daily reality for many people in the Pacific.
Those who took the plunge on 22 March couldn’t turn any taps on from midnight, but were encouraged to prepare for the day by filling up bottles, buckets and other containers with water. And, yes, flushing was allowed.
Money pledged towards the event will go to Oxfam’s water, sanitation and hygiene projects in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. Papua New Guinea currently has one of the lowest rates of access to clean, safe water in the world.
Prior to the event, Charlene Fitisemanu from Oxfam said: “Tonight at midnight, thousands of Kiwis are turning off their taps in support of people in the Pacific who struggle with access to safe water every single day. It’s a simple act of solidarity that makes all the difference – all money raised will go towards Oxfam’s water projects, providing sustainable solutions to the everyday water problems that cause widespread illness and disease, amongst other issues.
“With recent events it’s become even more apparent just how precious water is. It’s made us think about what it would be like not to have clean water so readily accessible – but this is unfortunately the long-term reality for many people who aren’t so lucky. In Auckland, water conservation is still a priority and this is a fantastic way to maximise your efforts while putting them to a good cause.
The general public registered for the event at tapsoff.org.nz, and pledged a minimum of $10. Just $75 is enough for a new tap stand in Vanuatu.
Oxfam’s work in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu includes water, sanitation and hygiene projects that focus on improving the health of rural communities, through access to safe water supplies, sanitation facilities and improved hygiene practices.
Taps Off Day happened on the same day as World Water Day, which happens every year on 22 March. The day focuses attention on the importance of freshwater and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
