A moment for the ocean: Jono Ridler completes historic 1,367km swim

After 90 days, 1,367 kilometres and more than 468 hours in the ocean, Jono Ridler has completed one of the most extraordinary endurance feats ever attempted - arriving in Wellington over the Easter weekend.

Swimming unassisted - no wetsuit, just togs, swim cap and goggles- Ridler’s journey is expected to be ratified as the longest staged ocean swim of its kind. But beyond the physical achievement, his mission carried a deeper purpose: to rally support for stronger ocean protection and an end to bottom trawling.

Backed by Generates charity partner, Live Ocean, the Swim4TheOcean campaign has already mobilised more than 67,000 New Zealanders calling for change.

Throughout the journey, Generate was proud to follow along and support from the shoreline - sharing key moments with our community and some of our advisers showing up at stops along the way. From early updates as Jono set off from North Cape, to tracking his progress through some of New Zealand’s most challenging coastlines, and celebrating milestones as he made his way south, it’s been quite special to see the support build.

His arrival at Whairepo Lagoon was a powerful moment of public support - that spoke to the mammoth mission he had just endured over the last 90 days. He then walked to Parliament to deliver the message directly to decision-makers.

At Generate, we are proud to back initiatives that create long-term impact for both people and the environment. Jono’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when purpose meets action - and why protecting our environment matters for future generations.

While the swim is complete, the movement continues, with the petition set to be formally presented to Parliament later this month.