Generate is proud to be a Gold Supporter of Swim4TheOcean, Live Ocean’s ambitious new campaign that puts the health of Aotearoa’s ocean at the centre of an extraordinary endurance mission.
A world-record swim with purpose
Swim4TheOcean is a world-record attempt by endurance athlete Jono Ridler to swim from North Cape to Wellington – a 1,000-mile (more than 1,600km) journey expected to take around 90 days. Supported by a specialist team both on the water and on shore, Jono will swim long six-hour shifts covering roughly 30km a day as he makes his way down the country.
It’s a feat of stamina designed not just to push human limits, but to bring Kiwis closer to what’s happening beneath the surface of the ocean. When Jono arrives in Wellington, he’ll carry a clear message: for decision makers to commit to ending bottom trawling.
Swim4TheOcean aims to spark nationwide awareness, inspire meaningful conversations, and highlight the urgent need to protect New Zealand’s unique marine ecosystems.
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The mission begins – Monday 5 January
On 5 January, Jono and the mission team will depart Otau, North Cape, to begin this epic 1,000-mile journey. From that point, you’ll be able to follow the mission live:
• A PredictWind tracker will go live on swim4theocean.org, enabling real-time tracking of Jono’s progress
• Daily updates will be shared on Live Ocean’s Instagram, weekly video releases on YouTube (each Friday), and a supporting content series featuring local ocean voices along the route. Check our Generate’s social media for updates too!
• There will be a “Messages for Jono” feature on swim4theocean.org where you can send digital encouragement
Jono Ridler
Flagship stopovers – connecting with coastal Kiwi communities
While Jono will come ashore more than 120 times for rest and refuelling, six locations have been designated as Flagship Stopovers, each including a two-hour sponsor and community meet-and-greet:
1. Te Pēwhairangi, Bay of Islands
2. Te Hāwere-a-Maki, Goat Island
3. Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
4. Tauranga
5. Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, Gisborne
6. Ahuriri, Napier
The mission will conclude in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, where Jono will deliver the campaign’s message to decision makers.
Why Generate is supporting Swim4TheOcean
At Generate, we believe in investing not only in financial futures but in the future of Aotearoa – including the health of our ocean. Supporting Swim4TheOcean aligns with our values and our commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and positive long-term outcomes.
This campaign is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake beneath the surface. By backing Jono and Live Ocean Foundation, we’re helping amplify a national call for ocean protection and an end to bottom trawling.
We’re proud to have partnered with Live Ocean Foundation since 2020, including six years of taking part in the Live Ocean Mid-Winter Dip.