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| 80% of all illness in the world is caused by dirty drinking water. |
Water for survival
One in five of the world's people lives without safe water, and two in five lack even basic sanitation.
Yet here in New Zealand, clean water is so plentiful and easily available that we simply take it for granted.
In the world's poorest countries, ill-health from drinking dirty water is one of the most serious threats to human life. Despite great improvements, diseases caused by unclean water and inadequate sanitation claim the lives of over one million children each year. Most cases can be prevented or treated.
Oxfam Water Challenge
Unfortunately we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Oxfam Water Challenge 2012. Financial times are tough and the events industry in New Zealand is feeling the pinch. The Oxfam Water Challenge is no exception.
Oxfam Water Challenge was a relay style race for teams from the New Zealand water sector. It celebrated World Water Day and raised vital funds for Oxfam's Water for Survival work, helping some of the poorest communities in the Pacific to access life-saving clean water and sanitation.
In 2011 the event doubled in size from 2010 and raised $70,000 for Oxfam's Water for Surivial work. We had over 50 teams competing, in challenges in Auckland, Wellington and Bay of Plenty. Thank you so much to all our supporters, participants and sponsors.
- Find out what happened at Oxfam Water Challenge 2011
- Find out what happened at Oxfam Water Challenge 2010
The Christchurch Pledge
Thank you to the New Zealand city of Christchurch, which has made a fantastic commitment to Oxfam’s Water for Survival work by aiming to raise $60,000 for the Bougainville programme.
Where we work
The Water for Survival Programme has doubled in recent years. In particular, the programme in the Pacific and Southeast Asia has been expanded as a part of Oxfam New Zealand's focus on poverty in our neighbourhood.
| Water for Survival: bringing clean water, hygiene and sanitation to Bougainville. |
Sustainable solutions
Water for Survival programme summariesYou can download the programme summary PDFs for each of the countries and regions in which Water for Survival is operating. |
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Water for Survival Programme
In 2003, Water for Survival joined with Oxfam New Zealand to form the Oxfam Water for Survival Programme (OWfS). Since then, OWfS has partnered with local organisations throughout Africa, Asia and the Pacific to support access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education programmes for people in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Splash out on a lifesaving gift
By buying a gift from Oxfam Unwrapped you can help support our water work in Vanuatu, Bougainville and Paua New Guinea. You can provide safe water for 25, 50 or 100 people with Oxfam Unwrapped's gifts with a difference.
Donate
You can support the Oxfam Water for Survival Programme
- Donate online now
- or call 0800 400 666
 Fancy a cuppa? Host your own Coffee Break at this delicious Fairtrade fundraiser!
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 The Ox-whanau Oxfam staff hail from around the world. Meet some of us here... |
 Chicks contribute to livelihoods Read the story about women in PNG raising chicks for their families. |
 Oxfam Trailwalker Entries are now open for this fantastic fundraising event. Reserve your team's place today. |