Frequently Asked Questions

Swimmers FAQs

We work alongside any persons, but specifically, youth, whose ability to access swimming services is restricted or limited due to physical, financial, cultural, social, psychological, or other constraints. The Coordinator assesses the applications and advises the successful applicants before the start of the next term.
It is an expectation that you will attend the funded lessons every week (unless there are genuine circumstances that prevent this). If more than two lessons are missed without notice or suitable reasons then the Trust has the right to cancel the lessons and reassign the funding.
The lessons themselves are fully funded, however, you will need to get yourself to the lesson and provide your own togs, towel, swimming cap, and goggles (goggles may be available for loan in some cases).
This depends on the amount of funding available at the time and the available space with the swimming provider. Schools and other groups will be notified of how many spaces are likely available for the following term.

The swim school has set days and times, however, the provider will liaise with you around appropriate times for lessons. You will be placed with a group who are at a similar level to yourself (which will be determined upon application).
Students will be funded for an entire year. Participants may reapply for additional periods, but priority is given to those who have not been in the programme previously.
Yes. Ako Wai works very closely with local schools. They will have the forms available to advise us how many children may be eligible to apply, however, you will still need to complete your enrolment form before the start of the lessons.

Donations are where you seek no benefit for the contribution you make. Your donation is tax-deductible (if over $5) and can be anonymous. Sponsorships are where we offer the opportunity for your business to advertise and be formally recognised as part of the programme. Sponsorships must be over $300.
Our tiered sponsorship agreement allows you to choose your level of engagement. Benefits vary from the opportunity to mingle at our end of year function, to advertising on our social media sites and having your logo on our merchandise. Sponsorships usually run for a minimum of 1-year. Click here for further information.

Ako Wai is an Incorporated Charitable Trust governed by a Trust Board. To avoid conflicts of interest and to ensure contributions are being spent effectively, all sponsorships and spending are pre-approved by the Board. Click here to meet our Trustees.

Get in touch with Aimee, the Co-ordinator to join the team.
All service providers must meet strict health and safety and delivery criteria to ensure participants receive quality services. We work with established swim schools, and you will be asked to sign a contract with Ako Wai.
As the programme is rolled out, local swim schools will be approached to submit proposals for providing swim services to Ako Wai. If you are interested, you can also register your interest with us now and we will keep you informed of our progress. Contact us here (link to contact page).

Yes! In fact, we encourage our service providers to discount their services as a contribution to swimming in their local community. Contact us for further information.
Once the contract is signed, the service provider accepts responsibility for the safety and learning of the Ako Wai students, just as you would for any other person attending your swim school.
This will likely vary from term to term but will be dependent on the level of engagement from your local community. There is no guaranteed minimum number of participants, however, Ako Wai will work with you to determine the maximum number that your business can accommodate each term.