Sam Judd's major new project

Sam Judd co-founded Sustainable Coastlines in 2008 with the mission of enabling people to look after the coastlines and waterways that they love. A pioneer in the war against plastic and waterways restoration over the past 12 years, he has led and built the charity into a high-impact and much-loved organisation. The team has attracted the support and involvement of hundreds of thousands of volunteers and collected a string of high-profile awards in Aotearoa/NZ and internationally.

We first caught up with the legend that is Sam Judd over eight years ago. We knew about the amazing work of Sustainable Coastlines but hadn't met Sam in person. With his arm in a cast he casually tells us that he got bitten by a shark... again. Yep – two shark attacks and a grin that will warm any heart. 

We knew that it was going to be exciting to partner with Sam and the Sustainable Coastlines crew on their mission to enable people to look after the coastlines and waterways they love.

Sustainable Coastlines is continuing to go from strength the strength and we're excited to see his new project take shape. Go Sam!

Announcing Sam’s departure, Sustainable Coastlines Board Chair Emma Dent said the Board was sorry to lose Sam but is excited for what lies ahead for him with the new project and ongoing contribution he will make to Aotearoa.

“We thank Sam for his single-minded drive, passion and vision in establishing and growing the impact of Sustainable Coastlines, which is now an inspiration to so many. We know he will continue to be invested in the organisation’s success for life,” says Dent, “and are delighted to be supporting the next chapter of his journey.”

Sam is leaving Sustainable Coastlines to establish Te Mahere Whakauka (The Hope Project), a large-scale project focused on regenerating at-risk communities, land and waterways through job creation. The Sustainable Coastlines Board is supporting Sam to continue his legacy of impact by helping with seed-funding this new project. They also plan to collaborate on restoration and capacity development activities going forward. Launch of this is timely, having been brought forward under urgency as the government calls for shovel-ready recovery packages in the wake of Covid-19.

Commenting on his departure from Sustainable Coastlines, Sam said he is enormously proud of the organisation’s achievements, impact and the great talent possessed by the trustees and 16-strong operational team.

“For many years, I have publicly said that I am trying to put myself out of a job,” says Sam, “And now we have done that. I am confident that this kaupapa is in great hands and I leave knowing it will go from strength to strength.”

“I want to thank the Board, the team, our terrific partners and network of volunteers for supporting me over the years and want to let everyone know that I am committed to continuing to contribute to the Sustainable Coastlines cause for life,” he says.

Story courtesy of Sustainable Coastlines.