Auckland, 13 November 2025 – Surfing New Zealand has announced Epic Break, its new nationwide summer campaign platform celebrating the freedom, fun and energy of the Kiwi summer – and it’s inviting brands and agencies to jump on board by 1 December 2025.
Launching on National Surfing Day, 7 December 2025, and running through to 30 April 2026, Epic Break unites eight major surf events – from the National Championships in Gisborne to the Women’s Surf Festival in Pauanui and the South Island Champs in Dunedin – with a digital content schedule and a fan-generated summer storytelling programme across Aotearoa.
Surfing NZ CEO Ben Kennings says the campaign taps into a simple but powerful insight:
“Kiwis have had quite a year, and the summer break can’t come soon enough. This campaign is about connecting with surfers, families, and holidaymakers across Aotearoa – giving our partners an authentic platform to engage with people and help them enjoy an epic break this summer.”
For brands, Epic Break offers national visibility and flexible activation packages, from digital content and athlete appearances to product sampling, fan giveaways, and on-site engagement zones on beaches around our coastline. All event permits and access are already secured, and Surfing NZ will manage all logistics, athlete coordination, and campaign delivery nationwide.
“We’ll be working hard to deliver great events and storytelling this summer,” says Kennings. “Our approach gives partners the flexibility to join the campaign, or use their rights and benefits to enhance their own summer activity – all the while sharing in the energy and spirit of Epic Break.”
The campaign will connect with 330,000+ active surfers, 135,000+ fans interested in attending surfing events, and an expected 350,000+ digital touchpoints across Surfing NZ’s channels.
Kiwi Holiday Insurance (KHI) has become Epic Break’s first official partner.
The insurer has partnered with Surfing New Zealand to offer summer holiday insurance packages designed to give holidaymakers peace of mind. Whether travelling domestically or Internationally KHI is able to offer comprehensive coverage with a range of options available; these include but are not limited to: cancellation coverage, baggage and personal items, and Rental Vehicle Excess. You should read the Policy Wording before making any decisions about this insurance. Terms, conditions, limits, sub-limits and exclusions apply. The package will be available on the Surfing NZ website from National Surfing Day onwards.
“We’re thrilled to have Kiwi Holiday Insurance as a foundation partner,” says Kennings. “They’ve looked at summer through the lens of how travel insurance can contribute to an epic break – and that’s exactly what this platform allows. We’d love other partners to do the same: you can bring your own lens, your own ideas, and your own story to life as part of this national campaign.”
Mike van Beekhuizen, Country Manager, Kiwi Holiday Insurance, said: “Surfing is part of who we are as New Zealanders – it’s about freedom, exploration, and connection. Our partnership with Surfing New Zealand means we can support that lifestyle while making sure surfers and travellers alike are covered wherever the swell takes them.”
Epic Break was developed with Auckland-based marketing consultancy Away We Go ~ Matike Mai, combining commercial, creative, and social impact expertise.
Partnership packages range from $1,950 – $24,750 + GST, with national, regional, and event-level options that include campaign integration, athlete appearances, digital content, and on-beach activations.
Brands and agencies can explore opportunities by contacting ben.kennings@surfingnz.co.nz.
Join by 1 December 2025 to secure early involvement. Packages will be available until April.