The UN Children’s Fund is encouraging Aucklanders to get behind an epic water pistol fight that could put New Zealand on top of the world.

Thousands of people are expected to gather at Western Springs in Auckland on Sunday 5 April to take a shot at breaking the Guinness World Record ™ for the world’s largest ever water pistol fight. More than 2, 671 participants are needed to break the current world record, which was set in Spain in October 2007.

UNICEF Executive Directory, Dennis McKinlay, says the world record attempt is both a fun day out and a reminder of how lucky Kiwis are to have such a plentiful supply of clean, safe water.

“Lack of good quality water is a significant issue in the developing world, where about 1 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water and some 2.6b don’t have access to proper sanitation facilities.

“The lack of clean and accessible drinking water is the second biggest killer of children under five worldwide, with nearly 5,000 children dying every day from water-related diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and malaria.”

Mr McKinlay says the world record attempt is also a celebration of UNICEF’s month-long Tap Project, which is running in more than 300 cafes and restaurants around New Zealand until 9 April. This year’s campaign is raising money for UNICEF’s life-saving water projects in Laos.

“It’s going to be a great family event, but be prepared to get wet. No one will be safe from the watery fun.”

Mr McKinlay says that an unrelated attempt at the same world record in New Plymouth the day before will ramp up the excitement.

“I’m confident that Aucklanders will come out to have fun, support the Tap Project and show that the Auckland region has what it takes to break the record.”

Water carriers, Foleys Water and O’Brien Line Ltd, have donated a water truck for the day, ensuring that there will be no lack of water available for squirting. Intermediary Communications have generously donated time and expertise to organise the event.

Event Details
The world record attempt will take place at Western Springs Lakeside Park, Auckland from 11am-1pm. According to Guinness World Record ™ rules, every participant must register before taking part in the event. The on-site UNICEF registration table will be open from 10am and will remain open throughout the event.

Entry is free and participants can bring their own water pistols as long as they are standard, shop bought models (no customised pistols or gun replicas). Water pistols will be available at the event in exchange for a $2 donation.

More information
Jennifer Boyes
Intermediary Communications
Mobile: 021 667 873
Email
World record attempt Facebook page

David Youngmeyer
UNICEF NZ
Ph: 04-815-9387
Mobile: 021-851-263