Fishing Boats Are Moored At Tomari Port in Naha On Japan's Southern Island Of Okinawa As Super Typhoon Neoguri Approaches The Region
Fishing boats are moored at Tomari port in Naha on Japan's southern island of Okinawa as super typhoon Neoguri approaches the region, in this photo taken by Kyodo July 7, 2014. REUTERS/Kyodo Reuters/Kyodo

New Zealand's water safety evangelist Mark de Lacy, aka the Minstrel, has been honoured with "New Zealand's supreme champion of water safety" award. This is for his outstanding work in delivering water safety messages through his interactive show Hiwi the Kiwi Goes Fishing to more than 250,000 Kiwi kids nationwide.

On Tuesday, in a grand function held at at Belmont School at Auckland's North Shore, Minstrel received the 2014 Sealord New Zealand Water Safety Outstanding Contribution Award. The one-hour, 15-minute show by Mark emphasised on water safety and fishing for the future. His show Hiwi the Kiwi Goes Fishing is punctuated with songs written by Mark himself, which include Kai Moana', stories, dance and humour.

Great Dedication

Mark de Lacy carries the distinction of having visited around 840 schools in New Zealand as part of his joint initiative with the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council that began in 2009. The 62-year-old Minstrel is still passionate about teaching school children the lessons on water safety in a very friendly way. His show is so popular that it has already been booked for many months, reported Stuff.Co.Nz. Reflecting on his zeal, the water safety evangelist said, "Teaching children helps. When they become adults, they can teach their kids. What is special about kids is that they do not react to age but react to humour."

Hailing the contribution of Minstrel, Matt Claridge, CEO, Water Safety New Zealand, said, "Mark has made a huge impact on water safety in New Zealand by driving a cultural change and has been inspiring young New Zealanders to make water safety a priority through song, humour and storytelling," reported Scoop News. Children who participate in Mark's sessions are eager to share the messages with their friends and family and keep influencing others' decisions when they are out on boating and fishing.

Tribute to Safety

Mr Ed Beetham, senior official of the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, also lauded Mark's ability to connect with children. He expressed happiness at the success of the initiative that is growing from strength to strength. Sealord General Manager Stuart Yorston said the Awards are an important part of the company's commitment to water safety in New Zealand. Already 250,000 kids are involved in the Sealord Swim for Life initiative nationwide. Yorston affirmed that the award is a tribute to the exceptional water safety initiatives delivered to Kiwi children.