Last-Ever Jaffas Fund Swimming Lessons for 10,000 Kids

When an iconic treat disappears, it usually just leaves a sweet memory behind, but New Zealand's last-ever bags of Jaffas are helping save young lives instead.

Stuff NZ and Water Safety New Zealand are giving away 140 of the final packets of the orange-coated chocolate candies that Kiwis have loved since 1931. The catch? You help fund swimming lessons for two children who desperately need them.

The campaign tackles a shocking reality: seven out of 10 New Zealand kids can't tread water. Already in 2026, 16 people have drowned in New Zealand waters, making water safety education more critical than ever.

Swimming lessons cost an average of $70 per child in New Zealand. Many families in vulnerable communities simply can't afford it, leaving their tamariki without essential survival skills.

The first 100 people to donate $140 (sponsoring two kids) will receive one of those precious final Jaffas bags as a thank you. The giveaway launched February 3rd at 9am and runs until supplies run out.

Jaffas were discontinued in 2025 after nearly a century on New Zealand shelves. Thanks to the Simplicity Foundation's Jaffas for Good initiative, 2,500 packets of the final production run went to charitable partners, including this Life Savings campaign.

The donated funds will provide in-pool lessons or beach and river water safety experiences for school children in New Zealand's most vulnerable communities. Water Safety New Zealand coordinates with providers to deliver these potentially life-saving skills, and Stuff will report back on exactly where donations make an impact.

The Ripple Effect

This campaign shows how something as simple as candy can create waves of positive change. Each $140 donation doesn't just give two kids swimming skills; it gives their families peace of mind and potentially prevents future tragedies.

The donations are tax-deductible, and supporters receive confirmation receipts for their records. Even those who don't care about scoring nostalgic candy can donate directly to support the cause.

A beloved treat's final chapter is becoming a new beginning for thousands of young swimmers across New Zealand.