National Jandal Day in New Zealand

National Jandal Day in New Zealand is a lively celebration that highlights the nation’s love for its iconic footwear while supporting a critical cause.

The day is filled with fun and casual activities, all centered around wearing jandals – which is the local term for what people in other places call ‘flip-flops‘.

But this day is more than just about fun as it has a deeper purpose. Kiwis from all walks of life come together on National Jandal Day to support Surf Life Saving New Zealand, a vital organization that ensures the safety of beachgoers across the country.

By slipping into their jandals, New Zealanders not only embrace their laid-back culture but also contribute to a cause that helps keep their beaches safe.

Why Celebrate National Jandal Day?

National Jandal Day serves two important purposes. First, it raises awareness and funds for Surf Life Saving New Zealand, which plays a crucial role in protecting lives on the country’s beaches. The funds collected on this day help purchase essential equipment and resources that lifeguards need to perform rescues and keep swimmers safe.

Second, it is a celebration of New Zealand’s unique cultural identity, where the jandal represents a symbol of the relaxed, outdoor lifestyle that Kiwis cherish. This blend of charity and national pride makes National Jandal Day a special occasion that resonates with people across the country​.

History of National Jandal Day

Jandal Day in New Zealand began in 2007 as a creative way to raise funds for Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ). The idea was simple: use the country’s love for jandals, or flip-flops, to support a good cause.

SLSNZ, which oversees the lifeguard services that protect swimmers at beaches, needed help with resources. So, for their initiative, they chose the jandal because it represents the Kiwi beach lifestyle, making it the perfect symbol for their fundraising efforts.

National Jandal Day quickly gained popularity as Kiwis from all over the country embraced the day, proudly wearing their jandals to show support!

Over the years, Jandal Day has become an important annual event, not only raising money for lifesaving equipment but also celebrateing New Zealand’s unique and laid back beach culture.

How to Celebrate ​National Jandal Day

Rock Those Jandals

To get started with this special day, put on those favorite pair of jandals and hit the streets. Show off those colorful sandals with pride! Whether bright or plain, old or new, jandals are the stars of the day. Let those feet enjoy the freedom only jandals can provide.

Organize a Jandal Parade

Get friends and family together for a fun jandal parade in a local park for National Jandal Day. March together in jandals, wave to passersby and spread the love for these iconic sandals. Extra points for those who create matching outfits or decorate jandals for this special occasion!

Beach Cleanup with a Twist

Head to the nearest beach, jandals firmly in place, and organize a cleanup. Not only will this effort help the environment, but it also supports the spirit of Jandal Day. Make it a competition to see who can collect the most rubbish!

Host a Jandal-themed BBQ

Fire up the grill, invite some mates, and have a jandal-themed cookout. Encourage everyone to wear their best jandals and serve food with a beachy twist, like seafood skewers or tropical fruit salads.

Don’t forget to set up a jandal photo booth for those fun memories!

Donate to Surf Life Saving New Zealand

Remember the true purpose of Jandal Day by donating to Surf Life Saving New Zealand. Every contribution helps keep beaches safe.

Those who want to make a bigger impact could set up a fundraiser or collection jar at work, school, or at that jandal-themed BBQ to encourage others to get invovled with giving.