Agreed Actions

Following the distribution of the provisional report to DOC, a meeting was held between DOC and MSC in June 2021 to discuss each of the proposed solutions and to determine whether to proceed with developing an implementation plan. A summary of the agreed position on each proposed solution is outlined below.

Timeframes for each initiative vary, and in some cases must align to programmes of work beyond these recommendations. Therefore, specific dates are yet to be set for most initiatives and each project will work to a unique schedule.

1. Integrated Marketing Campaign

‘Plan B’ is a key message that needs to be applied within existing messaging channels such as DOC Visitor Centres, websites (not just DOC’s), Plan My Walk, pamphlets etc. This message will be integrated into various stages of the user journey. This concept applies nationally but can be applied to local site-specific messaging.

This does not warrant a local campaign (in the Nelson Lakes area). The problem is too specific, and the mechanisms to target locally are too narrow. A marketing campaign requires on-going investment, as once the campaign ends the messaging ends. For these reasons, a marketing campaign is not the best solution, but the objective of the proposed solution can be met through enhancing existing messaging channels and site-specific information.

Action: This initiative has relevance across New Zealand, not just in Nelson Lakes National Park. Rather than a defined campaign, this will be implemented through improvement to existing messaging throughout the country to include ‘have a plan B’ messages. The next step is to develop an implementation plan.

2. Notifications to booked users

Notifying booked users of forecast weather and any significant hazards provides a demonstrated value to trampers, as does the provision of other safety information. This proposed initiative is an opportunity for the DOC booking system and use of notifications to be developed further. For this solution to be implemented, DOC and MSC agree that an internal DOC process needs to be developed which results in notifications being sent when certain parameters are met.

Action: This initiative has relevance across New Zealand. In addition to being locally applied, DOC and MSC will look to establish this approach so that the benefits can be shared nationally. The next step is to bring the relevant people across DOC together to workshop how the process should function and to use this to develop an implementation plan.

Above: Bevan Smith

3. Digital track advisory

This solution has merit across any high-risk site. A process with clear guidelines will need to be established to select which sites are appropriate for this intervention. Site-specific weather thresholds will need to be established, which may be unique to each location and season. It will also need to identify the most appropriate channels to use to proactively communicate to users.

Action: This initiative also has relevance across New Zealand. The next step is to establish guidelines to select which sites are appropriate for this type of intervention.

4. Integrated journey signage

Prevention messaging works best when it convinces behaviour change before a trip is commenced, however there are times when this doesn’t occur in time, and so signage at decision points can be an effective last line of defence. This solution, which prompts trampers to consider the conditions, environment and track/terrain at key decision points along their journey, is an opportunity to communicate with trampers in a timely way.

Action: As of June 2021, draft signs have been designed for the various access tracks to Angelus Hut. These are on track to be installed in the 2021-22 financial year.

5. Paid hut wardens

The existing hut warden programme in NLNP is of a very high standard, with further enhancements having been applied following learnings from the most recent tramping fatality. Quality training and induction of hut wardens is the most critical aspect. Further enhancements to national hut warden training and induction may be beneficial. In some specific locations, a paid hut warden may be warranted. Developing clear guidance and a process to determine this is needed.

Action: No further action required locally. The next step is to develop nationally consistent guidance and a process to determine where paid hut wardens are needed.

6. Consistent national safety messaging

MSC, along with other partners such as DOC, MetService, LandSAR, MaritimeNZ, NZ Police, NZSAR, Auckland Council are now consistently reinforcing the key messages in the new Land Safety Code.

https://mountainsafety.org.nz/land-safety-code

https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/land-safety-code/

Action: No further action required as the Land Safety Code now provides an agreed basic standard for key safety messages.

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