NZ Mountain Safety Council – OnTrack Newsletter July 2014 by New Zealand Mountain Safety Council

Issue 19 | July 2014

One MSC for Today’s World Changing what we do so more people can discover the outdoors safely

SMS – the latest news Success stories from the branches

PHOTO: Nathan Watson

MSC Volunteer Award – key info and nomination form

www.mountainsafety.org.nz www.avalanche.net.nz www.incidentreport.org.nz www.adventuresmart.org.nz

Join us on...

NEW ZEALAND

MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL

Phone: 04 385 7162 | Fax: 04 385 7366 | Address: Level 3, 19 Tory Street, Wellington 6011 / PO Box 6027, Wellington 6141 www.mountainsafety.org.nz || www.incidentreport.org.nz || www.avalanche.net.nz The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is a national organisation with a mandate from our member organisations to encourage safe participation in land-based outdoor activities. We facilitate the setting of standards, offer training and education opportunities, create and distribute resources, lead public awareness campaigns and foster positive support in the community so that more people can discover and enjoy New Zealand’s outdoors safely.

Our mission is to:

CEO Mike Daisley

▲▲ Enable people to enjoy their recreation safely in the outdoors ▲▲ Foster positive community support for outdoor safety ▲▲ Promote the development and maintenance of national outdoor safety standards for land-based activities.

Our outcome: ▲▲ More people participating safely in land-based outdoor activity.

Our goals: ▲▲ An increased number of leaders, teachers, instructors and guides are inspired, inspiring, competent and retained as leaders. ▲▲ Groups and clubs effectively promote and deliver increased safety in the outdoors. ▲▲ Commercial operators operate safely. ▲▲ The community is more aware of outdoor safety. ▲▲ MSC is financially strong.

WINTER 2014

Seasonal safety message:

Senior Management Team Prevention Manager Léonce Jones Shared Services Manager Richard Brodie Avalanche & Alpine Programme Manager Andrew Hobman Asst. Programme Manager Gordie Smith Outdoor Land Safety Programme Manager Nathan Watson Coordinator Jen Hayto Firearms & Hunter Safety Programme Manager Nicole McKee Training Coordinator Mike Pyatt Outdoor First Aid & Research/Evaluation Acting Programme Manager Léonce Jones Marketing & Communications Manager Andrea Corrigan Coordinator Emma Smart Administration Team Finance Alex Cordier Branch Network Manager Jane Hoedemaeckers Qualifications Administrator Christine Oakley-Hall Database Administrator Nina Klauke Membership Administrator Jill Knight

About OnTrack OnTrack newsletter is published by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council in March, July and November each year.

Disclaimer and submission guidelines: All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, but no responsibility will be taken by the Mountain Safety Council for errors or inaccuracies or for any consequences of reliance on this information. If you have any feedback, ideas or items that you would like to submit for consideration please email: marketing@mountainsafety.org.nz Publication is not guaranteed and the editor’s decision is final. Also available to view online at www.ISSU.com/nzmountainsafetycouncil Submission deadlines:

Published last week of:

31 October

November

28 February

March

30 June

July

OnTrack >> July 2014

WELCOME Mike Daisley >> CEO Welcome to this latest issue. Winter has well and truly arrived, which again opens up a range of different outdoor journeys and adventures for Kiwis and visitors to New Zealand to enjoy. We also find ourselves well along the journey towards a new ‘One MSC’ approach. At this point in time, I have spent time with most branches in the South Island, and I am about halfway through the North Island. These sessions have been a fantastic opportunity to chat through proposed changes face-to-face and hear from many of our dedicated volunteers. At the same time, I have taken the opportunity to visit a number of Department of Conservation and Regional Park information centres, and have chatted to frontline staff about ‘their patch’ of New Zealand’s outdoors. These centres see hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and these conversations have added much insight into the types of folk who venture into the outdoors and the things that typically go wrong. I have also spent time with our Member Organisations and listened to their views of the proposed changes. These Member Organisations play a critical role in connecting our best practice and safety messages directly to their communities of interest. I would like to thank all those who have contributed their time and thinking to our journey so far. These contributions will help shape a ‘One MSC’ that is relevant to current and future generations seeking experiences and adventure in the outdoors, safely. It is clear from all these conversations that changes to the Kiwi way of life are not just impacting on the MSC, they are impacting all organisations in our sector. Our sector will be facing more change as the Government’s ‘Outdoor Sector Review’ gets underway later this year. I look forward to many more conversations with the people that form our network. Conversations that will answer the many challenging questions related to how we remain relevant in the new New Zealand.

CHAIR REPORT Geoff Ensor >> Chairperson Firstly, thank you to everyone who continues to give their time, energy and experience to helping others stay safe in the outdoors. As you will know by now, the MSC is currently undergoing a review in order to define our activities going forward for the modern world. Whilst it can be a little unsettling as we work through the details, we are committed to engaging with our stakeholders, asking for input and keeping everyone up to date with developments. Be assured that nothing detracts from the current efforts of everyone in MSC, paid and unpaid, who help deliver outdoor safety education to New Zealanders and overseas visitors. As signalled by the board, we are in a rapidly changing world and the MSC must change significantly or risk

losing its funding and its relevance. While the principles of helping others stay safe in the outdoors haven’t changed, how we do it and who we focus on must be reviewed in light of 50 years of change. A new-look outdoor sector, social media, multiple ways of recreating, urbanisation, changing demographics, a growing and changing visitor mix and the expectations of funders are just some of the factors making change essential – and an exciting opportunity. A process is underway that will lead to a new, fresh, ‘One MSC’ approach. It’s too early to say exactly how we will do that but we are looking at ways we can utilise the skills of our volunteers in their communities in different ways to achieve the same goal of more

OnTrack >> July 2014

people participating safely in landbased outdoor activity. The experience and reach of our volunteers remains a part of our future. As a sector-wide review looms, this is about MSC shaping its own future rather than having it shaped by others and forced upon us. Thank you again for your support now and in the future as we all tackle the how, who, where and when questions associated with MSC work and confront them head-on and without delay.

cil

Mountain Safety Coun

R E B M E C E D – T S U G U A : CALENDAR

2014

August

2-3 – Tahr Show (Christchurch) 20 – Board meeting (Wellington)

September

26-28 – Sika Show (Taupo)

October

ys be the 2nd weekend in Oct. th Island – Location TBC) N.b This will alwa 10–12 – Bush 1 National Assessments (Nor ys be the 3rd weekend in Oct. th Island – Location TBC) N.b This will alwa 17–19 – Bush 1 National Assessments (Sou 31 – MSC AGM (Wellington) act Jen Hayto) 5 – Waihi Beach. (MSC places available, cont rse cou ial dent resi der Lea e rativ abo 4–12 – Coll

November

end in Nov. ion TBC) N.b This will always be the 1st week locat – d Islan th (Sou ents essm Ass l iona 31 Oct–2 Nov – Bush 2 Nat ys be the 2nd weekend in Nov. th Island – Location TBC) N.b This will alwa (Nor ents essm Ass l iona Nat 2 h Bus – 7–9 , contact Jen Hayto) 6 – Tararua Forest Park (MSC places available rse cou ial dent resi der Lea e rativ abo Coll 21–28 –

December

10 – Board meeting (Wellington) 19 Dec–19 Jan – Christmas closedown

MSC SHOP GUIDE

Stock up on your white zone gear!

Avalanche Assessor and Avalanche Rescue cards Made of thick, durable plastic, these cards are a fantastic tool for anybody heading into the backcountry. RRP $11.99 each or $19.99 for both

NEW EDITION NZ Guidelines and Recording Standards for Weather, Snowpack and Avalanche Observations RRP $30 Survival Pack 1 – Basic Essential survival items for the outdoors in one light-weight and shower-proof zip-lock bag. ▲▲ MSC branded safety whistle ▲▲ Pack liner ▲▲ Pocket survival bag ▲▲ Safety information. RRP $20.00

Visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz/resources OnTrack >> July 2014

MSC NEWS OFA Instructors’ Revalidation Workshop Léonce Jones >> Acting Programme Manager This year’s revalidation workshop took place between 20-22 June and was well attended with 30 instructors and trainee instructors participating. The workshop was once again held at the Silverstream Retreat, Lower Hutt, which again proved to be a very suitable venue. Triple One Care made available the instructor resource that enabled an integrated assessment process to take place. This provided assessment for: Level 2 CPR (NZ Resuscitation Council ECI2), Workplace First Aid in the Outdoors (WFAO), Outdoor Emergency Management (OEM) and Pre-hospital Emergency Care (PHEC) and OFA instructor revalidation. Dr Dick Price (MSC’s medical advisor and member of the MSC Technical Advisory Committee) provided valuable assistance and technical input having just returned to New Zealand following his attendance at an international conference on alpine rescue and mountain medicine. Skills Active presented on the new relationship being established to provide unit standard registration for participants on MSC courses and

the establishment of Skills Active registered assessors for the OFA Programme. A process is underway to establish instructors within the OFA programme to ‘assessor status’ and to date all those that have been offered the opportunity to be registered as assessors have indicated willingness to meet the criteria set down by Skills Active. MSC CEO Mike Daisley gave a short presentation on the ‘One MSC’ activity and indicated a need for a change in direction. Bridget Janse (Chair of the MSC Technical Advisory Committee) gave a brief address on the continued development of course programmes and instructor resources. Participants were required to complete pre-workshop assignments that contributed to the revalidation processes and demonstrate competency in a series of outdoor first aid scenarios during the workshop. As the acting OFA Programme Manager, I presented on a variety of issues including the programme course delivery achievement over the past three years, assessment

and moderation expectations and course reporting requirements. I was also pleased to be able to facilitate what was a well-attended workshop with participants engaging in useful discussion and exchange of ideas at every opportunity. Once again the passion and commitment from everyone involved culminated in what I believe was a positive result.

MSC’s winter messages Andrea Corrigan >> Marketing & Communications Manager This year’s winter messaging campaign builds upon last year’s success by continuing to use the two established key messages. The ‘What goes up must come down’ message is aimed at those heading into alpine environments at this time of the year, including trampers, climbers and hunters. The ‘Go big and go home’ execution is aimed at snow-sports enthusiasts who are heading out for a day of fun on the mountain. Even if you don’t plan on going outside of ski-area boundaries there are still precautions you should take to keep you and your family safe. Both messages point to Outdoor Safety Code information, which should be the basis for planning and preparation for any activity at any time of the year. The messages feature as web banners, adverts and in articles which will appear in various winter and outdoors publications across the season.

OnTrack >> July 2014

ONE MSC

FOR TODAY’S WORLD Mike Daisley >> CEO

Changing what we do so more people can discover the outdoors safely For almost 50 years, our dedicated, experienced and skilled volunteers have been teaching people how to stay safe outdoors. However, as the world changes, we need to look at a broader range of ways of achieving our goal and work out how we can have the biggest impact. The following information helps explain why the Mountain Safety Council needs to change what we do, how we might go about this and what this might mean for the future.

Why do we need to change what we do? What we do now is not reaching enough people More than a million people regularly experience New Zealand’s great outdoors and about three million get out at least once a year. This includes everything from multiday trips into remote backcountry to short bush walks close to towns and cities. While the training that our volunteers provide is excellent, it can only reach a small proportion of these people. Last year, our volunteers trained 2,500 people in outdoor safety (not including firearms training). This is about 0.01 percent of those who experience the great outdoors annually. To help more people stay safe, and to encourage more to get into the outdoors, we need to work out how to reach more of them.

The way people experience the outdoors is changing An increasing number of people are choosing to get into the outdoors for recreation instead of taking part in structured sports such as netball, cricket or rugby. This trend has been growing over the past few years. People from younger generations especially are less likely to commit to a single outdoor activity that they do regularly. They are more likely to try a range of different experiences, and they also tend to take more risks than their parents or grandparents did. We need to focus on reaching these people wherever they are and whatever they’re doing.

OnTrack >> July 2014

The way people access and absorb information has changed People now expect to access information whenever they need it, from almost wherever they are. Younger people in particular will seek out the information they need online, and are quick to use and share anything that’s interesting or useful. We must make sure we provide the information they need in a way that works for them.

Very few volunteers are joining us each year

Our funders are questioning what we do

It’s becoming harder to recruit new volunteers to deliver our traditional training courses. Younger generations are more likely to volunteer in short bursts than to commit to anything long term. Soon, we won’t have enough volunteers to do the type of work we currently do. We need to work out new ways for our volunteers to use their skills and experience.

Nearly all of our major funders (i.e. LGB, DOC, ACC, and Sport NZ) are questioning the relevance of what we currently do. They all support our goal of improving safety in the outdoors, but think we need to reach more people. They will not increase our funding to extend our current training programmes. We need to direct the funding we get to new tasks that reach more outdoor users.

How can we reach more people? When we refocus our efforts, we will help far more people make good decisions about where to go, what to do, when to do it, and how to be prepared. More people will know about the information and services we offer, and will look to us for advice and the latest updates. Our aim is that more people will understand their limits, and will be able to challenge themselves while staying safe. By changing the focus of what we do, we can help more people discover the outdoors, safely.

Now Outdoor safety training

Future Setting safety standards

Safety messaging

→

To reach more people, we think we need to focus on three broad tasks: 1. Collecting information on where people go and when, and what hazards they might face 2. Letting people know how to stay safe in the outdoors, using a variety of media (including some safety training) 3. Influencing other organisations to provide the best possible safety information and training.

Safety messaging

(including some safety training)

Influencing other organisations

Collecting & analysing of information

The role of MSC volunteers will change We’ll still need volunteers with experience, skills and expertise. We’ll just need to work out how to utilise our resources so they have the greatest impact on the most people. There will be fewer chances to take people into the outdoors on day or overnight training experiences, but there will still be plenty of opportunities to advise and support people face to face, and to help them make good decisions.

We need to work out how we will achieve these things.

We want your ideas Over the next few months, there’ll be opportunities for you to discuss everything with regional reps and national office staff. In fact some of you will have met me at recent branch meetings and there are still a few more in the diary. You’ll no doubt have plenty of questions, and you may have ideas about how you can use your experience and skills to reach more people. If you are unable to make it to a branch presentation then feel free to provide feedback to your regional rep, branch chair or to me via email directly. These are exciting times as we move forward and ensure that MSC is relevant, sustainable and valuable for another 50 years. OnTrack >> July 2014

FIREARMS & HUNTER SAFETY PROGRAMME

Nicole McKee >> Programme Manager

Firearms instruction Participants from our courses have often commented that our course is aimed at hunters, though not all participants intend to hunt. There is a reason for this: In 2013 a total of five non-intentional firearms incidents, including one fatality, were reported. As at June 2014 there have been four incidents reported which also included one fatality. Two occurred during the Roar and two on the opening day of the duck hunting season. Of the nine incidents over the last eighteen months, six have occurred while hunting. The seven basic rules of firearms safety are important to all aspects of firearms use, but the most catastrophic results come from a shooter not identifying their target and failing to check the firing zone. Relevant examples come from hunting incident reports which also receive lots of media attention. Regardless of the reason for wanting a licence, most participants are aware of these incidents as they occur. We still need to remember that whilst three of the nine reported incidents were not hunting related they are still relevant. Remember that it is important to scope the participants in the room and ask them their reasons for wanting to obtain a firearms licence. While most will want a licence to do some type of hunting, there are those who will have other reasons. With this knowledge you can then cater your delivery to suit the needs of your audience and still cover all the material in your guide. For example: failing to identifying your target for a hunter can mean the death or injury of another person but the same failure for a target shooter could mean losing a competition if the shot lands on the target next door.

ress ty course in prog

Safe Below: Firearms

2013 firearms statistics Delivery statistics for the 2013 year are complete. Our instructors delivered to approximately 9,988 members of the public. A big thank you to our volunteers for your outstanding work and a pat on the back for the number of participants you have taught firearms safety to.

Firearms resources available for instructors Policing districts have given us lots of firearms resources and we are keen to distribute these where needed. We have plenty of air rifles in stock so if you require one for your lectures please make contact with Mike or me. If you are currently using a MSC firearm that is not in good condition and want to swap it for a better example, send us your wish list. Most actions are available.

NZDA Auckland branch range day

Above: Public firearms education at Auckland branchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range day OnTrack >> July 2014

Firearms & Hunter Safety Programme farewells Inspector Joe Green As at 1 July 2014 Inspector Joe green took up the position of Coordinator Operations (Emergency Management) with Police National Headquarters. I would like to acknowledge the extensive contribution that Inspector Green has made to the MSC and especially to the Firearms programme. Support from Joe and NZ Police helped the development and implementation of the successful and now highly regarded Whakatūpato Firearms Safety Programme. Joe always made himself available to answer the questions of the firearms community and industry, both face-to-face and within the world of emails. Joe is an expert in the firearms arena with his experience and knowledge of the Arms Act and Regulations. He is a known stalwart of the MSC Firearms & Hunter Safety Programme. He has been a solid rock with everything to do with firearms safety. His contribution and advice to programme managers and instructors has always been professional and respected. We wish Joe the very best with his future in Emergency Management.

Firearms & Hunter Safety Programme Manager Nicole McKee with Inspector Joe Green

Gisborne range days a success I would like to congratulate MSC Gisborne Branch on their successful public range days. Gisborne has been running these courses, which teach firearms safety, handling, cleaning and shooting techniques to members of the public, since 2008. The day begins on a Sunday at Gisborne Police Station where participants hear the firearms safety lecture and sit the licencing test. They then go to a range and are taught how to position themselves properly in order to shoot rimfire then centrefire rifles and shotguns at clay bird (moving) targets. The course includes how to ‘sight in’ and understand their shots on target as well as how to clean and care for firearms. The course is advertised by the branch, with the fee paid by the participants off-setting the ammunition costs and range fees. Firearms safety instructors volunteer their time to the popular course and demand for it is increasing. Well done Gisborne! OnTrack >> July 2014

AVALANCHE & ALPINE PROGRAMME

Andrew Hobman >> Programme Manager

Backcountry Avalanche Risk Management Course As I have mentioned in previous OnTrack articles, an assessed four to five day avalanche risk management course has been developed and registered with NZQA. This course has all the hazard identification, terrain travel and rescue components of the current Avalanche Stage 1 course but does not include the formal observation gathering and recording that are required to work in a snow safety programme like a ski patrol or heliski operation. There has been a lot of interest in this shorter course and one focused on walking participants. NZOIA have made this course the prerequisite for their Alpine 1 assessment and we are working with the NZAC, LandSAR and DOC to provide it for PHOTO: S. Graham their members and staff. North Island instructor training at Mt Ruapehu For this year we will be running a provisional four day course in the South Island and other custom courses as required. The course includes classroom-based training as well as field-based activity with a clear separation between learning and assessment. There is also a pre-field course component that is required to be completed. This will be available through the MSC Moodle (an online learning tool and resource centre) via the avalanche.net.nz website. There are plenty of reading resources, videos to watch and interactive activities like moving through terrain and naming the parts of an avalanche path. There are also some quizzes that are required to be completed with 100% correct answers which form part of the formal assessment. Programme staff and the lead instructor can see when the quizzes have been completed. If the participants do not get 100% they are automatically directed back to the areas they need to read/watch/research and can complete the quiz again. All the topics will be revisited in the field assessments and final exam. When participants register, they will be sent an email with course details and information including the login address for the Moodle site. We encourage people to register early so that they have the time and opportunity to fully use this resource. They will get so much more out of the course by doing all the pre-course work and also find the assessments much easier.

Alpine training Despite the lack of early winter snow, three alpine training events have already been successfully completed. In mid-June, an alpine instructors training was held at Temple Basin in Arthurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pass National Park to upskill and prepare potential candidates for an Alpine 2 assessment. Four current MSC Alpine 1 instructors from the North and South islands gathered for three days to be put through their paces and given feedback on their current skill level and any areas of improvement that may be required before sitting an assessment. The weather was kind to the group and many different skills, from multi-pitch climbing to crevasse rescue, were covered. All candidates learnt a lot from Andy Cole, the instructor and New Zealand mountain guide, and came away with some positive things to work on. The final weekend of June was the North Island Alpine Instructor training, held at Whakapapa ski area in the Tongariro National Park. Eleven alpine instructors attended and worked on a range of climbing, group management and emergency procedure skills. There was a good spread of skills and knowledge between the instructors and trainee instructors and many ideas were shared, discussed and debated. The opportunity to bring together these groups is invaluable to the successful and safe delivery of our alpine courses.

Alpine 2 training at Temple Basin. Garry Kane (MSC Hawkes Bay) climbing the summit ridge of Phipps Peak. OnTrack >> July 2014 PHOTO: D. Eaton

Training taking place at the Avalanche SAR exercise

SARex practice in case of emergencies In mid-June an avalanche search and rescue exercise was held at the head of the Fox Glacier in Aoraki/ Mt Cook National park. This exercise was funded by NZSAR and brought together alpine cliff rescue teams and winter response groups from Twizel, Mt Cook, Fox Glacier, Christchurch and Taranaki. The purpose of the exercise was to continue the work done over the last four years on collaboration, efficiency and the effectiveness of responders to an organised avalanche rescue.

PHOTO: A. Hobman

The nature of an avalanche incident requires teams from different areas to work closely together, in a demanding environment. Avalanche rescue is a medical emergency and teams are deployed directly to the field as soon as an incident has been reported. This makes the overall management of an operation challenging and continued practice is vital to ensure that everyone is working well together to save lives.

Avalanche Awareness evenings hosted by Bivouac Each winter for a number of years, we have held an Avalanche AwarenessÂ 101 talk at Bivouac outdoor retailer in Christchurch. Due to the success of these evenings and Bivouacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest in promoting outdoor safety to their customers, we have been asked to deliver these presentations across the country. Come and join us for a great evening of stunning films, great prizes and an informative presentation to keep you safe in the hills this winter.

CALENDAR

MSC/Bivouac Avalanche 101 30/07/2014

Bivouac Dunedin

06/08/2014

Bivouac Christchurch

13/08/2014

Bivouac Auckland

20/08/2014

Bivouac Welllington

Andrew Hobman talks through avalanche safety at Bivouac outdoor retailer in Christchurch OnTrack >> July 2014

OUTDOOR LAND SAFETY

Nathan Watson >> Programme Manager

Safety Management System SAFETY MA NAGEMENT

MSC Instruct

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zard Manag 1. Identify ement 2. Assess an d determine significance 3. Record 4. Commun icate to all involved 5. On going manageme nt by either: ▲ Elimina te by ensurin g that the ha is no longe zar r part of the activity. If thi d no longer exists, or ▲ Isolat s isn’t possi e by putting ble: in place a pro keeps peop cess or me le away fro chan m the hazar ▲ Minim d. If this isn ism that ise by doing ’t possible: whatever can lessen the reasonably ha be done to longer considzard. This should be to a po er the hazar d to be signifi int where you no cant.

Roles and Re

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s Course Dir ector: ▲ Is everyo ne aware of their role? ▲ Have all instructors been briefe d? ▲ Have hazar ds been ind entified, com managed? municated and Instructors: ▲ Do you kn ow what tas ks you’re res ▲ Have the ponsible for participants ? been briefe d?

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Post-Cours

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▲ Inform you r intentions holder that ▲ Complet you’ve return e the releva ed nt Course Re porting Pack ▲ Facilitate Participant Evaluations ▲ Complet e and subm it any Incide nt/Near Mi ▲ Update the ss forms Hazard Log (Web Porta ▲ Update the l) Equipment Log (Web Po rtal)

VERSION 1 – NOVEMBER 2013

First Aid Pr ompt 1. CHECK

2. ASK Danger Signs/ Response symptoms Send for hel p Allergies Airway Medication Breathing Past medic al history Circulation/ bleeding Last ins/ou ts CPR/ Events prio r Defibrillate

3. EXAMINE

Look Listen Feel Smell

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Child (1–8 yrs)

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Compressio Compressio ns 1/3 depth of ns 2 hand s on chest 1 hand on centre of che 2 fingers jus t st centre of che Compressio st below nipple line to breaths ns 30:2 30:2 Compressio 30:2 per minute ns 100 100 100

Important

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Use this spa ce to write rel need them in an emerg evant phone numbers in ency. Use a fine-point pe case you Programm n. e Manager: Prevention Manager: CEO: Marketing & Commun ications Ma nager: Branch Chair : Branch AO :

OnTrack >> July 2014

Location/environment

Example of MSC course

Communication device requirement

▲▲ Reliable communication is guaranteed ▲▲ Outside assistance is readily available ▲▲ No communication blind spots

▲▲ Evening information session to a local club/pre-course session ▲▲ Day session to a school group ▲▲ Most Risk Management and OFA courses ▲▲ Most Firearms lectures

A mobile phone is acceptable provided the Course Director and Instructor/s know where they can access additional communication devices if necessary (such as a landline phone)

▲▲ Mobile phone coverage is not guaranteed ▲▲ There are communication blind spots ▲▲ Outside assistance is not readily available

▲▲ Almost all Bushcraft, Alpine, Abseil and Avalanche courses

Minimum of one communication device must be carried. This device must be capable of working in blind spots where traditional devices, such as mobile phones, cannot. Suitable devices include a mountain radio, PLB or satellite phone

Bush 2 training weekend The Bush 2 training weekend took place at the Scout Lodge, Iwikau Village, Mt Ruapehu, over the weekend of 7-8 June. The course was organised by the Tauranga branch but places were available for Bush 2 trainees from across the country. There was a great turnout of attendees from branches including Tauranga, Waikato, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Taranaki. Saturday was wet with thick cloud blanketing the mountain, but this didn’t stop the group venturing off for the day in search of snow. Unfortunately winter hadn’t quite reached the mountains in this part of the world and the snow line was too high so other more suitable topics were covered. These included: navigating in poor visibility, confidence roping, hand lines, pack lowers and most suitably, the weather.

Sunday was a completely different story as the blue sky and sun were out. Splitting into smaller groups, everyone headed off in different directions. Two groups used the interesting topography of the Silica Rapids area to hone their off-track micro navigation skills while another group soaked up the knowledge and expertise of their instructor around the Whakapapaiti Hut area. Everyone agreed it was a hugely valuable training experience! Thanks to all the instructors and organisers who made the weekend possible.

National Bushcraft Assessments

National abseil workshop

A reminder to all MSC Bush 1 and 2 trainees that the national assessments are scheduled for the following weekends later this year:

In March, the MSC held its annual Abseil Instructors’ Workshop and assessments on Mt Ruapehu. Participants travelled from across the North Island, making the atmosphere incredibly positive and exciting as everyone prepared in the lodge on Friday evening. The weather played its part and over the next two days the cliffs of Happy Valley and Meads Wall were covered in small groups of people hanging from brightly coloured ropes. The workshop gave instructors the opportunity to refine their skills and brush up on knots, anchor setups, rescues and abseil systems, ensuring they left completely prepared for running courses. Naturally with so many highly skilled and experienced people on site, it was also a chance to learn new techniques and push personal limits. Congratulations to those people who passed their assessments and a huge thanks to the instructors (and the superb chef) who made this weekend possible!

▲▲ Bush 1: North Island, 10-12 October ▲▲ Bush 1: South Island, 17-19 October ▲▲ Bush 2: South Island, 31 October - 2 November ▲▲ Bush 2: North Island, 7-9 November

CALENDAR

Registration information has already been sent to all Bush trainees and branches. Assessment locations will be determined once we know who will be attending.The assessments require minimum numbers so please make sure you indicate your interest by the deadline.

OnTrack >> July 2014

io lat

u rat g n Co People who have completed warrants ODL warrant Chris Stagg Cameron Dawson Tony Parker Jeanette Anderson Dave Hellawell James Brown Luke Dixon Andrew Buchan Cameron Peters Steve Davis Vicky Youngman Megan Marshall Robin Weeks Elvis Bowring John Roy Jon Sadler Ioana Piticiriu Paul Dayman Gary Johnson

Auckland branch Auckland branch Auckland branch Auckland branch Auckland branch Auckland branch Auckland branch Auckland branch Auckland branch Canterbury branch Canterbury branch DoE branch Hawke’s Bay branch Rotorua branch Taranaki branch Tauranga branch Wakatipu branch Wakatipu branch Wellington branch

Abseil 2 warrant Nick Hanafin

Canterbury branch

Top Rope endorsement Kate Parr Mark Bull

Waikato branch Waikato branch

It’s no secret that the key to spreading effective safety messages starts with education – particularly in young people. That’s why the William Pike Challenge Award (WPCA) and the MSC have teamed up to ensure that there are more people participating safely in outdoor activities from a young age. The WPCA is led by an inspirational role model (William Pike), if you don’t know William’s story then have a look here: www.williampike.co.nz. The WPCA provides primary and intermediate schools with the support, resources and motivation to facilitate Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC). WPCA is an outdoor activitybased programme, facilitated by teachers over one school year for year 7 and 8 students. Students participate in eight outdoor activities, 20 hours of community service and personally develop a new sport or hobby. The WPCA is a perfect precursor to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award. Schools are supported by the WPCA to establish their personalised EOTC programme, including options for suitable outdoor activities. WPCA resources help teachers and schools facilitate the award and alert them to useful information such as,the Outdoor Safety Code and the National Incident Database. Students have their own workbooks to scaffold them through the programme and log their experiences. The WPCA encourages schools to use local outdoor environments that offer students a ‘front county’ experience. Activities are designed to challenge students and give them a ‘taster’ for what’s possible in the outdoors, and to motivate them to one day return with their friends and family. This year the MSC has helped the WPCA spread safety messages to nearly 600 students in 30 schools around the country. This has been achieved by providing students and teachers with a range of MSC resources. With school and student numbers expected to grow by more than 50% for 2015, the MSC will continue to play a strong role in educating young people to ensure they and others participate safely in outdoor activities.

Bush 1 warrant Andrew Smythe Dave Hellawell John Harris

William Pike Challenge Award (WPCA) and MSC: a collaborative future

Canterbury branch Auckland branch Tauranga branch

Collaborative Leader Development Initiative one year on The end of June 2014 marks the end of year one for the Collaborative Leader Development Initiative. Over the previous 12 months a total of four residential courses (duration eight days/seven nights) have been delivered in some incredible locations across NZ, from the lakes of Fiordland to the hills of the Bay of Plenty. A total of 66 participants have completed (or are just finishing off) their Level 3 National Certificate in Recreation (Leadership). All participants came from one

of NZ’s highly valued youth/community organisations: Scouts NZ, GirlGuiding NZ, Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, Boys’ Brigade/ICONZ, Girls’ Brigade, Education Outdoors NZ and the MSC. The skills, knowledge and competencies they have learnt are already being transferred back to these organisations and are resulting in both increased participation in the outdoors and increased safety, as the post-course surveys show (below).

OnTrack >> July 2014

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Andrea Corrigan >> Marketing & Communications Manager

New printed resources available Updated pamphlets and holders We have recently completed updating our full suite of information pamphlets. They are now all uniformly branded and colour coordinated for ease of use. The content has been carefully scrutinised by experts including programme managers, TAC committees and our stakeholders. We are also trialling a Mountain Safety branded pamphlet holder, which we have distributed to a number of outlets such as DOC visitor centres, outdoor retailers, regional sports trusts and to stakeholders to use in their communities. If you know of any relevant locations that would kindly display our public safety materials, then please order online at www.mountainsafety.org.nz/resources or for branch/wholesale orders email: orders@mountainsafety.org.nz All help is appreciated with getting this vital safety information into the hands of those who are heading into the outdoors.

MSC certificates The design of the MSC certificates has been refreshed and we now offer three different artwork executions that reflect the environments in which we operate. There is an image of a glacier, an image of mountains and an image of

New Zealand’s fern and each has the golden common seal of the Mountain Safety Council. The process for awarding and processing certificates has not changed.

Recreation Safety Partnership update MSC has been an active member of the Recreation Safety Partnership committee again this year which as well as ourselves includes NZSAR, Water Safety NZ, and Coastguard. The aim of the partnership is to collectively distribute and promote the relevant safety code (outdoor, water or boating), as well as raise awareness of the AdventureSmart website and in MSC’s case the free Outdoors Intentions tools. In 2013/14 we distributed approximately 180,000 pieces of Outdoor Safety Code collateral throughout the entire country. We are grateful for the support of retailers and wholesalers such as Hunting & Fishing, Mountain Adventures, Macpac and Bivouac as well as the member organisations and partner

stakeholders including DOC, Police, Duke of Edinburgh, GirlGuiding NZ, Fish & Game, Deerstalkers and the regional sports trusts. Advertisements and promotional articles ran throughout summer in a number of publications including: Adventure magazine, Wilderness magazine and website, Walking NZ magazine, the Climber magazine, Forest & Bird magazine and NZ Geographic magazine. Of course we also promoted the code via social media and at a range of events attended by MSC staff. We would like to thank our branches and members who have actively promoted the code and websites in their communities and on their courses. All MSC members can continue to play their part. OnTrack >> July 2014

Branches have been provided with supplies so when you next pop into your local community centre, give a school talk or take a group out, make sure you take some codes with you! We will be continuing the project in 2014/15 and will again seek support and assistance from new partners as well as maintaining existing relationships. Further details will be communicated later in the year.

How to survive in an emergency There are many films, books and TV shows, such as I Shouldn’t be Alive, that portray amazing and sometimes inspirational stories of survival. Remember the documentary featuring Rob Hewitt – the former Navy diver who was found alive at sea after being missing in the ocean off Kapiti Island for three days? Or the film 127 Hours, based on the true story of Aron Ralston – who when climbing in Utah’s Blue John Canyon lay crushed beneath a boulder for six days before self-amputating his right hand. Or the story of William Pike, a young climber caught in a volcanic eruption on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu in 2007, who survived lifethreatening injuries including losing his leg.

PLAN TO SURVIVE Travel-safe tips that every adventurer should know

But for every sensational story of survival, there are many more tragic tales of people who sadly didn’t make it. Unfortunately, packing the all too common ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude isn’t the best insurance policy. But if you’ve done everything right, and followed the Outdoor Safety Code, you should have supplies and equipment to keep yourself alive and safe and a form of emergency communication to summon help. If you still find yourself in a sticky situation, then following the advice to the right, which is recommended by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council and endorsed by the New Zealand Search and Rescue Council, is your best hope.

If things go wrong, think STAR Stop: Take a breath, sit down and remain calm Think: Look around you, listen and brainstorm options Assess: Evaluate the options and their potential consequences Respond: Choose the best option Stay calm and plan, assess your situation ▲ Stop moving. Seek shelter and stay warm. If you must move for safety reasons, don’t go far and mark your route clearly with arrows, obvious boot prints, your initials scratched onto a tree or in the dirt or leave a note. ▲ Communicate. If you’re in NZ and your cell phone has coverage, ring 111 and ask for Police. If you have no signal then your only option for two-way conversation is a mountain radio or satellite phone. If you are in a life-threatening situation, then activate your personal locator beacon and leave it turned on until help arrives. ▲ Signal. ▲ By day: Lay out coloured material; mark out SOS, using rocks, logs, sticks or vegetation. Create smoke with a small but controllable fire. If you see or hear an aircraft, create movement by waving or swaying branches. Flash a torch or use a mirror to reflect light. ▲ By night: Create light with a small but controllable fire or use a torch, strobe, cell phone, camera flash, lit matches, lighter or flint. ▲ Make noise. If you can hear other people, blow your whistle, bang rocks against plates or yell. If you have one, fire your rifle (three evenly spaced shots). Ensure you are in a clear space, point your gun upwards and at an angle away from you and ensure there is no chance that the bullet could ricochet off any solid object. If possible, fire into a soft clay bank or softer surface such as a ponga. There is a lot of information available to help you plan your trip and ensure you make good decisions. A good place to start is the Mountain Safety Council’s website www.mountainsafety.org.nz

STORY: Andrea Corrigan

hether you’re adventuring at home or abroad, taking personal responsibility for your safety and wellbeing is an absolute must. Simple common sense should see you right but it’s easily forgotten when you’re in holiday mode, in unfamiliar territory or caught up in the moment. In the age of independent travel, where more often than not you’re off the beaten track searching for an elusive experience, it’s especially important to take a bit of time to plan and prepare before you go. Even if you’re taking an organised tour, at least check that the operator taking you into the deepest and darkest part of the Amazon rainforest or on an alpine expedition in the Southern Alps has some credentials. It’s easier in New Zealand to check that an activity operator is OutdoorsMark certified or runs a Qualmark-endorsed activity, but it can be a little more difficult overseas, especially in less-developed countries. Checking TripAdvisor reviews can at least give you an insight into what fellow travellers thought, which is better than going in blind.

USEFUL WEBSITES

Luckily there’s plenty you can do to mitigate and reduce risks without losing your sense of adventure or watering down the thrills and experiences you are I’ve been swept down seeking. a flooded Katherine ... there’s plenty you can The Outdoor Safety River in Australia, nearly became shark supper do to mitigate and reduce Code, with its five simple rules to keep you safe, while kayaking in Fiji, risks without losing your can be applied to virtually suffered severe exhaustion any adventure situation from snowshoeing for far sense of adventure... anywhere in the world – it’s longer than anticipated just that the methods and in Colorado’s Rocky actually putting it into practice may be slightly Mountains, and even obtained the ubiquitous ‘Thailand tattoo’ courtesy of dodgy moped different. brakes. Plan your trip, tell someone where you’re My travels have taken me to more than 30 countries, and despite being cautious by nature, I’ve experienced a number of close calls.

I’ve got the photos, the memories, and a couple of scars – but thankfully I’m still here to tell some tall tales.

www.mountainsafety.org.nz – safety advice, courses and resources to enable you to discover more, safely www.adventuresmart.org.nz – tips, links and advice to help you plan and prepare for any activity safely www.beacons.org.nz – everything you need to know about using and registering 406 MHz distress beacons https://www.safetravel.govt.nz– official NZ Government advice for New Zealanders living and travelling overseas

going, be aware of and check the weather, know your limits and take sufficient supplies including emergency equipment, and you should stay out of trouble! It’s a good idea to actually register your travel plans using the safetravel.govt.nz website and while you’re there check the news and travel advisories for the region you are visiting.

The AdventureSmart.org.nz website enables you to register individual outdoors trips using the Outdoors Intentions tools from anywhere in the world. Simply select the email option and type in the details of your trip and send it via email to someone you trust. The only difference is that if you do go missing, your trusted contact should alert the authorities in the country you are in.

simple rules to help you stay safe:

Plan your trip Seek local knowledge and plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The Outdoor Safety

CODE

Before you go into the outdoors, get familiar with New Zealand’s Outdoor Safety Code

Tell someone Tell someone your plans and leave a date for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned.

Be aware of the weather New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect changes.

Know your limits

Take sufficient supplies

Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience.

Make sure you have enough food, equipment, clothing and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication.

For more information about how you can prepare for your outdoor activity, visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz

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Free cour AFE ten A suite of ten promotional posters has been produced in order to assist branches to promoteAttheir se – TY T Let’ d the W e s v RAI h mak eryo activities. They include: Outdoor First Aid, Risk Management, Whakatūpato, Range Day, Bushcraft e ou akatūp Plea NIN n r com ato fi e se re w re G atte and mun courses, Abseil courses, Avalanche courses, and Alpine courses. All posters come in A4 size, a elco ndin ad throu ities arms sa me g. gh t fety safe he A generic ‘outdoor safety’ version comes in A4 and A3 sizes. train r. rms ing a Cod nd le e, av arn They are full-colour and have a blank section, which enables details to be printed directly on to the poster ailab re le fr om by your Administration Officer. the cour se o r There is a limited number available, so they will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Remember: DL flyers that promote courses and manuals are also available free of charge. AOs can order posters and flyers free of charge from the shop by emailing orders@mountainsafety.org.nz

Due to the practical/physical nature of our courses, participants must have a fitness level appropriate to for eight hours in alpine terrain to travel safely travel safely ss level appropriateand conditions. Participants must also be physic a fitneions havecondit t mus snow ally capable of walking in a variety variety of in aterrain on moder inggled participants walk ate-an ses, of cour ble of our capa . of y re be physicall ysical natu also l/ph t tica mus prac nts F the icipa to or more ue itions. Part ne terrain and cond inform r eight hours in alpi in. For terra ation o more information or to book, pleas erate-angled r to e cont ow conditions on mod

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OnTrack >> July 2014

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VOLUNTEER FOCUS Thank you to our volunteers Mike Daisley >> CEO National Volunteer Week, which takes place in June each year, is an ideal opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution that MSC’s volunteers make towards more people safely exploring New Zealand’s great outdoors. Without question, the quality of our face-to-face training, and the skills and knowledge that our passionate instructors pass on, is of great value to those attending our current courses. The time and effort that is put in from our national network of community volunteer instructors has formed the backbone of MSC’s outdoor education in our community throughout the last 49 years. As we turn the spotlight on ourselves over the next few months and look at how volunteering for the MSC will evolve in the future, I hope that you will join us on the journey, provide your input into how we can connect with more people and take the opportunity to use your knowledge and skills into the future. I genuinely believe that we are fortunate to have such a valuable volunteer network and I wish to take this opportunity to say thank you to our people who contribute so much to their local, regional and, for many, their national community. Thank you

‘Take a Kid Tramping’ season six Jane Hoedemaeckers >> Branch Network Manager This year, Gisborne branch once again delivered a ‘Take a Kid Tramping’ weekend. The branch ran their first one in 2009 and have run at least one if not two courses annually ever since. The course is aimed at first timers or those with little experience in the bush and the activity takes place around the Gisborne Branch Mountain Safety Hut. Many parents are keen to get their children away from their gadgets and into the outdoors. The course is always thoroughly enjoyed by participants and instructors and is a great way to promote safety in the outdoors to both young and old. Attendance on this fun activity often leads attendees to participate in other courses run by the branch and some have even gone on to become members of MSC and complete their Outdoor Leader qualification. The ‘Take a Kid Tramping’ programme was initially developed by MSC Canterbury, and Gisborne branch would like to acknowledge their contribution. A huge thank you also goes to the Lion Foundation who provided funding to purchase equipment for participants to use on the course.

OnTrack >> July 2014

Congratulations, Lynette Price Heather Grady One of the things that characterises MSC’s volunteers is that very often they find the time to volunteer for other organisations and support other worthy causes as well. Lynette Price has been a member of the Manawatu branch since 2003, gaining her Outdoor Leader Award in 2007, and she has passed on her bush skills to many people since. She is also active in Pathfinders, a local Christian youth group. However, in April this year, Lynette turned her sights on a different challenge. Having never run a marathon before, she entered and finished the Paris Marathon to raise funds for a women’s haven in Nepal. Lynette, who was supported in her efforts by her Manawatu branch colleagues, raised funds for the facility, which shelters women and children who have been trafficked or who have been at risk of trafficking. Lynette completed the marathon in 5 hours 32 minutes 5 seconds, which was a fantastic achievement. Well done!

Personal Success for MSC member Bridget Janse Bridget Janse >> MSC Wellington Branch MSC – Outdoors First Aid Instructor, Bush 2 Instructor, Alpine 1 Instructor

Finally, I have successfully completed it – Avalanche Stage 1. It’s been on my wish list for the last seven years but work commitments have delayed it until now. Between 12-18 July, I along with 16 others completed the sevenday Otago Polytechnic/MSC Avalanche Stage 1 course held in Wanaka. This course is an introductory professional course for people involved in the safety of alpine recreational activities. It’s a mixture of classroom and field-based learning and assessment and we had three highly experienced tutors: Peter Bilous (Otago Polytechnic), Andrew Hobman (MSC Alpine & Avalanche Programme Manager) and Rich Raynes (Harris Mountains Heliski). Upon successful completion of the course, participants are able to assist ich will screen at the STIVAL. titles wh FE M in the collection of weather, snowpack and avalanche observations and FIL L Check out following D INTE NA IO RNAT 2014 NEW ZEAL AN forsnowpack information on data, recognise avalanche terrain and identify safe route the .nz .co ziff ases. Visit www.n ues and ticket purch M FESTIVAL. screening dates, ven selections, understand the formation and classification of avalanches, 14 G 20 L–3 AU . identify and record current weather conditions, identify and interpret snow AUCKLAND 17 JU JUL–10 AUG 2014 WELLINGTON 25 crystals and structures, carry out snowpack analysis and record snow G AU 17 www.nziff.co.nz DUNEDIN 31 JUL– AUG 2014 contribute to an avalanche search and rescue operation and 7–24profiles, H RC HU TC RIS CH .nz improve personal safety awareness. .co www.nziff You’re probably wondering why I have placed such priority on completing this course. It seemed like a natural progression from the two-day Avalanche Awareness courses I have done in the past, and moving into the MSC Alpine 1 instructor role requires more knowledge. T learning journey has really truly begun. I now know how much ESthe EV F ForER me, O IC THE EP of this course has reignited and enhanced my curiosity I didn’t icia know and l record haunting, the off eens in a Magnificent and expedition scrlearning tcontinue res to about the weather, snow packs, avalanches and Eve 24 19 ry n Noel, the legenda ed by Captain Joh ecord ofL. e which will assist me both personally while recreating restoration. Filmavalanche org rescue, FESTIVA erb Ge sup ers ne tai a un screens in d doomed mo who accompanie and ine. professionally when working or outdoor instructing. ohn Noel, y and Andrew Irv llor Ma e ers Georg of the BFI I recommend it to anyone who seeks a greater level of Bridget is currently on a year off from Head greatehighly st treasures nt in the “This is one of the ents a key mome of snow, res rep understanding weather and the avalanche min phenomenon. It e. of Outdoor Education at Paraparaumu hiv g endurin National Arc utes 87 ng and remains an f the BFI ctor: J.B.L. Noel | mountaineeriRemember entary | Dire ker, goes192 umcome y of Ba Doc tor | – what up must down… particularly storm-slab bin his UK College and working as Patrol Slope Safety | Ro 4 — .nz .” the .co in w.nziff Irvine and y momentww llor Ma to nument mowinter. s atg Cardrona Alpine Resort for the avalanches after recent snow storms in the South Island! ute s an endurin e min hiv 87 | Arc el ctor: J.B.L. No BFI National

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OnTrack >> July 2014

Mountain Safety Council

VOLUNTEER AWARD 2014

Nominations are open Every day, MSC people do fantastic things for their local communities. Now it’s your opportunity to tell us about them. Let’s celebrate our hard-working and inspirational people together by nominating them for this special award. The Mountain Safety Council Volunteer of the Year Award recognises the very highest level of individual achievement within our organisation.

Judging criteria The Volunteer Award recognises the significant contribution that MSC’s volunteers make to outdoor recreation and education in New Zealand. The judging panel recognises that there are many different and important ways to contribute volunteer time to the outdoors community. This award is open to any MSC member who actively volunteers their time for the Mountain Safety Council. To ensure fairness and transparency the judging panel will only draw upon the information presented in the nomination form to make judging decisions. Therefore we encourage you to complete the nomination form fully. ▲▲ The impact of the nominee’s efforts on their community, the positive difference they make and effect they have on the people they engage with. ▲▲ Length of volunteer service ▲▲ Flair, innovation or initiative i.e. a new initiative within existing programmes ▲▲ Significant contribution (time, energy, commitment)

Eligibility ▲▲ Any current MSC member who actively volunteers their time for the Mountain Safety Council.

Nomination process All nominations should be submitted on the official nomination form to Richard Brodie, MSC Shared Services Manager, richard.brodie@mountainsafety.org.nz by 15 September 2014. The finalists will be announced in early October.

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2013 winner Heathy Grady with MSC CEO Mike Daisley

OnTrack >> July 2014

2011 winner Jo hn MSC board mem Ransfield with ber Ross Meder

Mountain Safety Council

VOLUNTEER AWARD 2014 NOMINATOR DETAILS (You)

NOMINEE DETAILS (Volunteer)

First name:

Last name:

Position/Organisation:

Address:

Phone:

Mobile:

Email:

VOLUNTEER AWARD NOMINATION Please tell us how the nominee meets the judging criteria by completing the questions below. 1. What is the impact of the nomineeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts on their community, the positive difference they make and effect they have on the people they engage with.

2. How long has the volunteer been serving his/her community?

3. How does the volunteer show flair, innovation or initiative? i.e. a new initiative within existing programmes

4. What significant contributions has the volunteer made? (e.g. time, energy, commitment)

5. What positive difference does the volunteer make to his/her community?

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Please email supporting documents together with this nomination form to Richard Brodie, MSC Shared Services Manager, richard.brodie@mountainsafety.org.nz by 15 September 2014. OnTrack >> July 2014

At the ‘expected date and time’ below, immediately try and contact the ‘OUTDOORS USER’ directly, if you have not already heard from them. If unsuccessful try and contact other group members (if applicable).

Option 2b. Download the form. Save to your system. Type directly into the form. Save file. Attach to an email and send to your TRUSTED CONTACT.

None of the fields on the form are compulsory, but the more details you provide, the better the search and rescue agencies will be able to respond should the alert be raised.

Start Date:

DD /MM / Y Y

AM PM

Activity:

Medical Conditions & Medication:

Address or Passport Number & Nationality:

Address/Passport No./Nationality:

Name:

Address/Passport No./Nationality:

Name:

Phone:

Medical Conditions & Medication:

WHO ARE YOUR GROUP MEMBERS? (Overseas visitors please include your passport number and your nationality.)

Home Phone:

Cell Number:

First name:

Family name:

OUTDOOR USER/LEADER DETAILS (Overseas visitors please include your passport number and your nationality.)

Note: Always enter your progress and changes to plan in hut logbooks, even if you don’t stay overnight.

Intended track/route/huts and alternatives:

Time:

WHAT ARE YOU DOING AND WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

TIME

AM PM

If you are still unsuccessful in contacting the OUTDOORS USER or any members of the party, telephone 111 (or if outside New Zealand call +64 4 381 2000) ask for the Police and tell them you wish to report a missing person(s) who is on a trip in the outdoors and has not returned by the expected date and time. You will need to provide the Police with the information below.

EXPECTED DATE OF RETURN D D / M M / Y Y

For tips, advice and links to help keep you safe throughout your land, snow, water, boating and air activities in New Zealand, visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz

Whatever method you use, it is recommended that you check that your TRUSTED CONTACT has received your Outdoors Intentions prior to leaving on your trip. Remember to tell your Trusted Contact as soon as you have returned safely, to avoid unnecessary alarm and possible involvement from New Zealand Police.

By using this form you agree to the terms and conditions.

If unsuccessful wait 1 hour and then repeat the process of contacting the OUTDOORS USER and if applicable other group members. If unsuccessful and you are extremely concerned or bad weather has set in, go straight to contacting the New Zealand Police.

You have been nominated as the TRUSTED CONTACT for the OUTDOORS USER listed below, so you can raise the alarm and contact the appropriate authorities if for any reason they do not return by the expected date and time below.

OUTDOORS USER(S) may select either of these options to complete your Outdoors Intentions details via a downloadable form.

Option 2a. Download the form. Save to your system. Print form. Complete details by hand and give to your TRUSTED CONTACT.

TRUSTED CONTACT INSTRUCTIONS

OUTDOOR USER INSTRUCTIONS

Safety is your responsibility so tell someone, it could save your life | www.adventuresmart.org.nz

OUTDOORS INTENTIONS FORM

New Zealand

Phone:

Medical Conditions & Medication:

Other:

Mountain Radio Call sign:

Satellite phone number:

Make and model:

Colour:

Parked at:

The Outdoors Intentions form is provided free of charge but without warrant or guarantee. ‘OUTDOORS USER’ refers to the person using the form to complete their Outdoors Intentions. ‘TRUSTED CONTACT’ refers to the person that the ‘OUTDOORS USER’ gives their Outdoors Intentions form to, whether it be via electronic or hard copy means. The process relies on the OUTDOORS USER providing correct and comprehensive information. No responsibility is accepted for users providing incorrect information, including incorrect email addresses. The process relies on the TRUSTED CONTACT receiving the information from the OUTDOORS USER and following the designated process as set out on the form. It is recommended that the OUTDOORS USER checks that their TRUSTED CONTACT has received the Outdoors Intentions (by whatever means chosen) prior to leaving on a trip. It is the responsibility of the OUTDOORS USER to ensure that the TRUSTED CONTACT they select is willing and able to respond and follow the process contained within the information they receive. No responsibility is accepted for the TRUSTED CONTACT not receiving the information or not following the correct process. The timeliness and accuracy of a search and rescue response depends somewhat on the quality, quantity and accuracy of the information that is provided by the OUTDOORS USER to the TRUSTED CONTACT and that the TRUSTED CONTACT follows the process correctly. No guarantee is given regarding search and rescue response. Internet and telecommunications providers do not guarantee uptime of their systems or delivery of electronic messages. Postal services do not guarantee timeframes of delivery of physical letters, parcels or packages. By using the Outdoors Intentions form you accept that you have read, understood and agree to the terms and conditions above.

Terms & Conditions

Remember to tell your Trusted Contact as soon as you have returned safely.

e.g. name/address/telephone of accommodation:

WHERE WILL YOU BE GOING AFTER LEAVING THE AREA?

Registration no:

If you are leaving a vehicle in the area for your return, please provide details below:

Type of vehicle etc. Please also include name of bus/rental car company, if applicable:

HOW ARE YOU TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE AREA?

Firearms (with spare emergency ammunition)

Personal Locator Beacon

Emergency Shelter

Survival Kit

Extra food

First Aid Kit

GPS

Wet weather gear and thermal clothing

WHAT TYPE OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT ARE YOU CARRYING?

* If you need to add more group members, please download the additional group members form.

Address/Passport No./Nationality:

Name:

Address/Passport No./Nationality:

Name:

Address/Passport No./Nationality:

Name:

ADDITIONAL GROUP MEMBERS? (Overseas visitors please include your passport number and your nationality.) YOUR CUT OUT AND KEEP MASTER OUTDOORS INTENTIONS FORM - VISIT WWW.ADVENTURESMART.ORG.NZ TO FIND OUT MORE

New Zealand’s outdoors is a great place to be and there are so many diﬀerent ways to enjoy it. But before you set oﬀ on your adventure, take the time to plan and prepare for a safe trip. Follow the 5 simple rules of Outdoor Safety Code and make sure you tell someone your plans. Tell someone you trust where you are going and leave a date and time for when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Complete your outdoors intentions by downloading a form or entering your details online at www.adventuresmart.org.nz