NZ Mountain Safety Council - OnTrack Newsletter

Issue

20

March 2015

Celebrating

50 years 1965-2015

On Track

PHOTO: Nathan Watson

N ew Zeala nd M o unta in Sa f ety Co uncil Newsle tte r

One MSC

Qualification Transition

Latest News

Find out more about our changes for the future.

Learn about the current transition process.

Stay updated with all that is new at MSC.

1

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council encourages safe participation in land-based outdoor activities.

Contents

Welcome OneMSC Qualification Transition Collaboration Firearms Alpine and Avalanche Outdoor Land Safety MSC News Ontrack information Outdoors Intentions Form 1

2

3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 11-12 13-14 15-16 17 18

PHOTO: Nathan Watson

Welcome Mike Daisley >> CEO It was great to meet with so many of you at the recent roadshow events held around the country, and to hear your thoughts and questions about our next steps.

With 50 great years behind us, we’re ready to look towards the next 50 years.

Part of celebrating this milestone is acknowledging everyone who’s been a part of the organisation. Many branches Some people have understandably been are already organising their own events, challenged by the big decisions that have which is great, as it’s not feasible to get everyone together in one place for a been made, but it was encouraging to national celebration. see so many of those who attended the roadshows acknowledging the journey Once we’ve got some of our new we are undertaking and the reasons activities underway, national office will behind these big decisions. Most people do something significant to acknowledge now recognise that what we are doing our 50th year. We’re still polishing the will position the Mountain Safety Council details, but it will focus on the changes (MSC) to lead the sector in terms of we’re making to be fit for the next safety in the outdoors.

50 years. We’ll let you know what’s happening once our plans have been We’re now getting started on some finalised. activities that will be our first steps towards our new way of working. Once they’re underway, we’ll be able to refine and build on them.

Underpinning all our future work will be strong partnerships. How we work with our partners is going to change significantly. We’ll move to collaborating with them fully so that their work supports ours, and ours supports theirs.

Geoff Ensor >> Chairperson I was lucky enough to spend some time with members around the country last month, discussing the changes to the way the MSC will operate, as part of the 2015 branch roadshows.

There will be challenges ahead, but I’m increasingly confident that we are on the most positive trajectory possible, backed by significant momentum and support – a strong combination.

I was very pleased with how the roadshows went and the quality of the discussions to come from them. On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank Mike and the dedicated team at the MSC who are working hard to ensure the transition goes smoothly and that the impacts on members, while largely unavoidable, are as minimal as possible.

It’s this same positive energy and dedication that has served the MSC so well for the past 50 years – a milestone that we will be celebrating appropriately (watch this space!) – and that will stand us in good stead for the next 50. I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate both the past and upcoming 50 years with you all this year. It is a milestone that I believe we can all take much pride in.

I firmly believe that while some of the changes we’re making represent a significant departure from the way we’ve done things in the past, they will help not only to position the MSC as the leaders in outdoor safety, but also, ultimately, to help more people discover the outdoors, safely.

We’ll be kicking off some exciting new projects in the near future and there will be opportunities for those who wish to, to continue to volunteer for the MSC as part of some of these projects further down the line.

2

OneMSC Our future Mike Daisley >> CEO

Over the past 18 months the MSC has been looking at how it can most effectively improve the safety of all people going into the outdoors. This was always going to mean some big changes to the way the MSC currently works.

In February, I visited 14 branches around the country to talk to members about key changes, including the decisions to no longer offer training and to close our branches. Following this, we’re keen to share with you some details of the new projects we’ll be kicking off shortly.

These activities will be our first steps towards our new way of working. Once underway, we’ll be able to refine and build on them.

How we’ll work in the future

3. We’ll grow our presence in outdoors retail Almost everyone who spends time in the outdoors will visit an outdoors retailer at some point. We’ll work with retailers nationwide to help them educate people on outdoors safety long before they start their trip.

To be sure retailers are having the greatest possible impact, we’ll work with our partners to analyse which places people most often visit before venturing into New Zealand’s hot spots and target those key places first.

We’ve identified three activities to begin with. They’re each important alone, but they’ll also overlap and work together to spread our safety messages widely and How you can get involved make sure they get to the people who Right now we’re focused on getting need to hear them. things rolling, but at some point in the 1. We’ll create audience-specific future we’ll identify roles for those who resources want to continue volunteering their time It’s essential we get our messages to the for the MSC. We’ll stay in touch and keep you updated on things you can get people most likely to need them. This involved in. means creating resources for specific audiences. We need to think about who’s getting into difficulties in the outdoors and why, and make sure our messages reach them in a way they’ll take notice of and remember.

2. We’ll focus on hot spots We’ll look in detail at the areas where people frequently get into trouble. We’ll use existing and new data to identify what makes these particular hot spots more prone to safety incidents.

Once we understand the issues, we can work out how to minimise the risks for the types of people visiting these areas. This will include finding the most effective ways of helping people to understand the risks and to be well prepared for their trip.

3 PHOTO: Kerry Adams

We’re improving how we work with our partners How we work with our partners is going to change significantly.

We’ll move to collaborating with them more fully so that their work supports ours, and ours supports theirs.

The Department of Conservation, regional councils, Federated Mountain Clubs, hunting organisations, and retail and tourism organisations amongst many others all have important parts to play in what we do.

PHOTO: Gary Dunn

Recognising 50 great years Despite the current changes, we haven’t lost sight that this year the MSC turns 50.

A milestone like this is worth celebrating; to recognise and honour those who established the organisation 50 years ago and everyone who has been involved since then, not least the thousands of committed, passionate and respected members, many of whom have dedicated significant chunks of time to the MSC. It’s difficult to express the level of gratitude the MSC has to you, the volunteers, other than to say that without you, and your willingness to give up your evenings, weekends, and time with family and friends, the MSC would not have been able to do the work it has done, and will continue to do for many years to come.

It’s also important we recognise our member and partner organisations; the like-minded establishments that have shown a commitment to outdoor safety by working with us for many years. Those partnerships continue to evolve and grow, opening up new opportunities and continually seeking to identify new ways to ensure more people enjoy the outdoors, safely.

Celebrating 50 years is a great achievement, and one that we’ll be showcasing as the year progresses. That’s the luxury of having time on our side, we have plenty of time remaining this year to express our thanks to all those involved, past and present, and to identify various opportunities to celebrate.

So, watch this space as we launch into some celebrations over the second half of 2015, and join us as we celebrate 50 years of the MSC, and 50 more to come!

4

Qualification Transition Nathan Watson >> Acting Operations Manager

We have set up processes with Skills Active Aotearoa and the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors’ Association to allow you to transfer your MSC qualification/s.

This will allow you to maintain nationally recognised qualifications and continue a relationship with a qualification management and registration body.

You will be able to use these qualifications with other organisations. Once you’ve transitioned your qualification to another organisation, you will need to meet their requirements around revalidation and maintaining currency.

Each organisation achieves these in a different way.

We recommend you take a good look at their websites to become familiar with their systems and requirements.

Make sure you understand their process and requirements before you begin. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to find suitable substitutes for all MSC warrants, not all have alternatives currently available.

Other opportunities to volunteer your time, should you wish to keep instructing.

We’ve been working with our partner organisations to find other opportunities for you to volunteer your time, should you wish to keep instructing. Each of the organisations we’ve been working with have their own membership process and different roles within their membership structure. While not all of them are purely outdoor based, there is likely to be opportunities for you to use your outdoor skills with them.

To do this, it is important you maintain a current outdoor qualification, so the qualification transfer process will be very relevant to you. The organisations we’ve been working with are: • New Zealand Alpine Club (Alpine instructors) • Outdoor Training NZ • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award • SCOUTS New Zealand

More details about each organisation, including how their transition process works, can be found on the Qualification transition page in the One MSC section of the MSC website.

• GirlGuiding New Zealand

To help get you started, we’ve pulled together some of the most commonly asked questions about the Qualification transition process, below. A full list of frequently asked questions is available on the Qualification transition page.

• Girls’ Brigade

Key steps for qualification transition: Read all of the documents provided at: www.mountainsafety.org.nz/ About-Us/One-MSC.asp

Understand the process and requirements for each organisation, as they vary.

• Boys’ Brigade/ICONZ

• Christian Camping New Zealand • Triple One Care You will need to communicate directly with the relevant organisation to begin the process. You can find the relevant contact information for these organisations on the Qualification transition page in the One MSC section of the MSC website.

Select an option that is most appropriately suited to your circumstances.

Follow the RCC process

Revalidate and maintain your qualification according to these other organisations’ requirements.

5

Receive confirmation of transition from your selected organisation/s.

Compile all of your required evidence. Don’t forget to check you have completed everything.

Common questions Where is the Skills Active RCC information/ documentation for MSC Outdoor Leaders?

MSC Outdoor Leaders don’t need to use a Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) process to gain the equivalent Skills Active National Certificate, like a Bush 1 or Alpine 1 holder does. This is because the MSC Outdoor Leader warrant exceeds the requirements of the equivalent National Certificate and the MSC and Skills Active have agreed on a unique process to transition Outdoor Leaders.

If you hold a MSC Outdoor Leader warrant you should: ▲▲ Check that you haven’t already received the National Certificate and associated unit standards by contacting NZQA on 0800 697 296 ▲▲ If you haven’t, please complete the Skills Active Training Agreement available on the Qualification Transition page of the One MSC section on the MSC website and submit this to qualifications@mountainsafety.org.nz along with:

PHOTO: Dave Chapman

I’m having trouble finding someone who can sign the Skills Active attestation form, what should I do?

As part of the Skills Active RCC process you’re required to submit a signed attestation form. This can either be signed by a senior MSC instructor (a level higher than you, in the same warrant discipline) or a MSC assessor (same discipline). This person must have witnessed you in the field on at least three occasions.

If you’re having trouble contacting someone who can meet these requirements, check with your branch administration officer first. Alternatively you can contact the relevant MSC programme manager. Their contact details are available in the Contact Us section of the MSC website.

I don’t need to transfer my MSC Bush 1 warrant to Skills Active as I already have the National Certificate in Recreation – Level 4.

• I dentification – this could either be a Birth Certificate The National Certificate in Recreation – Level 4 you may have (as long as it shows current name) or Passport (with previously received is a different qualification to the Skills proof of residency/work visa if not holding a NZ Active National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Instructor) Passport) – they do not need to be verified Level 4 – Tramping that you can be awarded by completing the RCC process (equivalent to MSC Bush 1). We strongly • You must have the first aid units 424, 6400, 6401, encourage you to transition your MSC Warrant to Skills Active 6402 or 26551, 26552 and 424 on your NZQA Record in order to receive this qualification. It is entirely free and of Achievement. You can check this by calling ensures you have a valid and current qualification on the NZQA on 0800 697 296 and asking if those units are framework. registered. After calling NZQA, if you find your first aid unit standards are not registered on your Record of Achievement you must call the organisation/ company that issued your first aid certificate and ask them to register your first aid unit standards for you.

• A copy of current first aid certificate valid within the last two years which covered/revalidated the above unit standards. ▲▲ The MSC will email you back to confirm your application has been received and the MSC will submit your application to Skills Active on your behalf ▲▲ Skills Active will process your certificate and this will be sent to you directly

Once I’ve received a Skills Active National Certificate and I’m registered on NZ Registration of Recreation Professional (NZRRP), what is the revalidation process?

NZRRP have yet to confirm exactly what the revalidation process will be. It is likely to be based on a 36 month cycle and will be similar to what MSC has required (first aid, log book, police check etc). It will not be field based. Skills Active will notify all qualification holders when applicable.

I hold a Certificate from Whitireia. As far as I am aware this is an NZQA Certificate. How does this differ from the Skills Active one?

Although your Whitireia qualification is nationally recognised, it comprises approximately half NZQA unit standards and half local course content (LCC). The LCC portion is only recorded with Whitireia Polytechnic and is not recorded on your NZQA Record of Achievement. National qualifications from Skills Active are all linked to NZQA unit standards, which are recorded on the NZQA framework.

It is important to maintain current within your discipline if you are considering working or volunteering in the outdoor industry. Whitireia Polytechnic does not run revalidation cycles, whereas both Skills Active (via NZRRP) and the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors’ Association (NZOIA) do.

Both the NZRRP and NZOIA revalidation processes ensure currency of your qualification is maintained. The NZRRP revalidation process will be much like the revalidation cycle the MSC used to run every three years, whereas NZOIA have a more field based revalidation process.

More questions? Visit: www.mountainsafety.org.nz/About-Us/One-MSC.asp

6

Collaboration

Celebrating access to the great outdoors Mark Neeson >> Chief Executive, New Zealand Walking Access Commission www.walkingaccess.govt.nz

The following is an abridged column by New Zealand Walking Access Commission Chief Executive, Mark Neeson, which ran in several newspapers across the country over the summer break. It is intended to showcase the work of one of our partner organisations, how their work impacts on what we do and vice versa.

The end of another great New Zealand summer seems like an ideal time to reflect on the widespread access so many of us enjoy to our country’s stunning lakes, beaches, rivers and mountains.

The outdoors provides opportunities to explore new places, and experience solitude, challenge, adventure, and a different perspective on life.

free online tool that displays publicly accessible land across New Zealand.

clear information about rights and responsibilities.

Some urban New Zealanders and many overseas visitors are unfamiliar with farming and rural practices. Not everyone understands how to behave responsibly around farm animals and what to do about using gates and fences.

A knowledge and respect of tikanga Māori is also important.

While the Code focuses on walking access, the basic principles are applicable to other activities, such as mountain biking, horse riding, hunting and fishing.

The Code aims to enhance people’s knowledge and understanding of what to do in the outdoors and raise awareness Māori and Pakeha seek access to retain Formal public access to lakes, rivers and of access rights and responsibilities. connectedness with the land for spiritual the coast is sometimes fragmented, and It is practical and informative. By understanding, family history, customary permission should always be sought to encouraging responsible behaviour, it cross private land. Many land managers encourages landholders to allow access behaviour, traditions, or simply readily allow access, but this is a enjoyment. for recreational visitors. privilege and access may be refused or We take pride in sharing public access Getting amongst our beautiful outdoors conditions applied. to our mountains, rivers, lakes and is part of what it is to be a New Where occupiers of the land and people Zealander, and it is imperative that we beaches. Our generous tradition of who want to access it come into conflict, all protect that inheritance by using our granting access when asked is a the Commission is there to make sure wonderful part of our Kiwi culture and access responsibly. everyone has the correct information, heritage and we must be careful not to and a forum to discuss any problem. take them for granted.

The New Zealand Walking Access Commission is one of the guardians of the right to walk on public land.

Our work is to ensure that access is maintained, discussed and understood by everyone — from landowners and managers to hikers, bikers, hunters and anglers. We also take responsibility for publishing maps, information and signage that informs everyone of the location of publicly accessible land and the public’s rights and duties.

Through our work in the community, at local and regional council level and in Government, we make sure everyone is talking to each other, understands the issues and maintains the law of the land.

By celebrating and administering public recreational access, we protect the Kiwi outdoor way of life and the continuing enjoyment of our top spots.

Of course, that privilege comes with its own responsibilities. The New Zealand Outdoor Access Code, available on Examples of this work include our Both our website, is a set of guidelines Sides of the Fence education website for that is fundamental to healthy access school children and our Walking Access and harmonious relations among all Mapping System (www.wams.org.nz) – a users. It’s widely available and gives 7

Other MSC projects River crossing signage collaboration with DOC The MSC recently collaborated with the Department of Conservation (DOC) in Fiordland to develop new safety signage for the Milford Track to address potentially challenging river crossings once the bridges are removed for winter, and to display at key catch points at the start of the track. The MSC and DoC agreed to trial a new sign colour – blue to represent water and stand out amongst the typically green landscape, rather than the normal red ‘danger’ colour. MSC also provided advice to DOC on key safety messaging to incorporate. MSC Acting Operations Manager, Nathan Watson, says that while signage isn’t enough on its own, it is hoped that as part of a coordinated approach the signage will help to eliminate river related tragedies on the Milford Track.

MSC ‘Wild about New Zealand’ new safety videos You may recall the Wild about New Zealand TV series which ran throughout September and October 2013 on TVONE. The MSC have been involved in adapting some of their short videos aimed at outdoor safety for our use. Four videos on Dressing in the Outdoors, Day Trips, Multi Day Trips and Families will be available very soon on the MSC website and our Youtube channel, and will be shared on our MSC Facebook page – watch this space!

PHOTOS: DOC Fiordland

Smoke your ducks, not your mates, when shooting this season The Mountain Safety Council (MSC) has been working with DB Breweries to incorporate firearms safety messaging into their upcoming Monteiths duck shooting season promotion.

The ‘Smoke your ducks, not your mates, when shooting this season’ tagline supports one of the MSC’s 7 basic rules of firearms safety – Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms – and plays on the competition prize of a Char-Broil smoker.

Keep your eyes out for the posters (right), which will be displayed at the point of sale for Monteiths Original beer this duck shooting season, and remember: Alcohol and firearms do not mix.

8

Firearms and Hunter Safety Nicole McKee >> Firearms and Hunter Safety

PHOTO: Willis MacBeth

Range Officer course

Statistics

It is always a pleasure to be able to present an instructor with a certificate when they achieve a new qualification.

At the end of every calendar year we contact coordinators and key contacts to request numbers of course participants for that year. We didn’t request this information last year as we were updating our contacts list.

In February 2015, the MSC Firearms and Hunter Safety team had the privilege of presenting David Barton of Invercargill with his Range Officer qualification.

Thanks to the coordinators who have already sent in their statistics. A letter requesting these statistics will be sent out to our contact list in the next few weeks, please complete and return this at your earliest convenience. If you are a solo instructor who has not been asked for your statistics, please contact us directly. No matter how small a number might be, we need to count it.

The Range Officer course is available to both MSC members and the general public. Emphasis is on firearm and range safety, and the course is a good opportunity to put some practicality to the theory we teach.

PHOTOS: MSC Firearms and Hunter Safety

9

The New Zealand Police fund our programme, the resources, many of the venues and development of our safety training.

Continued funding depends on being able to demonstrate success. One measure of our success is how many people we teach– if we can’t show the number of people we are teaching, there is nothing to justify the efforts we put in.

PHOTOS: MSC Firearms and Hunter Safety

Revalidation update

Whakatūpato

Revalidation is all but complete. We are awaiting some vetting results to still come in. There are also a number of warrants still to be printed and distributed.

The Whakatūpato Working Group met in Rotorua in December 2014. It is a yearly gathering of the kaumatua who initially developed the programme and the instructors who deliver it. It’s used as an opportunity to provide an update about programme delivery and to brainstorm ideas for furthering the programme. Some great ideas and initiatives came out of December’s meeting and we would like to thank our team of instructors who generously give their time and knowledge to their communities.

If you haven’t yet received your warrant, please contact either Nicole McKee or Mike Pyatt to check on its status.

We understand a number of instructors throughout the country have received another firearms licence instead of a firearms warrant. This is the result of an error at the printing facility. The cards are printed at the same facility, both cards use your firearms photograph and refer to your firearms licence number. If you have received a licence instead of a warrant, please let us know so that we can re-order your warrant for you.

If there has been a mishap with the printing of your warrant, we will need to send you an authorisation letter that allows you to continue to instruct until your warrant arrives.

For those members who are qualified Range Officers, the revalidation for your warrant will begin in the second half of this year. Those warrants expire at the end of December 2015. Revalidation for Range Officers will include a requirement to show eight hours of range officer experience.

Your completed log books will suffice for evidence. If you require a new log book, please let us know and we can email or print a copy. Revalidation for the Range Officer qualification will also require evidence of a current, up to date workplace first aid certificate.

Programme Manager to represent New Zealand MSC Firearms and Hunter Safety programme manager Nicole McKee has been selected to represent New Zealand as part of the Ladies Fullbore Rifle Team traveling to Australia in June 2015. She will be competing in a trans-Tasman match as well as the Australian nationals.

Would you have a crack at this guy?

We hope not. Take another look.

Did you see your mate up on the right of the shot?

Check your firing zone before you pull the trigger.

No meat is better than no mate.

10

Alpine and Avalanche

Andrew Hobman >> Avalanche and Alpine

External options for alpine instructors

I would like to publicly thank all the past and present MSC alpine instructors for your commitment and dedication in training for, and delivering, alpine education courses over the last 50 years.

While the MSC will no longer be coordinating alpine instructor training or public courses, there are a range of other providers who would welcome your passion, knowledge and experience.

If you would like to continue to volunteer and deliver alpine training, the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) is a national organisation that offers a very similar range of courses.

They have invited all MSC alpine instructors to join their organisation, free of charge, and become involved with their various regional groups across the country.

The NZAC do not currently require an NZIOA or NZQA qualification to join or instruct on their basic courses, and minimum competency and currency is established through their internal systems. Your existing Whitireia Polytechnic (National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation – Alpine 1 or 2) qualification is a valid recognition of your assessed skills, but we will still highly recommend you transition your MSC qualification. Instructing on higher level courses may require further external assessments, including New Zealand Mountain Guide Association (NZMGA) qualifications.

LandSAR is another national organisation that welcomes experienced alpine volunteer instructors.

For those of you who are wishing to progress your training or further your existing qualifications, the NZIOA, NZQA and NZMGA pathways are worth pursuing, particularly if you are considering paid employment. The fast-changing safety requirements around minimum assessed competencies in the alpine sector are still being defined, but every indication is that these qualifications will be the benchmark.

For more information on the Qualification Transition process, go to: www.mountainsafety.org.nz/About-Us/QualificationTransition.asp

External providers for avalanche courses While the MSC will not be delivering avalanche courses this winter, we are making every effort to ensure uninterrupted access to all levels of avalanche courses continues.

We have been working with other possible providers across the country to fill any gaps left. This has seen a renewed interest in offering courses from a wide range of ski areas, clubs and guiding operations. In many areas there will be more courses available, with a range of options for walkers, climbers, skiers and snowboarders.

The MSC will continue to support the provision of resources, an instructor pool (via an external register) and external providers, to ensure courses are available, consistent in content and follow a pathway of learning opportunities.

The professional avalanche courses, Avalanche Risk Management Stage 1, 2 and 3 will continue to be delivered by various tertiary education institutions across the country.

These courses are being developed into NZQA National Certificates and should be available on the NZQA National Framework for the 2015 winter.

PHOTOS: Kerry Adams 11

For more information, please visit the Courses section of the MSC website.

The months of December and January form the traditional alpine climbing season, particularly in the Southern Alps. A typically more settled weather pattern, stable snowpack and longer days allow climbers to access the peaks and glaciers.

By late February the winter snowpack has usually melted back, exposing large crevasses and making access to the peaks difficult.

It is difficult to ascertain the actual number of people alpine climbing, but anecdotal evidence suggests that numbers this year were steady. The weather in December continued to bring storms and snow to low levels, as winter slowly retired.

This restricted early season climbing of glaciated peaks .

However, by the Christmas and New Year period huts were full and guides and recreationalists were busy across the country.

There were a number of high profile and tragic climbing fatalities in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, while the rest of the country enjoyed a relatively safe and active season. The ever present avalanche hazard affected a number of parties, with some close calls, injuries and lost equipment but no confirmed deaths. Three climbers disappeared in the Linda Glacier area (Aoraki/Mt Cook) and one plausible scenario is that they were caught in an avalanche and pushed into a crevasse. One of the defining features of an avalanche is the capacity to involve a whole group or climbing party, leaving no one to raise the alarm or undertake a rescue.

As always, if you are heading into alpine terrain, follow the Outdoor Safety Code.

1. Plan your trip.

2. Tell someone your plan.

3. Be aware of the weather and avalanche conditions.

Check www.avalanche.net.nz 4. Know your limits. Take a course so that you know how to recognise and avoid dangerous avalanche conditions and terrain.

5. Take sufficient supplies, including avalanche rescue equipment and a means of communication.

Southern Hemisphere Avalanche Conference The Southern Hemisphere Avalanche Conference will be held from June 12 to 14 in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The biannual conference consists of a full day workshop, followed by two days of presentations with the purpose of furthering collaboration, co-ordination and consistency across the avalanche community. It is attended by a wide range of people, from front line practitioners to senior decision makers, from across the sector, including ski areas, guides, instructors, Search and Rescue, Police, Department of Conservation, road contractors, academia and recreationalists.

Speakers will present and workshop the latest ideas and developments from around the world as well as sharing their knowledge and experiences.

If you work in the snow, or recreate beyond the ski area boundary, this conference offers something for you.

To register, or to find out more, visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz/conference

12

12 - 14 june

2014/15 summer climbing season – snowpack and avalanches

Outdoor Land Safety Abseil Workshop and assessment Weekend Jen Hayto >> Abseil, Bushcraft and Risk Management

The MSC held its annual abseil workshop and assessments on Mt Ruapehu on the weekend of 6-8 March. Seventeen participants from six branches attended the weekend, which was facilitated by Derek Brenchley from the MSC Wellington branch.

This year the primary focus of the weekend was on abseil assessments, and a total of seven trainees were assessed.

As this was the final MSC abseil workshop, there was a strong sense of nostalgia for many of the abseil trainees and instructors, some who have frequented the workshop for many years. However, although this was an emotional time, there was still a feeling of positivity and of comradery throughout the weekend.

Unfortunately the weather was not sympathetic and a permanent haze of cloud and misty rain hung over the mountain for both Saturday and Sunday. These conditions truly tested the trainees’ abseil abilities, as tying knots with freezing hands and strong winds is not an easy task.

Congratulations to those people who passed their assessments and an enormous thank you to the instructors and assessors who have helped make this weekend, and all the abseil workshop weekends of the past, possible.

13

PHOTOS: Jen Hayto & Nigel Seebeck

William Pike collaboration

Collaborative Leader course places available

Last year the MSC helped the William Pike Challenge Award (WPCA) spread safety messages to nearly 600 students in 30 schools around the country by providing students and teachers with a range of MSC resources.

If you’re an Outdoor Leader trainee and want to gain the National Certificate in Recreation (Leadership) – Level 3 (Bush Walking), there are still a few places available on the 9-16 May course in Waihi. Expressions of interest are due by Monday 6 April. Contact jennifer@mountainsafety.org.nz for more information.

This year there are more than 48 schools and 1090 students participating in the WPCA, and these numbers are steadily growing every year.

The MSC has embedded the Outdoor Safety Code and other key safety messaging into the WPCA Student Workbook.

The Workbook is provided to every student participating in the programme. It is shared with teachers, parents and the community on a regular basis and students refer to the Workbook to track their progress throughout the year – what a great opportunity for us to help keep people safer!

To find out more about William and his challenge visit www.williampike.co.nz

Outdoor safety tips Drinking water You can survive for weeks without food, but only about three days without water. So being able to access clean, safe water is extremely important when in the outdoors. But where is the best source for drinking water and how can you treat it?

Picking a source It is important to take the time to find the cleanest possible source of drinking water. Even water that looks perfectly clear may harbour a variety of bacteria and parasites that can make you ill.

People who have completed warrants ODL warrant Camerson Hudson

Gisborne Branch

Diana Ihringer Jane Frooms Louise Ellery Regina Rodewald Scott Brider Sophie Gill

Tauranga branch Wakatipu branch Gisborne branch Waikato Branch Wellington Branch Gisborne Branch

The best source of water is likely to be a stream, creek or spring that has clear flowing water. Make sure it is not below a track or near any area where livestock may be kept.

Lakes and ponds are less ideal - stay away from stagnant pools of water. If you must take water from a lake, try to access water from the inlet rather than the outlet. Avoid recently flooded rivers, swimming spots or areas where animals may live.

Boiling water If you’re boiling water for cooking, then the water will be sterilised. It is not necessary to use filtering or chemical treatment after boiling.

Annah Winheld

Canterbury Branch

Martin Love

Nelson Branch

If you need to boil water but don’t have a container you can use a plastic bag over the embers of a fire. Fill the bag half way with water, remove as much air as possible, securely tie the top and place it onto the embers. It will slowly start to boil and if done properly, the bag will not melt!

Russell Higham

Horowhenua Branch

Shaun Hodson

Waikato Branch

Filtering water - the sock and charcoal method

Ted Wellstood

Wellington Branch

BUSH 1 instructors’

BUSH 2 instructors’ John Harris

Tauranga Branch

Kevin Webb

Hawkes Bay Branch

Margaret Horne

Manawatu Branch

If you can’t boil your water, an alternative option is to create a makeshift water filter to remove some of the contaminants. One way is to gather up a piece of cloth (or use a sock), fill with sand, stone and charcoal (this can be taken from an old fire). Over a container, pour the water into the cloth-charcoal mix. You should then be left with reasonably good drinking water! You can also purchase water filter systems at most outdoor retailers.

14

News

Branch stories

PHOTO: Kerry Adams

Waikato branch helps ‘Drop Your Boss’

Auckland branch and Cure Kids Training Adventure Day

Manawatu branch presents their last certificate

MSC volunteers from the Waikato branch supported the Foundation for Youth Development (FYD) Drop Your Boss fundraising event on 15 February.

The small team of Shaun Hodson, Kate Parr, and Sue and Doug Faulkner were responsible for the logistics of abseiling 26 business leaders from around the Waikato from the roof of the Gallagher building in Hamilton. The abseil down an almost thirty metre tall glass wall was no small undertaking, but all bosses completed it with ease thanks to the confidence instilled in them by our team of volunteers.

The Cure Kids Training Adventure Day was held on Saturday 31 January at Camp Adair in the Hunua Ranges in Auckland. A large number of competitors attended the navigation training day, which was held with support from 12 volunteers from the Auckland MSC branch. Trev Ridgway and Stacey Koppens coordinated the day, with several of the Auckland MSC instructors presenting and all instructors involved in three hours of out in the field experience for the competitors.

The MSC’s Manawatu branch took great pleasure in presenting Margaret Horne her Bush 2 Certificate, the last Bush 2 Certificate the branch will ever present, at its February meeting.

Participants were sponsored in various ways – bake sales, colour-based mufti days, mystery bottle auction etc – to raise the minimum $500 start value to participate in the activity, and collectively raised $20,118.75 for the FYD. The Drop Your Boss event was blessed with great weather and a fantastic crowd of supporters who reveled in the carnival-type atmosphere of the event.

Kim Harris from The Ace-Venturers is new to this year’s race and was extremely happy with the training she received for race day.

“The Ace-Venturers loved the training day. From race tips to compass navigation, we got the full spectrum of how to get through race day. Our afternoon bush venture was one to remember. The compass soon became our go to tool as we veered from the paths. A massive thank you to the MSC for offering their free services on the day – these guys are amazing! We cannot wait until race day.”

Margaret joined MSC in 2009 and quickly became a valued member. Margaret juggles her active involvement with GirlGuiding NZ and the Bushcraft programme, making herself available for most courses. Margaret also takes the driving seat in coordinating courses and is a positive, inspiring influence on MSC members and course participants.

Margaret’s involvement has become a family affair with son Paul and daughter Amelia also joining the MSC. Amelia was the youngest MSC member to qualify for the Outdoor Leader programme and has already taken an active role in the Manawatu branch.

Pictured: Heather Grady and Margaret Horne

Pictured: Doug Falkner

15

Other news

Calendar 2015 March

Are you following us on Facebook?

End of March

Check out the Mountain Safety Council’s (MSC) Facebook page for the latest MSC happenings, outdoors news, photos, tips, advice and competitions.

Roar blocks starting to open

We have a great group of followers, who share their thoughts on everything from how to avoid becoming lunch for the sandflies to personal locator beacons and their favourite spots around the country.

To join in, follow us at: www.facebook.com/NZMSC

Check out some of our top tips and awesome advice Whether you’re after tips for tramping, how-tos for hunting, alpine advice or recommendations for river crossings, check out a selection of articles our team has written for various outdoor magazines and publications on the MSC Articles page in the ‘Get Outdoors’ section of our website.

Don’t forget to check back regularly, as we’ll be adding new articles as they’re published.

Brand spanking new MSC online store The Mountain Safety Council online store underwent a makeover at the beginning of the year, and is looking and operating better than ever.

The store is still accessible through the MSC website, and continues to offer the same fantastic range of products and resources, only now we’ve added some additional features, such as free downloads and a fresh new look to improve both the retail and wholesale shopping experiences.

Our national office no longer holds stock on site and all store purchases are to be completed online.

If you have any questions about the store, or would like to become an approved wholesale customer, email orders@mountainsafety.org.nz. Otherwise, if you haven’t yet, visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz/shop to check it out.

What do you want to know?

Do you have a burning question you think we could help answer?

Whether it’s related to one of our programme areas – Outdoor Land Safety, Firearms Safety, Avalanche and Alpine Safety – you want to know more about the One MSC changes or you’d like some suggestions for great tramps, climbs or hunting grounds, email marketing@mountainsafety.org.nz with your question and we’ll choose one or two to answer in the next issue of On Track, due out at the end of July.

April 1st April

MSC trainees who have not completed a MSC warrant begin their transition process.

3rd April

Good Friday - MSC Office Closed 6th April

Easter Monday - MSC Office Closed 27th April

ANZAC Day - MSC Office Closed 30th April

All MSC member training ends.

Transition process to MSC warrant holders ends.

May 2nd May

Duck Shooting Season Opening Weekend 29th May

Transition period ends for MSC trainees who have not completed a MSC warrant.

31st May

All MSC courses and training delivery ends. This excludes Firearms and Collaborative Leader Development Initiative.

June 12-14 June

Southern Hemisphere Avalanche Conference

16

OnTrack

CEO Mike Daisley Senior Management Team Acting Operations Manager Nathan Watson Avalanche & Alpine Programme Manager Andrew Hobman Asst. Programme Manager Gordie Smith

Brought to you by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.

Abseil, Bushcraft & Risk Management Acting Programme Manager Jen Hayto Firearms & Hunter Safety Programme Manager Nicole McKee Training Coordinator Mike Pyatt Marketing & Communications Manager Megan Heffield Coordinator Ros Wells Administration Team Manager Wendy Hudson Branch Network Manager Jane Hoedemaeckers Database Administrator Kusum Nathu Membership Administrator Olivia Ryan

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:

28 February

March

30 June

July

31 October

November

PHOTO: Leonce Jones

Phone: 04 385 7162 Fax: 04 385 7366 Address: Level 3, 19 Tory Street, Wellington 6011 / PO Box 6027, Wellington 6141

17

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

3

2

1

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.

DD /MM / Y Y

Time:

: Activity:

:

Medical Conditions & Medication:

Address or Passport Number & Nationality:

Address/Passport No./Nationality:

Name:

Address/Passport No./Nationality:

Name:

Phone:

Phone:

Medical Conditions & Medication:

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:

Start Date:

AM PM

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

6

5

4

Phone:

Phone:

Phone:

Medical Conditions & Medication:

Medical Conditions & Medication:

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

18

2015

with guest speaker Karl Birkeland

12-14 june

CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND

current practice future thinking

19

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council invites the avalanche sector - from senior management to frontline practitioners, to the bi-annual Southern Hemisphere Avalanche Conference.

The Conference consists of a full day of workshops, followed by a two day conference of informative presentations from New Zealand and international experts on the latest developments and current best practice in theory and research, management and mitigation and search and rescue.

Take the opportunity to meet, learn and share with the best minds in the industry, trial the latest gadgets and new technology, catch-up with friends and colleagues.

Registrations are open - visit the Avalanche Conference page on the MSC website