Issue 14 November 2012
NEW BOARD | TRADEME TIE-UP | STAFF FAREWELLS | AVALANCHE | BUSHCRAFT | FIREARMS
welcome
darryl carpenter, CHIEF EXECUTIVE With summer on the way, now’s the time to brush the cobwebs off your outdoor gear and get planning a few adventures. We have been busy delivering a number of outdoor safety education opportunities via the national network of MSC Branches. We are fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers who give their time to their local communities. I can never say thank you enough to our good people – thank you! Our AGM was a success. Minister Wilkinson gave the opening address and presented her view of the outdoors including participation, access and outdoor safety issues. In particular, she mentioned her appreciation of our work to ensure ‘more people participate safely in land-based outdoor activity’. The Minister concluded by inviting further and direct engagement with her and her agencies. Key changes have occurred with our National Executive (also known as the Board). Ross Meder has stood down as Chair of Council with Geoff Ensor (Advocacy Manager at TIANZ) elected to replace him. Ross will continue to serve as a Board member and will be joined by newly elected Harry Meyer (CEO LandSAR) who replaces Trevor Dyke (NZDA). More on that later…
FOCUS
The operations and administration teams continue to be busy. The work on implementing the new member database is progressing well. We are also identifying and introducing changes to the MSC Safety Management System (SMS) and Quality Management System (QMS) which are crucial as we prepare for our OutdoorsMark audit and alignment of our qualifications with NZQA requirements. This is a time of change and whilst the Targeted Review of (all) Qualifications means some uncertainty, coming out the other side will mean a stronger MSC. Our three key summer messages are being rolled out via the media, stakeholders, our member organisations and our national branch network. We are encouraging people to get into the outdoors this summer; plan and prepare your trip using the 5 simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code and ‘tell someone’ your outdoors intentions before you go (rule 2 of the code). We have a busy summer planned across all areas of our business, but enjoy the read and I hope you get into the outdoors and discover more, safely this summer. - Darryl
on walking leader pilot
The Mountain Safety Council ran an extremely successful pilot series where the aim was to develop qualified youth leaders to operate safely in the outdoors. Three full 7-day courses were held over the country with 45 participants attending. More information on page 29. www.mountainsafety.org.nz www.avalanche.net.nz www.incidentreport.org.nz www.adventuresmart.org.nz
DISCOVER MORE, SAFELY
NEW ZEALAND
MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL the new zealand mountain safety council Level 3, 19 Tory Street, Wellington, PO Box 6027, Wellington, 6141 Tel: 04 385 7162 Fax: 04 385 7366 www.mountainsafety.org.nz
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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: Enable people to enjoy their 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: Imore people participating safely in land-based outdoor activity
Our goals: IIncreased number of leaders/teachers/ instructors/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.
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www.incidentreport.org.nz
National Office Staff Members CEO > Darryl Carpenter Education Manager > Leonce Jones Business Manager > Richard Brodie Avalanche & Alpine Programme Programme Manager > Andrew Hobman Asst. Programme Manager > Gordie Smith Bushcraft & Risk Management Programme Programme Manager > Vacant Firearms & HUNTS Programme Programme Manager > Vacant Training Co-ordinator > Tracy Wakeford Outdoor First Aid Programme Programme Co-ordinator > Mark Emerson Marketing & Communications Manager > Andrea Corrigan Resources Co-ordinator > Archana Nair Administration Team: Finance > Alex Cordier Branch Network Manager > Jane Hoedemaeckers Administrator > Christine Oakley-Hall Administrator > Nina Klauke Membership Officer > Jill Knight Archive Co-ordinator > Lindsey Pickering Please direct any research and evaluation, bushcraft and firearms queries to Leonce Jones.
About OnTrack Editor: Andrea Corrigan, Marketing & Communications manager Published by: The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council The 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 veiw online at www.ISSUU.com/nzmountainsafetycouncil 2
Submission Published deadlines: last week of: 28 Feb March 30 June July 31 Oct November
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
MSC Chair report
geoff ensor, chair
of camaraderie, common-purpose, trust and respect across the entire MSC community is the foundation upon which our future success will depend. The board is committed to this end. Secondly I believe that MSC ‘s value is the sum of many valuable parts, but that the branch network is its unique corner stone and one that must be fostered at all costs. The time, effort and overall contribution made by people across the network is staggering and fundamental to the integrity associated with the Mountain Safety Council name.
MSC: the Power of One. The Mountain Safety Council (MSC) has a long, proud history of contributing to outdoor safety and it is both a privilege and a weighty responsibility to be elected as the new Chair this year. I have worked with Ross Meder during the last three years of his 10 year tenure as Chair and have nothing but respect for his steady, professional and unconditional commitment to the MSC cause. It’s great to have Ross continuing on the MSC board where his knowledge and support will be pivotal. The board is a mix of old-hands and new faces, all of whom bring different experience and perspectives, but we are linked by our belief in MSC: its people, its value and its future.
Thirdly, as the art of keeping safe in the outdoors evolves, change is inevitable and should be welcomed. However, it needs to be thoughtful and well-informed change that reflects operational reality and the significant experience that exists within MSC. The board has a key role to play in the area of change. 2015 looms and I’m anxious that on MSC’s 50th birthday we have cause to celebrate a vibrant and united organisation that honours the efforts of those past and present. We have much to be proud of now, but I believe 2015 provides us with a special incentive to work collectively on ‘everything’ that makes MSC great. Please contact me at any time. I’d really like to hear your thoughts on all things MSC. Please email: geoff.ensor@tianz.org.nz - Geoff Ensor, MSC Chair
While the new board meets for the first time on 29 November, I wanted to share some early thoughts with you, the foremost of which is my belief that further embedding a strong sense
merry christmas and enjoy your summer holidays From everyone here at national office, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Christmas closedown 2012/13 The Mountain Safety Council National Office will be closed for the Christmas break. The last day of business for 2012 will be Friday 21 December. The office will officially be open on Monday 14 January. Online store The online store will also be closed during this time. Orders may be placed but will not be dispatched until after 14 January. Orders will be dispatched up until 21 December but cannot be guaranteed for Christmas delivery so get your orders in early to avoid disappointment. Media enquiries Please check the following web page to see who is covering media: www.mountainsafety.org.nz/Media/Media-Contacts
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
board members
meet the mountain safety council board members
GEOFF ENSOR // MSC Chair, Advocacy Manager, tianz I have been involved with MSC since 2003, I became a member of the MSC Board in 2009 and at the 2012 AGM I was voted in as the new Chair.
for many years. I continue to regularly tramp with my family and value this form of recreation above all others. In addition to that, I am a founding member of the Mackenzie Alpine Trust as well as serving on several community boards.
My current role at the Tourism Industry Association NZ (TIANZ) since 2005 is that of Advocacy Manager and a large part of my time is spent working with the adventure/outdoor sectors.
I have a strong belief in what MSC stands for: ‘facilitating greater discovery and use of the outdoors safely’.
On a personal basis, I am irresistibly drawn to the mountains and was a keen hunter
Murray Douglas // MSC Deputy Chair & Dairy Farmer I have been a member of MSC since 1996. I currently hold the Bush 2 qualification and I’ve served as regional representative and on the Board for the past seven years.
I continue to have an active interest in the outdoors with some tramping and canoeing as part of my recreation each year.
The skills, knowledge and perspective I offer have come from a background of volunteerism. I am a strong supporter of MSC getting the outdoor safety message out into the public and embedding these skills within the wider community.
As well as owning and running a large dairy farm, I have served on the Fonterra Shareholders Council for the last 12 years. These roles give me a business perspective and I see the need for MSC to operate within its earnings and to be strategic as we focus on our core roles.
Harry Maher // Chief Executive, New Zealand Land Search & Rescue Inc. I’m the Chief Executive of LandSAR, having recently come from a 22-year career at DOC where I was working in business and commercial management in Te Anau, Christchurch and Head Office. Before that, I spent 10 years in the adventure tourism industry as a ski patroller, heliski guide, and whitewater raft guide. Recreationally, my background is in climbing, skiing, and tramping, but these days I’m slowing down a little and you’ll find me mostly road and mountain biking and backcountry ski touring.
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I am the most recent addition to the MSC Board, having been accepted in October 2012. I put myself forward for the role because I believe that the Search and Rescue (SAR) and public safety sector need to work very closely together to ensure that, as a sector, we are efficient and effective and we avoid duplication and fragmentation. I believe in the work that we are doing as a sector, and I am focussed on ensuring that others see the same value and our outcomes are sustainable as a result.
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
Ross Meder // Property Manager I am the property manager and teach some outdoor education for Darfield High School. My first involvement with MSC was in a first aid competition as an assessor in 1975! Since then I have been a volunteer instructor for the bush, alpine and outdoor first aid programmes. I have served on various positions in MSC’s Canterbury branch including terms as chair and vice-chair and as well as that I
am also the regional representative for Canterbury, West Coast, Ashburton and South Canterbury branches. I have been part of the MSC Board and have served as the Chair for a past 10 years. I recently stepped down at the 2012 AGM, but will continue to serve as a board member.
Fiona McDonald // Educational Consultant I am a qualified teacher and have held the positions of Head of Faculty, Assistant and Deputy Principal within the high school age group. I am currently consulting on a couple of very interesting projects and I sit on a number of committees regarding Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) initiatives. This includes managing the MSC, EONZ, NZAEE EOTC project funded by Sport New Zealand as well as managing the production of professional development and resources for Maori medium schools on behalf of the Ministry of Education.
I have been a member of the MSC Board since 2011 and I bring a wealth of educational experience as well as insight into safety management systems. My best outdoors experience memories involve adventure racing in the back and beyond of Morocco, Canada, China and Australia - all of which involved lack of sleep, hallucinations and amazing scenery!
Christeen Mackenzie // Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Conservation My name is Christeen Mackenzie and I am the Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Conservation although I am just about to take up the role of Acting Deputy Director General, Business Services Group, for a 6 month period. I am co-opted on to the Board of the Mountain Safety Council and have served for the past three years. The skills I bring to the Board are my business and governance skills coupled with my knowledge of outdoor recreation in New Zealand.
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My most memorable outdoor experience was a solo night out in the bush which was part of my Outward Bound experience. It was during that night that I decided to work for the Department of Conservation - a decision that has been very rewarding for me.
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
agm report
MSC Annual General Meeting, October 2012
Above from left: Ross Meder, Fiona McDonald, Murray Douglas, Harry Maher, Christeen Mackenzie and Geoff Ensor
The NZ Mountain Safety Council AGM provides an ideal opportunity to bring 24 member organisations, the 9 Technical Advisory Committee Convenors and the 7 Regional Representatives together to take stock of the year just gone, celebrate the successes and reflect on the challenges. The National Office, Operations and Admin Support teams met with the Regional Representatives and Technical Advisory Committee Convenors the afternoon before the AGM to discuss common issues and challenges, how best to address these and how to better define and support these roles. It was a productive afternoon. Immediately prior to the AGM Geoff Ensor facilitated three workshop discussions focusing on the following: • How should Council spend $1M of additional funding (should that be achieved)? • What will member organisations be doing in the next 12 – 18 months that requires MSC support? • What do you think are the priorities within the strategic plan going forward 2013 and beyond? The discussion concluded with the priorities of research, leadership, growing the national network of community volunteer leaders and instructors (and their training and development) and sustainable funding. The AGM opening address was given by Hon. Kate Wilkinson MP, who expressed her appreciation of the work delivered within and across all aspects of the Council’s work. The Minister acknowledged that we have achieved a great deal despite funding, compliance and capacity challenges and welcomed
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our direct input and feedback to her, and her agencies so that we may continue our good work. The AGM went very well. While all reports were previously tabled, delegates were given the opportunity to speak about their key areas of work involving MSC. The financial report outlined the positive result and included a recommendation to continue to be vigilant with funding and income streams and to manage operation delivery, consistency and quality well. The changes to the Board were significant in that Ross Meder stood down as Chair having spent many dedicated years in that position. Ross continues to serve as a member of the Board. Geoff Ensor was elected as the new Chairperson, Murray Douglas returns as Deputy Chair and Harry Maher (CEO of LandSAR) was elected to replace Trevor Dyke (NZDA) who stood down at the completion of his 3-year-term. Fiona McDonald (EONZ) continues to serve her remaining time on the Board and Christeen Mackenzie (DOC) was co-opted for another 12 months. The meeting concluded with the Council in good heart and well prepared to face the challenges of the 2012/13 year. - Darryl Carpenter, CEO
Top left: Geoff Ensor (TIANZ) and Andy Woodhouse (Duke of Edinburgh) present notes from the workshop to the floor. Bottom left: Mountain Safety Chief Executive Darryl Carpenter thanks outgoing board member Trevor Dyke for his hard work and dedication during his term.
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
ceo roadshow
Chief Executive completes national roadshow
The NZ Mountain Safety Council has a national network of 27 branches throughout New Zealand clustered into seven regions. With more than 1500 dedicated community volunteer leaders and instructors, the MSC branches provide a local base and direct support for the local, regional and national delivery of our outdoor safety education and training programmes. Since its inception in 1965, MSC has always recognised the value of having people embedded in the local community delivering outdoor safety messages and education. This model is truly outdoor safety in the community, by the community and for the community. While MSC operational staff regularly visit the branches, it was timely for me to embark on a CEO ‘road show’ to hear first-hand the challenges and successes of MSC activity in the community. Using a mix of individual branch visits and attending regional training events, I took the opportunity to meet with our passionate, dedicated and committed community volunteers. I was also able to use my travelling schedule to meet with a number of Council member agencies whose national offices are outside of Wellington. I particularly enjoyed the chance to meet face-to-face with individuals and groups of people as this gave an ideal opportunity to support and reinforce the notion that the work of MSC operates at (and is vital for success) at a local, regional and national level - we are indeed one organisation.
The key messages I took from my branch visits include: • MSC (and the community as a result) has suffered the negative consequences of being underfunded across all programmes and activities • there remains a strong desire (and commitment to) public outdoor safety education and training delivery across all land-based activity • MSC should be fully compliant with (and be an exemplar in) quality and safety management and the delivery of education and training activities, instructor development and qualifications • MSC should be positioned (and promoted) as the key source of outdoor safety standards and associated messages, resources, education and training opportunities for land-based outdoor activity • MSC should make better use of existing and emerging communication and education methods. The challenge is now addressing these important points. My thanks to those who took the time to meet with me and share their thoughts and I will be reporting back progress on all aspects of the organisation via various communication channels including OnTrack, so make sure you download your copy every March, July and November. - Darryl Carpenter, CEO
database update
MSC’s New Database moving forward
We have begun using the new MSC database to hold and manage people records. As the previous database only held membership records, a big part of the update and change has been setting up information around all those who participate in Mountain Safety Council programmes. This includes transferring the records from our old system and tidying them up. In addition we are re constructing our mailing lists so you may get an email soon asking what information you would like to receive from MSC. The system is already proving its value by holding qualifications information and we are steadily building records of all the qualifications that people have undertaken in the past. Having the database has proved valuable with setting up and monitoring the currency of a range of specific certificates and qualifications including first aid certificates and warrants. The log function means we are now capturing and increasing the history capacity of what people are doing and when. This is very important as part of our revalidation process, where
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currency and a record of recent activity within a particular discipline, are all key factors in deciding if a person should receive an MSC warrant. The new system will also prove an asset by supporting the management of MSC courses and activity. On any weekend MSC can have a large number of activities being led by our skilled instructors in locations throughout New Zealand. The database is set up to provide an overview of these activities, enabling MSC to know what is on, when and where as well as what is coming up so we can ensure resources and people are well prepared. The roll-out to branch Administration Officer’s has commenced and soon individual members wishing to review their personal information will also have access. Over the next few months we will keep you posted as new parts of the system are tested and fully integrated. - Richard Brodie, Business Manager
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
BRIEF NEWS
WHAT’S NEW ONLINE and in store? Outdoor First Aid Manual in-store now! The New Zealand Outdoor First Aid manual is now available in our online store. The manual has been completely revised by medical specialists. It includes new photographs, revised illustrations and up-to-date information on current New Zealand outdoor safety and medical standards. The manual now fits in the suite of MSC manuals and matches the Bushcraft manual. With 302 pages of first aid knowledge, spiral bound for easy use and splash proof cover, this is a must have for all of you who love heading into the outdoors.
MSC Firearms Safety Card Above: The fully revised New Zealand Outdoor First Aid manual
y - Load only the magazin the shooting area. leaving before unload - Completely D ALL DOUBT 4. IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET BEYON proven , and shape to be human until - Assume colour, shape, sound 5. CHECK YOUR FIRING ZONE NITION SAFELY 6. STORE FIREARMS AND AMMU the bolt, firearm and ammunition - When not in use, lock away 7. AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS -
WHEN HANDLING FIREARMS
Small pocket sized reminder of the things you need to remember when out hunting. These are being distributed via firearms instructors for use in their communities.
MSC Online Store Revamp We are currently working on a big revamp of our online store. With so many great products to offer, we plan on making the process easier for you, with more information, options and photographs to make purchasing everything you need for your outdoors trip a breeze. This is a big project so please hang in there with us while we improve the store. Below is a sneak peak of some of the store concepts.
Above: The MSC Firearms Safety Card
Above: The current MSC store
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Above: A concept for the updated MSC store
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
Facebook.com/NZMSC
MSC TIP OF THE DAY Our followers are growing on our Facebook page and we love to give them useful tips and information; not only on how to be safe in the outdoors, but how to survive and how to enjoy the outdoors. In this edition of OnTrack we thought we would share our top three TIP OF THE DAY’s. The leader in tips is how to remove a ring from a swollen finger. This tip was taken from the Outdoor First Aid Manual and has had 1,287 people click on the image to date. If you have any great ‘tip of the day’s’ that you would like to see posted on the MSC Facebook page, please send in your suggestions to marketing@mountainsafety.org.nz
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
FIREARMS
goodbye MIKE SPRAY mike spray // firearms programme manager
Every now and then I get the opportunity to meet with a unique individual who has dedicated their life to their community in such a way that they have profoundly changed those around them for the better. Mike Spray is one of those people. It was with some degree of sadness that I accepted Mike’s resignation as Firearms programme manager for the NZ Mountain Safety Council in order to take up a new role with the Game Council in NSW, Australia. Mike has consistently showed a high level of professionalism as an employee with the NZ Mountain Safety Council and I have appreciated his efforts with the Firearms Programme, his support for the substantial number of committed volunteers, his relationship with the NZ Police, his positioning and growing of the firearms and hunter safety programme and his engagement with, and delivery of, outdoor safety advice to the NZ Police, media, coronial inquests and to myself.
Since my time with MSC, Mike has grown the firearms programme substantially including reviewing and redeveloping the firearms safety messages and key resources, establishing Whakatūpato and developing the firearms instructor and range officer training and qualifications programme. Due to the depth and breadth of his experience, Mike was often consulted and asked for input into other MSC and sector-wide outdoor safety programmes and initiatives. In addition, Mike continued to give his volunteer time to the local groups of LandSAR, NZDA and the Gisborne MSC Branch. I would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge Mike for the time and effort he has put into the firearms programme and MSC. His 30 years as a volunteer and 10 years as a paid employee is a significant contribution. I wish Mike and his family all the best for the future. - Darryl Carpenter, CEO
firearms leadership
Firearms instructors recognised through awards The 2011-2016 MSC Strategic Plan notes that a key strategic direction for this period will be a ‘focus on supporting, valuing, promoting and celebrating MSC’s national network of volunteers and staff’. With this in mind, the firearms safety programme has remained mindful of opportunities to recognise the important work and dedication of our instructors. It goes without saying that we value the contribution that all instructors and administrators make to our programme and while we may not get the opportunity to thank you all individually, I would like to take this opportunity to pass on our sincere appreciation for the hard work you do. This year, I have had the pleasure of being involved in some of the presentations made to firearms instructors around the country. 10
These have included MSC Council Awards and also the Certificate 10 (Firearms Leadership) qualification gained from Whitireia Polytechnic. The programme now has 35 instructors who have gained their Firearms Leadership certificate and many more who are almost there. Some instructors have asked me why should they bother to undertake a course and get this qualification and my simple answer is: ‘it’s a good means of recognising the good work that you do!’ Congratulations to all recipients. - Tracy Wakeford, Firearms Programme Training Co-ordinator
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
firearms safety in huts and camps
Those who own and use firearms have very specific responsibilities regarding firearms law and the safe use of firearms. The rules are spelt out clearly in the Arms Code and all firearms users should know and comply with these rules. But do you have responsibilities toward firearms if you are a non-user? This may appear to be a strange question. However, it is a common occurrence to encounter hunters on backcountry tracks and at road-end camps. If you stay in a hut where hunters are also present, not only will you be sharing it with the hunter but also their firearm. If you are in this situation, it is right to expect the firearm to be completely unloaded and safe but how would you know? Ask the hunter. I would expect, because in the main hunters are courteous individuals, that they would have already reassured you that the firearm was in a completely safe condition. However, if they don’t, then politely ask for that reassurance. If you find that there is ammunition in any part of the firearm (magazine or chamber) then ask the hunter to unload it for the safety of everyone in the hut. The rule is that the magazine of the firearm should only be loaded when the hunter reaches
their hunting area and the firearm must be completely unloaded when the hunter leaves the hunting area. The inside of a hut or camp is not a hunting area. Never touch a firearm unless you are given permission by the owner who should have checked that it is unloaded and cannot be fired. Without a licence you can only touch a firearm under the immediate supervision of a firearms licence holder. You will be breaking the law, if you do touch the firearm without supervision. Do not be afraid to learn about firearms safety. For your own interest, have a read of the Arms Code before you head off on your next trip into the backcountry. You can pick one up from your local Police station or use the link on the MSC website to find the download. Your knowledge may become handy when you need to politely remind a complacent hunter of their responsibilities toward firearms safety. For more information about firearms safety visit: www.mountainsafety.org.nz/firearms - Mike Spray, Firearms programme manager
whakatUpato update firearms safety education in rural areas
In the past 12 months (July 11-June 12) we have delivered 16 Whakatūpato programmes to rural communities around Northland, Te Urewera and the North Island East Coast. We now have 11 instructors dedicated to this programme, as well as our core instructors, who delivered sessions and one-on-one training to more than 600 people over this period. It has been yet another busy year with training seminars for the instructors, a revision and update of the resources and chasing opportunities to promote the programme and our firearms safety messages. One of the highlights from this year has been the filming with Maori Television’s Hunting Aotearoa programme – the screening of which has sparked further interest in the Whakatūpato programme.
Over the next year we are aiming to run up to 30 programmes. We are looking to expand the programme into new areas around the country as well as continuing in areas we have already established. I’d also like to thank you to our partners in this programme – NZ Police and various Iwi throughout NZ. If you would like to find out more about the Whakatūpato programme or know of a rural community that may be interested please drop me a line firearms@mountainsafety.org.nz - Tracy Wakeford, Firearms Programme Training Co-ordinator
The Whakatūpato Programme also received a Merit Award at this year’s Outdoors New Zealand Awards and the 2012 Wairoa Community Education Award (in conjunction with MSC Gisborne Branch).
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
FIREARMS
firearms in the media
Non-intentional firearms incidents and the media
At the time of writing, there have so far been three deaths this year as a result of a hunter mistaking another hunter for a deer. These incidents are extremely tragic, especially as all of them were completely avoidable. Non-intentional incidents as they are called (i.e. those with no criminal intent) involving firearms are of particular interest to the media and tend to generate a lot of public interest. MSC becomes involved as the media come to us for technical information, expert opinion and comment. Whilst we don’t generally comment specifically on the actual incident, as that is the role of the Police, we do take the opportunity to advocate and promote firearms safety. The last incident in September where the third hunter was fatality shot, I responded to around 10 or so radio and newspaper interview requests on the same day and one of our contacts in Auckland appeared on both the TV1 and TV3 news. This incident generated significant media attention, not least because it was the third one this year but also as it’s a highly charged and emotive situation. All non-intentional firearms incidents by law have to be reported to the Police who usually put out a media alert and accompanying statement. Andrea monitors these and also has processes and software in place to identify all outdoors incidents to ensure that we find out as soon as possible and are prepared. The situation is assessed both from a media (Andrea) and technical (Mike) aspects and our approach is confirmed. I am then the spokesperson and undertake interviews. I have an extremely good working knowledge of non-intentional firearms incident statistics and I do get a little frustrated sometimes at the perceptions regarding the numbers of deaths relating to firearms use. The first questions are usually: ‘what are you going to about ALL these hunter deaths’ and ‘what is you response to this spate of deaths?’ Whilst no hunter death 12
is acceptable and all deaths are avoidable, it is important to keep incident statistics in context of hunter activity. I have two sets of data that support my view that the very vast majority of firearms users in this country are responsible individuals who know and comply with firearms safety rules. I also believe that the training and testing, delivered by MSC firearms instructors to new licence applicants, as part of the firearms licensing process, does contribute significantly to the safe handling firearms by the majority of hunters. Past research by Nugent, used by Inspector Joe Green in his research into deer hunter deaths in 2003, determined that there were about 40,000 deer hunters in NZ, who hunted an average of 7 days per year giving a total of 260,000 hunting days each year. There were about 80,000 deer shot during the year. This is a large amount of hunting activity resulting in a large number of animals harvested. Along with other shooting pursuits, recreational shooting in NZ features high in the scale of participation rates for outdoor recreational activities. Over the past two decades there has been an average of 1.4 deer hunter deaths and 2.4 total non-intentional deaths per year. This also includes incidents like ‘discharging a firearm while cleaning’ as well as not identifying your target. As already mentioned no death is acceptable but given the amount of activity, the death of a deer hunter is statistically a rare event. This indicates to me the vast majority of hunters do demonstrate safe behaviours with firearms. In 1969, the very first Arms Code was published. Chapter 1 made the following statement: ‘Every month some child is
continued >>
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
killed because firearms have been carelessly left within reach’. Every month! Today the death of a child in the home, as a result of a firearm being left insecure, is incredibly rare and I can only recall three events in the past decade.
But even one incident is one too many and is the reason why we continue to work so hard to promote firearms safety, educate firearms users and raise awareness and work with the media to keep getting those messages through.
This is a strong indication to me that in the main, firearms ownership is taken responsibly, firearms are locked away when not in use and the firearms training of new licence applicants by our instructors is effective.
You can see more of the media work we do here www.mountainsafety.org.nz/media - Mike Spray, Firearms programme manager
sika show
Strong firearms safety presence at 2012
The Sika Show, held in Taupo each year since 1993, is thought to be one of the biggest trade shows of its kind in Australasia. The show is both a trade show and a hunting competition and it is a sight to behold to see the range and number of animal heads on display. This year the show was held from 29-30 September at the Taupo Events Centre and again the MSC Firearms Programme set up a stall to promote firearms and hunter safety to the many hunting enthusiasts attending. Our stall featured our updated banners and brochures and a massive TV which played our DVDs to promote interest. We had many comments that our stall looked great and we gave out nearly 600 chamber safety devices over the weekend. It was great meeting up with some of our firearms instructors who visited us at the stall and we had many lively chats with members of the public about recent firearms incidents. The Sika Show is a significant channel to deliver our safety messages and network with other people within the firearms and hunting industry and Mike and I thoroughly enjoyed our time there. - Tracy Wakeford, Firearms Programme Training Co-ordinator 13
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
ALPINE & AVALANCHE
AVALANCHE UPDATE
andrew hobman, avalanche & alpine programme manager
The commercial ski season is over for another year but there is still plenty of snow in the hills. It’s a great time to head out for some ski touring or alpine climbing. It is important to be aware that avalanches can and do happen at any time of the year. Our records show that 55% of all avalanche fatalities have happened to climbers mainly in the summer months.
Another collaborative initiative this winter was a series of regional avalanche search and rescue exercises. Events were held in Southern Lakes, Canterbury and the central North Island. These events were made possible through funding from NZSAR and the organisation and planning by representatives from LandSAR and MSC.
The winter was a relatively quiet one for avalanche incidents. There were thankfully no fatalities but there were a number of people that got caught and many near misses. The 35 individuals who were narrowly missed by the three simultaneous natural events on Mt Ruapehu is a reminder of the deadly potential of these events.
Training for a large avalanche event is critical because they are time critical, require many resources and involve multiple agencies. There were many good learning points from this year’s exercises and hopefully we can continue to train for these on a regular basis.
The Avalanche education programme continues to grow across the country with a 15% increase in participants overall. Most people are taking the one day ‘Avalanche Awareness’ course but the four-day Backcountry Avalanche course in still under subscribed and we are working on how to better promote this. The Backcountry course is perfect for people wanting to recreate beyond the controlled terrain of the ski areas and gives participants the knowledge and skills to recognise and manage their travel in avalanche terrain.
The snow may have gone but the off season is also a busy time because we will be revising and updating all the resources for next year and planning for the southern hemisphere avalanche conference. www.avalanche.net.nz www.facebook.com/NewZealandAvalancheCentre Sign up for the Crystal Ball newsletter, 2 per winter season
Interestingly the Canadian Avalanche Association has a very similar ratio between their one and four day course participation - so we are not alone in trying to get more people educated at the higher level. MSC’s avalanche advisory website (www.avalanche.net. nz) also had increased use this winter and other than some minor tweaks the site will stay the same for next year. At the recent International Snow Science Workshop in Alaska, the site got positive recognition from the Canadian and United States Avalanche Centres and both these organisations are communicating the daily hazard in a very similar way to us. This sort of international collaboration is very good for general safety and ongoing development.
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
ALPINE UPDATE
New Alpine resources underway As we stated in the last issue of OnTrack, the redevelopment of the MSC Alpine Programme is well underway and 2013 is set to be a fresh start. The public courses are getting a makeover with new printed instructor resources and participant workbooks. The instructor resource will define the risk management procedures, course outcomes, content and lesson plans which will help achieve consistency in course delivery across the country. The participant workbook will provide those attending the courses with information on what is involved, what they should expect to learn and information on techniques that they will be able to refer to after completing the course.
Along with aligning new assessments to the National Certificate we are also going through the process of cross crediting everyone that has already been assessed to Alpine 1. This is a large piece of work and will take some time but our aim is to be able to issue everyone with the new qualification in time. We anticipate there will be some gaps in people’s records and this may require some sections to be reassessed, but every effort will be made to make this as easy and transparent as possible. With all these changes now imminent, it is even more important that everyone attends the instructor trainings in 2013. The North Island training is on the 29-30 June and the South Island training is 6-7 July. Exact details are to be confirmed but please block these dates in your diary.
Along with redevelopment of the public courses, we are also working hard on the instructor qualifications. To reiterate, we are aligning the MSC Alpine 1 award with the National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation - mountaineering strand. This process has been complicated by the current government review of qualifications, however we are now starting to see some solid progress. The first assessment of this new qualification will take place next month and although it will be a bit of a test case, the end result should be positive for everyone.
avalanche feature
Identifying hazards and reducing risks when delivering courses in alpine terrain
As many of you are aware MSC is preparing to undergo an OutdoorsMark safety audit. This has involved comprehensively reviewing our existing Standard Operating Procedure documentation (SOP’s) and risk management processes to ensure that they are up to date, consistent and meet ‘best practice’ standards. This exercise has been a positive and valuable exercise for MSC’s Alpine and Avalanche programmes. There are times when health and safety systems can seem onerous and an unnecessary amount of paper work for something that may never happen, but as we have seen recently with the earthquake in Christchurch, when it does go wrong, the people in the field need a structure and support to manage the incident. There should never be a situation where a serious injury or a fatality happens on an instructional course, but sometimes it happens. These sorts of incidents obviously have a huge impact on the participants, their families, the organisation involved and also on the instructor, who has to deal with the circumstances and the aftermath.
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We need to ensure that all possible steps have been taken to support the instructors so that incidents do not happen and if they do the instructor can feel supported in the decision making and risk management process that they followed. In revising the risk management system for the alpine zone we have identified five core things that all professional and volunteer organisations must have: • a Risk Management Plan – including hazard mapping • qualified personnel • daily collection and recording of weather, snowpack and avalanche information • a daily hazard assessment and briefing • a rescue plan. Most operations working in the alpine environment in New Zealand have a team of people evaluating the hazards, planning and watching out for their colleagues when they are working.
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
ALPINE & AVALANCHE
The MSC instructors generally don’t have this high level of support behind them, therefore it is even more important to have a robust safety system in place. The first part of this system is mapping the terrain and hazards that are present. This process is becoming much easier with mapping programmes like Google Earth and other open source Geographic Information System (GIS) software. We are currently in the process of creating an atlas for all of the terrain that MSC instructors use for the delivery of Alpine and Avalanche courses across the country. Stage one of this process is to get the instructors to draw on a map where they currently travel and deliver specific lessons. This can be drawn on a paper map, Google maps, Google Earth or another mapping programme. We will take this information and record it on a central mapping system then overlay a series of specific hazards. These will include avalanche, volcanic, other users, and Avalanche Terrain Exposure (ATES) ratings. Once complete, we will work with the instructors to ensure that the areas of delivery are safe from these hazards and alternative options are identified and recorded if adverse conditions exist.
Above: An example of a how course delivery and travel details can be drawn using Google Earth.
The end result will be a comprehensive hazard atlas for all the alpine terrain used on MSC courses. This will be a great planning and training resource as well as helping to ensure safer course delivery. It will give clear terrain choices to instructors that will allow them to deliver a quality course, stay within the scope of their qualifications and let them make informed changes to the delivery plan as conditions change. The mapped information will be available in digital format and as a printed resource. We intend to have the regions that are currently delivering courses mapped for the 2013 winter. As with all new initiatives this will take some time to get right. Any mapping exercise done on paper needs to be tested in the field under real circumstances and adjustments made through use and constructive feedback.
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Above: Hazard details and alternative lesson locations can be applied.
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
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
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
BUSHCRAFT & RISK MANAGEMENT
goodbye chris owens chris owens // bushcraft & risk management programme manager
Chris Owens left the NZ Mountain Safety Council in October to take up a position with Macpac as their Southern Regional Manager for all of the South Island and the lower North Island. Living, breathing, working (and driving) through what I believe is the most spectacular scenery and fantastic outdoor adventure ‘back yard’ in the world, while supporting the Macpac stores as they in turn outfit people getting into the outdoors, will be perfect for Chris. I will personally miss Chris’s cheerful friendly demeanour around the office as well as his willingness to support MSC overall and the significant national community volunteer leader and instructor network. These attributes will be ideal for Chris to continue to use and apply in his new role at Macpac. Chris joined the Mountain Safety Council in January 2011 and during this time played a significant role developing more regular regional training as well as planning for the CEO roadshow meetings with branches and regions.
I was also particularly thankful for what Chris was able to bring to MSC as the Programme Manager for a combined Bushcraft and Risk Management programme. As we merged these two crucial programmes, Chris supported and implemented some of the significant education and qualification changes that we have been going through recently. Chris was inspirational and a great support to developing instructors within his programmes. The feedback he received was consistently very good from those he worked with. We wish Chris all the best as he returns to an industry he has thrived in throughout his working life, most recently while overseas in the years just before his return to New Zealand. On behalf of the MSC volunteers, National Office staff, Board and Senior Management Team I wish Chris all the best in his new role and future endeavours and that all his adventures are rewarding (and safe). Thank you for your committed contribution to MSC. - Darryl Carpenter, CEO
UPATE YOUR MEMBER DETAILS As you know we are currently implementing a new database. The information which is contained on it includes your contact details and course and activity records. Not only is this will be critical for the next revalidation a record of your membership of the Mountain Safety Council, but it’s important in case we need to communicate with you.
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Please email contact and address updates to: Christine.Oakley-Hall@mountainsafety.org.nz and remember to include your full name and a contact phone number.
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
buscraft and risk management update
As most of you will be aware, MSC’s Bushcraft and Risk Management Programme Manager Chris Owens left us in the middle of October. The vacancy has been widely advertised and applications have now closed. A shortlist of applicants for interview is being considered and interviews will have taken place at the end of November. Given that many people are required to give at least 4 weeks’ notice to terminate their current employment, it is unlikely that the appointee will be able to join us before the New Year. In the meantime the Education Manager is the point of contact for all Bushcraft and Risk Management enquiries. Regional Workshop: Murchison As a result of lack of registrations, the planned Regional Workshop due to take place on 24-25 November in Murchison for the top of the South Island branch members was cancelled. Nelson Branch instead arranged a River Safety one day event in its place and Mountain Safety CEO Darryl Carpenter attended and took the opportunity to meet and talk with as many members as possible. Another Regional Workshop will be planned in the near future. Assessors and assessments Several Bush assessment events have been planned across the country and results from these have arrived at National Office and are being processed as quickly as possible. Unfortunately the change of database may have some impact on completion of the administrative process and member’s ability to see the change in warranted status on the member accessible database. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. National Office is currently preparing to offer a select group of current MSC branch assessors and experienced instructors in various disciplines the opportunity to become Skills Active registered MSC Assessors. This will enable those people to ‘sign off’ assessments for Skills Active unit standards and enable the processing of results for members and member agencies via Skills Active to NZQA. Each assessor will be assigned a scope of units that they will be eligible to assess, based on the level of the qualification and experience they hold in their areas of expertise. 19
One of the changes in the assessment system will be the creation of specialist Assessors for Outdoor Risk Management. This will give us a greater opportunity to run public risk management courses in much the same way as we run Outdoor First Aid Courses. This registration of assessors will also be the system used to establish assessors into the future when we achieve NZQA registration and accreditation. The next phase of development will include developing a system to appoint an adequate number of moderators across all our programmes. This will ensure NZQA requirements are achievable and that an annual plan of moderation can be adequately implemented. Risk Management Programme Redevelopment Work on redevelopment of the Outdoor Risk Management programme and resources has been given some consideration as part of our work on our internal Quality Management System to achieve OutdoorsMark Certification. This work has identified a need to align our risk management materials so that they line up with the current Australia/ New Zealand Standards and International Standards. MSC is represented on the ISO Standards Committee by the Outdoors New Zealand (ONZ) representative. They have been attending the international meetings charged with developing the new standard. Development of a plan to review and redevelop our current Risk Management resources will be re considered by the next Bushcraft Technical Advisory Committee. This is necessary given the departure of Chris Owens who held responsibility for the Bush and Risk Management Programmes. - Leonce Jones, Education Manager
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Marketing & Comms update andrea corrigan, marketing & communications manager New look for Outdoors Intentions messages
While last year’s web banners and messages focused more on the process of completing your intentions (i.e. via form, email or online), this year’s campaign is more audience-centric and the focus is on really embedding the ‘tell someone’ message in all those who venture outdoors. Four new images have been produced and target families, trampers, alpine-enthusiasts and mountain bikers although there is potential to add more activity-specific executions in time.
The images are now appearing on free downloadable posters, web banners, screensavers, email signatures and advertisements. We urge and encourage all member organisations to ensure they have links to the Mountain Safety Council and AdventureSmart websites from their own websites. Click here to view and download free resources: www.adventuresmart.org.nz/resources
Social media – insight into MSC’s Facebook page We are very close to achieving 2000 likes on the Mountain Safety Council Facebook page. While some may still think of social media as young person’s thing or a waste of time, we see it as an important channel, which is a low cost and effective way of communicating our messages to a large number of people. For instance, our 1954 ‘friends’ have a total of more than half a million friends between them who all have the potential to see our posts and engage with our page. The true value comes when people ‘share’ our status updates with people that they think will be interested. LandSAR and Triple One Care have liked our page and often share our status updates with their audiences which results in thousands and potentially hundreds of thousands seeing our message.
Above: This graphic shows the ‘reach’ the pink/purple blobs indicate when we do something. When we do something like a post or competition or something, unsurprisingly interest goes up. 20
Social media is interesting because it allows a ‘two way’ conversation to occur as we’re not just ‘broad casting’. We’ve used it to consult the outdoors community and ask questions via polls or status updates, the answers of which we put to use in various parts of the organisation. It also enables people to share their ideas and experiences with others, without us as admin necessarily being involved. It’s all part of the great conversation that is going on all over a world without borders! While Facebook isn’t the answer to every communications quandary, it is just one part of what the communications function at MSC does as part of the overall marketing communications strategy. It contributes to fulfilling one part of our outcomes model that ‘the community is more aware of outdoor safety’. Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/NZMSC
Above: This graphic demonstrates the gender and age of the people who engage with our page – you may be surprised to see that while 40% of our audience are under 25 years old, the majority (roughly 57%) are 26-65! NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
Trade Me lends support to firearms safety campaign
The Mountain Safety Council is delighted that Trade Me are lending their support to a new firearms safety campaign. Mike O’Donnell, head of operations at Trade Me and himself a keen hunter was concerned about the hunter incidents making the headlines and wanted to know if there were something they could do to help. Through collaboration with NZ Police, we were offered the opportunity to promote firearms safety via web banners strategically placed in the ‘Hunting & Shooting’ section of the Trade Me website*.
doubt’. When clicked on, the user will be redirected to all of the helpful firearms and hunter safety information at www.mountainsafety.org.nz/firearms The web banner adverts will run for two weeks from 31 December and then just ahead of the Roar for another week from 4 March 2013. Again, we’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the team at Trade Me for their support. * More than 6,871,076* visit the Trade Me website each month. Source: http://www.trademe.co.nz/About-trade-me/Site-stats
The web banner messages chosen were: ‘No meat is better than no mate’ and ‘Identify your target beyond all
Summer messaging campaign focuses on the Outdoor Safety Code Look out for increased activity around the promotion of the Outdoor Safety Code this summer and a renewed focus on rule number two: ‘Tell Someone’. Unfortunately we don’t have a ‘Hobbit’ sized budget to decal a plane and celebrity endorsement doesn’t come cheap! Our actual ‘paid-for’ promotion budget is actually very small so, generally any MSC advertisements or promotion that you may see is usually as a result of some convincing lobbying! However, while this could be perceived as an insurmountable challenge by some, I see it as a fantastic challenge that forces us to be creative in our thinking and solutions. We have developed many endearing relationships with media owners, stakeholders, outdoors retailers and other organisations that have all supported us in communicating outdoor safety messages on a regular basis.
I have also written (or have planned) a number of proactive media releases and feature articles which will be appearing in outdoors magazines and on websites throughout the summer. All focus on the following key messages: • The outdoors is good – get out there and enjoy it. • Safety is your responsibility. • Plan and prepare for a safe trip by following the 5 simple rules of the outdoor safety code. • Rule 2: Tell someone your plans – it may save your life. There is a role for branches and all instructors to play in ensuring the message is delivered in the community, by the community. Administration Officers have been sent an info pack with all the ways branches can support the campaign and they also have samples of the promotional collateral that is available for use in local communities.
Wilderness magazine supports MSC communications Wilderness magazine New Zealand’s magazine of the outdoors, has been around since 1991 and has recently been voted 2012 magazine of the year. If you haven’t come across it, it contains plenty of articles and fantastic photography illustrating what an amazing backyard we have to play in and provides inspiration, information, tips and advice. The editorial team frequently consult with MSC’s technical experts on a range of topics and they are also supportive on a range of our initiatives and provide a channel to promote safety messaging to an important audience of outdoors enthusiasts. Visit www.wildernessmag.co.nz for more information. 21
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Visitor Risk Management UPDATE:
AdventureSmart, Outdoors Intentions and Outdoor Safety Code As published in Adventure Magazine, December 2012
LOCK UP THE OUTDOORS STORY Andrea Corrigan The outdoors is dangerous. People get lost, some get hurt and sadly every year some even die. Recent headlines, ACC statistics and the number and frequency of search and rescue call outs all back up this claim. With summer almost here, we can almost pre-write the inevitable media headlines: ‘experienced tramper missing’, ‘group rescued from xyz ranges’ and ‘river death could have been avoided’. So maybe it’s time we locked up the outdoors! Maybe before we let anyone go into the outdoors we should wrap them up in cotton wool and ban them from straying off the concrete foot path. What if we made people apply for a licence to go into the outdoors, even to sit a test before they progress from a day walk to an overnight or multi-day tramp?
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is urging people to ‘discover more safely’ this summer by investing more time and effort in planning and preparing for a safe trip. Pushing your boundaries and having exciting experiences, while knowing your limits and limiting your risks is the key. ‘It’s not about locking up the outdoors, it’s about standing up and taking personal responsibility for our actions as we do elsewhere in our lives,’ said Darryl Carpenter, Chief Executive of the Mountain Safety Council. ‘Taking a few simple precautions like telling someone where you are going and when you’ll be back, taking an appropriate means of emergency communication such as a personal locator beacon and checking the weather could mean you avoid becoming the headline,’ added Mr Carpenter. The five simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code provide guidance on how to prepare and act in the outdoors and are applicable to all landbased outdoor activities whether it’s a short walk in the bush, a day out mountain biking or hunting or a multi-day mountain adventure. So before going into the outdoors this summer, whatever activity you’re planning and what ever your level of experience, make sure you follow the outdoor safety code and have a great time. To find out more information about how to enjoy New Zealand’s great outdoors safely please visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz
The Outdoor Safety Code 1. 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. Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centres and i-SITEs are a good source of local information.
2. Tell someone Tell someone your plans and complete written Outdoors Intentions using the simple tools on the www.adventuresmart.org.nz website. At the very least, tell a friend or family member where you are going and date and time they should raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. We could lock people out. We have learnt plenty from creating predatorfree wildlife sanctuaries using some pretty impressive fencing systems. These seem to work in protecting endangered wildlife from things that hurt (or eat) them – so could this methodology also work for keeping people safe? Would we avoid incidents, accidents and fatalities in the outdoors if we padlocked the gates and controlled entry? The answer of course is a resounding ‘no’. To lock up the outdoors or implement any of the other contentious suggestions mentioned above is not only impractical but would be political correctness gone mad. We would lose far more than we gained. We would lose something intrinsically special, valuable and arguably unique to New Zealand in that access to the outdoors, and the opportunity to participate, is freely available to all. Steve Gurney, nine-times winner of the Coast to Coast multisport event, recently spoke to attendees at the Outdoors New Zealand conference saying that we are becoming ‘increasingly bubble-wrapped in an overregulated society’. He went on to say that ‘by eliminating all risk, kids are missing out on getting the experience of how to judge risk’. Risk and the outdoors are intrinsically linked. Risk is good – the thrill and excitement is all part of the adventure. The perception (and reality) of being on the edge, whether it’s a first time family venture into the bush, a multi-day tramp and camp activity or an extreme adventure experience, is what makes New Zealand world famous and our outdoors a special place.
3. Be aware of the weather New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes. Check track and hut conditions. Beware of rivers – if in doubt STAY OUT.
4. Know your limits Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience. Take a Mountain Safety Council course.
5. Take sufficient supplies Make sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication such as a Mountain Radio or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and know how to use them.
The outdoors is neither good or bad, risky or safe. The outdoors is the outdoors. It’s the decisions that people make and the risks that they take, before, during and after, which produce a good or bad result.
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
OUTDOOR FIRST AID
OUTDOOR FIRST AID NEWS
New first aid course structure Following the Outdoor First Aid Instructor and Coordinators workshop in June this year, the new structure for first aid courses was launched. We now have three courses that we are focused on providing for the public, branch members and our member agencies. These are: Workplace First Aid in the Outdoors Course This two day course of approximately 17 hours duration delivers Unit Standards 26551 and 26552 Outdoor Emergency Management Course This one day course of approximately 8 hours duration delivers Unit Standard 424 Refresher Course One day course of approximately 8 hours duration. This course meets revalidation requirement for 26551, 26552 and 424 for those units held by a participant, providing the course is completed within 2 years and 3 months of award of the original units or subsequent revalidation courses.
Technical Advisory Committee The First Aid Technical Advisory Committee met on 3 November and passed a number of resolutions many of which will result in pieces of work or changes to the programme in 2013. We’ll be providing more updates in the coming weeks and months.
Training and workshops The following dates have been set for the OFA workshops for 2013: 14-16 June 2013 - North Island First Aid Workshop 21-23 June 2013 - South Island First Aid Workshop Venues will be advised once booked. Additional development workshops have been proposed to increase the speed of training for current OFA trainee instructors and these will be planned in the New Year. In addition some localised additional training for fully qualified instructors will be given consideration. Additional resources to assist in provisioning the quality of course delivery have been rolled out to branches. We hope to provide additional equipment within the current financial year. - Leonce Jones, Education Manager
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
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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
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
above the bushline
kerry adams shares his experience on the msc course Course: Above the Bushline Location: Tongariro National Park Grade: Medium – long days, steep climbs, some bush bashing – potential for getting cold, wet and tired Time: 2 nights Party Size: 7
The plan Attend the Mountain Safety Council’s ‘Above the Bushline Course‘ and get some good photos! This course is set ‘above the bushline’, giving participants the skills and knowledge to travel safely and accurately in high country and be able to survive, by building or finding shelter, if caught out in bad weather. Course includes: • Safely leading a party over snow, scree, tussock and scrub • Basic knots and rope management • Emergency shelters • Travel in steep terrain • High-country navigation/route finding • Weather observations It had been a little while since I had headed out with the guys from the MSC, so I was looking forward to a weekend out in the bush, or more correctly – above the bushline. This course is not so much an introduction to alpine tramping or mountaineering but rather an extension for bush trampers, who want to occasionally stick their heads up above the trees and head along the tops for a bit. Like always with the MSC, it’s a great chance to practice your navigation and leadership skills (you all take turns leading, navigating and being part of the the group), as well as test out your equipment and systems in a relatively safe environment.
This course was lead by Peter and Alan, two of MSC’s very experienced bush instructors, and an absolute wealth of knowledge between them. After heading down on Friday (thanks for driving Liam!) and meeting at the pub opposite the Chateau Tongariro Hotel, we had some dinner while Peter, seemingly gleefully, let us know about the bad weather coming in. We were to potentially expect some fairly rough weather on the Saturday night and changed to the original plan of sleeping out in the Park, to setting up nearer the Whakapapaiti Hut2, thereby giving us the ability to easily shelter in the hut, should things get too rough. MSC courses are always a good balance of a challenge but maintaining a safe learning environment. It’s challenge by choice – you don’t have to sleep out in a tarp, in a gale, but if you want to try – it’s the best way to do it. We finished our meals, made a pile of jokes about checking into the Chateau for the night, then headed up to the car park to set off. The plan was to stay at the Hut for the first night, then head out for some exploration and navigation practice the next day. We walked as the sun set, tramping for a bit in the dark, and got to the hut. After a quick cuppa, we settled in for the night. The next morning, we set up our shelters – in my case an Exped Vela – well, more correctly, the fly out of the system. I figured there weren’t going
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
to be any mozzie’s up there – and I was going to use the bivvy anyhow. We spent the day practising our navigational skills in limited visibility and wet conditions, including some serious bushbashing and a great scramble up through some bush to, well, above the bushline! Taking shelter under a tarp, we had our lunch, then headed back toward the hut. Once back at the hut, Peter took us through some basic rope and knot tying techniques, and then I fumbled my way through a GPS lesson for everyone (I use the thing regularly, but do you think I could coherently explain how to use one?) Getting back to the hut, we were wet, and ready for a feed. I am slightly ashamed to say I was eating out of a foil bag for the entire weekend – having got back home in NZ at about 2am on Friday morning – a quick trip to Living Simply and it was a menu a là Back Country Cuisine. I hadn’t had time to get the dehydrator out and prepare some meals. Never mind – BCC meals are actually quite good. And light! After food and a chat it was time to retire – with us lads heading back out into the dark, not really 100% sure what the night would bring. The weather had apparently settled down a bit, but we still didn’t quite know what to expect. After what was a fairly snug sleep I woke up as the light started to rise over the horizon. Blearily, I looked over, wiped my eyes, to see that yes, I had woke up above the bushline in the snow. Beautiful. I will admit it, I was nearly giggling in joy as I got up and shot over to the hut to grab my camera to start taking photos. I think it would have been one of the few times I was happy to get out of a toasty warm bed into freezing cold temperatures. I spent half an hour heading around taking photos of everything.
A breakfast of dessert (BCC’s Trifle and Fruit), couple of coffees (trying a new filter system I am working on) and we were ready to go tramping in the snow. More navigation, more bush-bashing, all heightened by the fact it was snowing while we went. Cold feet soon warmed up, my Ice Breaker socks doing a great job of keeping the toes warm. On our trip back I was volunteered to ‘break my leg’ in an accident and we ran through First Aid procedures on the mountain, followed by some more rope work and then a short leg back to our cars. What a weekend. Awesome company, phenomenal weather and views plus a great chance to try a few new things out. Things I learnt on this trip: • The Vela is about 20mm to short for me. I had my feet touching the fly most the night, but thankfully the bivvy kept the sleeping bag dry. • The Ridgeline Monsoon Jacket I own has a bit of a major flaw – it’s sleeves soak up water like a sponge! Back up under the waterproof outer and right into the insulation and base layers – not good. • Leather gloves are useless in the wet cold. • My 5d Mk III happily deals with a bit of water – though I will admit I was nervous for a while in the wet. • Tramping in the snow is a hell of a lot of fun! Thanks again to Peter, Alan, and the great people I spent the weekend with! It was awesome! - Kerry Adams, MSC member and photographer www.thebloke.co.nz
volunteer focus
Lifetime Award for Gisborne’s Rex Allen
Congratulations to Rex Allen on being awarded the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council Lifetime Award - and thank you to everyone for keeping this a surprise! Rex is a deserving recipient of this award as he has made an outstanding contribution to MSC’s Gisborne branch, the local community and other volunteer organisations over the years. Unfortunately we were unable to obtain accurate dates and information relating to his activity history prior to 1989 as it is already in the archives, a testament to his long association with our organisation! Thank you very much to Noel Bigwood and other members of MSC for providing this information. During the many years Rex has been a member of MSC he has instructed in Outdoor First Aid, Bushcraft and Firearms and in 2009 qualified as a Range Officer. Rex has also been involved in the set-up of new courses such as HUNTS, Take a Kid Tramping, GPS courses and the East Coast Firearms events which are run under the Whakatūpato programme. 27
Rex usually never misses branch meetings and is happy to assist at events like the A & P Show, promotional events, helping on branch courses and is capable of dealing with any problems or issues that arise. Rex has been a strong supporter in rebuilding the Gisborne branch to the level it is today and he is a respected mentor for existing and new members. Rex’s love for the outdoors is certainly an asset to the many organisations for which he dedicates his time. As well as the Mountain Safety Council, Rex also puts in many hours each year to LandSAR providing search support for the lost, missing or injured. He also works part-time for the New Zealand Police as a Vetting Officer and as a volunteer for the Citizens’ Advice Centre. Congratulations Rex, on this well deserved award. - Jane Hoedemaekers, Branch Network Manager
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
staff changes
at the mountain safety council
Archana Nair // MSC Resources Co-ordinator, national office Archana has taken over Lindsey’s position and her role primarily encompasses frontof-house reception services, resources coordination to internal and external stakeholders, managing the online shop and coordinating in house meetings and events.
spoken to her, do take the opportunity to introduce yourself. Originally hailing from Mumbai, India, Archana came to Auckland to study in 2008. After completing a business studies course, she moved to Wellington and enjoys living and working in the ‘coolest little capital in the world’.
Archana (phonetically pronounced Arshna) started in October and works fulltime Monday to Friday and is part of the operations team, reporting to Leonce via Andrea. If you’ve not already met or
lindsey pickering // archive Co-ordinator, national office Since returning from a fantastic holiday in India, I have returned to the National Office to take up in the part-time role of archive co-ordinator.
data cleansing as well as the important task of archiving historical records and converting paper-based instructor records to digital files that can be stored electronically.
I am currently working on a number of projects including identifying and evaluating instructor entitlement to Skills Active National Certificate 3 and running through the application process with those that qualify.
Throughout December I will generally be working in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but this may be reviewed in the New Year depending on other commitments.
I am also working on the new database project which includes data entry and
Mark emerson // ofa programme co-ordinator We are pleased to announce that we have appointed Mark Emerson as MSC’s new Outdoor First Aid Programme Co-ordinator. Mark is currently employed in the New Zealand Defence Force, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment as a company medic. He has an impressive array of paramedic and military medical qualifications, together with national certificates in Adult Education and First Line Management.
He will begin his role on Monday 7 January 2013. We believe he will provide significant benefit both in terms of furthering programme refinements and supporting training and development of both trainee and qualified instructors. More on Mark in the next issue…
Administration officers // farewell and hello It is with great sadness we farewell our Canterbury Administration Officer, Lee Cox after four years with us. Lee has been travelling around Europe for the past couple of months and has decided to settle on the Gold Coast. Good luck Lee.
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We would also like to say a big thank you to Claire O’Connor who has been the administration Officer in Wanganui on a volunteer basis for many years, Claire will remain as a branch member of Wanganui but has decided to relinquish the administration role. In her place we welcome Craig Adam.
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
walking leader pilot
National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation Walking Leader Pilot Course
In 2011 the Mountain Safety Council held discussions with a number of New Zealand’s national youth organisations regarding the demand for developing qualified youth leaders to operate safely in the outdoors. These discussions led to further discussions in 2012 where MSC presented a proposal to seek funding to deliver three pilot courses that would deliver up to 50 leaders capable of leading day trips in the outdoors. The agencies represented at this meeting agreed to support the pilot schemes and for MSC to source funding and coordinate delivery on behalf of all organisations to achieve the desired results. MSC achieved funding support from: • Sport New Zealand • Lion Foundation • Ministry of Youth Development Collaborative partner organisations included: • Mountain Safety Council • Christian Camping • Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Awards • Education Outdoors New Zealand • Girl Guiding NZ • Girls’ Brigade • NZ Defence Force • Scouting NZ • YMCA 45 participants attended the seven day courses run at: • Blue Mountain Outdoor Adventure Centre, Raurimu, National Park (North Island) • Aongatete Lodge, Waihi, Bay of Plenty (North Island) • Environmental Education Centre, Arthur’s Pass (South Island)
We are pleased to report that 43 of the 45 participants are now well on their way to completing all the requirements of the full national certificate. At a meeting on 14 November the collaborative partners met again to agree a plan to make the delivery of a collaborative programme of leadership training viable in 2013 and beyond. The focus is now on securing a sustainable funding platform as well as the refinement of the 7-day course process to include the full Outdoor Leader qualification into the plan and development of other modular delivery options. The meeting highlighted the need for voluntary organisations to ensure adequate provision of educational opportunities and qualification for leaders and instructors that demonstrate competency fit for roles within organisations. They must ensure that they meet organisational health and safety responsibilities and in some cases the requirements of the new Adventure Tourism Commercial Operators Regulations established by the Department of Labour. Participants in their post course evaluations were pleased with the course content and the quality of delivery provided by the Professional SARINZ and Triple One Care Instructors and the suitability of the three venues and track experiences. This pilot demonstrated the commitment of the Mountain Safety Council to the provision of tangible support to member agencies and our commitment to our mission to: • 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. We look forward to being able to achieve a greater number of consistently trained and qualified leaders through this process in 2013 and beyond. - Leonce Jones, Education Manager
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
instructor tips part 2: dealing with dyslexic learners
In this series of instructor tips, firearms training coordinator Tracy Wakeford explores some common topics raised by instructors, regarding teaching and learning outdoors skills. Many of our instructors have mentioned that they commonly encounter people with dyslexia, which is not surprising considering 1 in 10 New Zealanders are dyslexic. Here is some information about what dyslexia is and how we can engage with people with this learning style. The examples given below are from the firearms programme, but are equally useful for the other disciplines. What is dyslexia?
How can we work better with a dyslexic person?
Dyslexia is a thinking style and has been found in research to have some neurobiological basis. Through brain research we know that it is common to use the ‘verbal’ left-side of our brain to understand words. However, dyslexic people use the ‘pictorial’ or right-side of the brain- making them slower to process and understand language, but stronger in creative areas like problem-solving, empathy and lateral thinking (thinking outside the box). In simple terms, this means they think in pictures not words.
Above: An example of picture thinking with words
Like other people with learning challenges, such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), dyslexics are still learning but just in different ways. Dyslexics commonly have difficulties with literacy and numeracy but can also have issues with information processing, planning and organising, motor skills and short-term memory and concentration. All of which may affect their ability to follow instructions, finish certain tasks on time or turn thoughts into words (i.e. express themselves). Dyslexics tend to be top-down rather than bottom-up thinkers, meaning they learn from getting the big picture or overall idea and meaning first, and then fill in the specific details later.
There is no single solution – as dyslexia is thought to be a continuum of abilities or difficulties with no clear cut-off points. Our greatest contribution can be to avoid stigmatising and negative stereotyping – dyslexia is not a disease or illness or an intellectual deficit. Here are some tips that you could use to support dyslexics in your presentations: •
Incorporate diagrams and pictures in your presentation (remember dyslexics think in pictures)
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Use drawings to illustrate concepts
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Provide the ‘big picture’ overview at the start of your presentation
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Mind-maps and use of colour may be helpful
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Checklists are useful (such as the 7 rules of firearm safety posters)
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Use real objects as props (e.g. demonstration firearms, dummy ammo, blown barrels)
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Have keywords around the room that relate to the topic being taught (this provides visual cues to help focus)
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Try to incorporate regular short breaks in the session
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Dyslexics may need extra time for reading
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Also avoid any distractions (e.g. you may need to have them seated in a separate room when doing the firearms safety test)
For more information regarding dyslexia, please visit: www.dyslexiafoundation.org.nz - Tracy Wakeford, Firearms Programme Training Co-ordinator
Revalidation deadline fast approaching The revalidation of all MSC members has only one month to go before the returns deadline. Unfortunately MSC cannot accept applications beyond 31 December 2012 because the police authorisation statement has altered and will not be accepted from 1 January 2013, for vetting purposes. This process excludes HUNTS instructors, who will be contacted early in the New Year and firearms instructors who were revalidated last year. 30
The number of returns has been really good with an increase of members renewing their membership to MSC when compared with three years ago. For those who have not submitted their forms please complete them now, with accurate supporting documentation, so that you can remain an active member of MSC. Please contact your branch administration officer if you require assistance.
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
the outdoors awards
MSC programme and personal achievements recognised
Volunteer of the year awarded to MSC’s Nigel Seebeck The Outdoors Awards recognise the highest levels of individual and organisational achievement in outdoor recreation and education in New Zealand. We are delighted to announce that the 2012 Outdoors New Zealand volunteer of the year award has been won by the Mountain Safety Council’s Nigel Seebeck. Nigel has been a member of the MSC since 1983. He is currently the chair of MSC Wellington Branch and acts in both a regional and national capacity for the Alpine, Abseil and Outdoor First Aid programmes, as well as being a national assessor in Outdoor First Aid and Abseil. Nigel places a huge emphasis on safety with a strong attention to detail. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and skills with others so that they too can enjoy the outdoors safely whether it be skiing, abseiling, tramping etc. As well as MSC, Nigel puts in large numbers of volunteer hours into the Upper Hutt Community Rescue Team, provides first aid support for local events and shares his IT skills with other community organisations. Darryl Carpenter (MSC Chief Executive) said: ‘Nigel is a dedicated, highly skilled and hard-working professional. He is genuine, articulate and a mentor to many as well as a lovely, kind and gentle family man, who is respected by his peers.’ ‘He is the consummate volunteer who successfully juggles his volunteer roles and his professional career without compromising either,’ added Carpenter. Well done to Nigel on this significant achievement.
Above: Nigel Seebeck and MSC Chief Executive Darryl Carpenter
Whakatūpato programme recognised The Mountain Safety Council’s Firearms Safety Training Programme Whakatūpato, picked up the EONZ Education Programme Special Merit Award. Whakatūpato is a popular and effective programme which holds a great deal of importance in the context of overall outdoor safety within our rural communities. In response to receiving this award, outgoing firearms programme manager Mike Spray wished to thank the following people: • Darryl and the team at National Office who provide support for the project. • Joe Green and New Zealand Police for funding ongoing delivery. • Various Iwi for their commitment to Whakatūpato. • John Ransfield for his dedication and drive to expand and deliver Whakatūpato. • The Whakatūpato Instructors who are dedicated and passionate about their work. • The working group for their advice and wise steerage. • Tracy Wakeford who deserves enormous credit for the programmes’ implementation and ongoing success. Congratulations to all of the deserving award winners. 31
Above: MSC’s Mike Spray and Tracey Wakefield receiving the Merit award from EONZ’s Liz Thevenard NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
21 peaks, 21 days one National Park, two brothers, 21 peaks in 21 days.
Peaks: 21 Location: Nelson Lakes National Park Grade: Advanced Time: 21 days Party Size: 2
© 2011 Nathan Watson
Nigel and Nathan Watson don’t do things by halves and this summer they are set to summit 21 named peaks over 2000m in the Nelson Lakes National Park in 21 days.
and no matter whether it’s a family walk in the bush or an extreme expedition like this, the 5 simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code apply and planning and preparation is the key.
Nathan is well known to us here in national office as not only is he the New Zealand Girl Guiding’s national outdoor programme coordinator but he’s also the Guides’ representative on the Mountain Safety Council. Some of us here at National Office have heard first-hand about this ambitious expedition which aims to raise a significant amount of money for the Kea Conservation Trust.
Sponsor a mountain - businesses, brands, organisations and individuals have the opportunity to ‘sponsor a mountain’ by donating the same height as the mountain in dollar. If all 21 mountains are sponsored the expedition will raise approximately $46,000 and the entire amount will be gifted to the Kea Conservation Trust.
Setting off in mid-February, the remoteness of these mountains means that for the majority of the expedition the brothers will be at least 2-3 days walk from any sense of civilisation or outside assistance. This requires expert planning
For more information on how you or your business could help, please contact Nathan by emailing nz.nathan.watson@gmail.com
msc branch awards
MSC branches recognised with awards
Well done to MSC Wellington for their ‘highly commended’ recognition in the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards under the Sport and Leisure Section. Congratulations go to MSC Gisborne who were recently named the winner in the Education and Child/Youth Development section of the 2012 Trust Power Community Awards for their Whakatupato Programme Well done and congratulations to all the volunteers of both branches. Right: Bridget Janse receiving Wellington’s certificate from Councillor John Morrison.
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
Industry News Update on the Adventure Tourism Review A number of high profile incidents and fatalities in the outdoors prompted the Government to commence the Adventure Tourism and Outdoor Commercial Safety (ATOCS) review. This has resulted in new regulations and a number of projects intended to support commercial operators to provide safe adventure activities and services. The Government agency responsible for this work is now the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MoBIE) having formally being the Department of Labour. MoBIE have contracted the Tourism Industry Association (TIANZ) and Outdoors New Zealand (ONZ) to deliver various projects to support the successful achievement of this work. The Mountain Safety Council is an active member of the project advisory group for MoBIE because of our mandate and strategic goal of ‘commercial operators operate safely’. For more information on progress of this work to date, have a look at Support Adventure website: www.supportadventure.co.nz It’s a really good resource for those who need to develop safety management plans and other related outdoor material. In addition, the following are two projects into which MSC is having input: 1. Activity Safety Guidelines (ASGs) These are being developed and outline what activity specialists currently consider to be good practice for actively managing safety in a particular activity and provide practical guidance for adventure activity operators on how they can meet their obligations under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and its associated regulations. They will also assist operators and safety auditors to satisfy the requirements of the Adventure Activities Regulations for safety audits. The ASGs are not statutory guidelines imposed by law, rather they are voluntary guidelines that reflect the industry’s current safety recommendations.
Above: The SupportAdventure website - great for those who need to develop safety management plans
MSC is providing input into the ASG’s as part of the consultation process that occurs in the development of these types of documents because of our outdoor safety mandate. The ASG’s will also be useful guidelines for non-commercial activity providers so they will be a useful resource for the wider outdoor recreation and education sector as well. When each ASG is developed, they will be placed on www.supportadventure.co.nz 2. National Incident Database (NID) update MSC manages the National Incident Database (NID) on behalf of the sector. The NID is the principle tool for recording nearmisses, incidents and fatalities in the outdoors and is used extensively by many organisations in our sector including commercial, community, education and volunteer. MSC is also an active user of the NID. While the NID is a great resource, the technology platform and usability is becoming increasingly outdated. With new technology becoming available and the ATOC review identifying the need for better and wider sector data gathering and information provision for near-misses, incidents and fatalities, it is timely to review the NID and replace it. MSC is working with ONZ to review and redevelop this important resource for the sector.
Targeted Review of Qualifications (TRoQ) update The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has instigated a targeted review of qualifications (TROQ) process for all qualifications in New Zealand with the intention of developing one set of agreed national qualifications. Due to the fact that MSC uses qualifications on the national framework, this review (TROQ) will have an impact on what leader and instructor qualifications we use into the future.
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Members of the MSC management team and the Board have represented MSC’s interests on the various working groups to ensure our voice is heard. Preliminary qualification maps for outdoor recreation have been developed and these are now being moderated across the wider domains of recreation and sport and then all qualifications beyond those. We’ll keep you up to date with progress.
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
ONZ FORUM
The Outdoor Forum and The Outdoors Awards took place on 12-13 October, 2012 in Wellington
This is one of the ways in which we raise awareness of MSC at an organisational level and gain credibility amongst our peers.
This two-day event hosted by Outdoors New Zealand (ONZ) enabled delegates from the heart of the outdoors community to share knowledge, ideas and discuss important issues and initiatives through workshops, seminars and networking opportunities.
Next year, ONZ will host the World Outdoors Summit which will be held in Rotorua. The summit aims to advance the progression of education, recreation and adventure tourism within the international outdoors community through the sharing of knowledge, debating of ideas and experiential practice.
This year’s theme was ‘the value of the outdoors to New Zealand society’. A number of Mountain Safety Council staff attended and were treated to many informative and sometimes inspirational presentations on key issues facing the outdoors, from thought leaders within the outdoors sector. Of course networking and making new contacts was also high on the agenda as well as reconnecting with existing stakeholders from around the country.
The call for speakers is now open. For more information visit: http://www.outdoorsnz.org.nz/world-outdoors-summit
Towards the end of the first day, Mountain Safety Council CEO Darryl Carpenter made a presentation about the value of the outdoors, measuring the perception of value and ensuring there is framework in place to identify, deliver, measure and adjust.
NZ MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL MEMBER ORGANISATIONS >> The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council is formed of a number of member organisations all with a stake in promoting safe participation in New Zealand’s great outdoors.
world outdoors summit THE
THE VALUE OF THE OUTDOORS TO SOCIETY The World Outdoors Summit aims to advance the progression of education, recreation and adventure tourism within the international outdoors community through the sharing of knowledge, debating of ideas and experiential practice.
18-22 NOV 2013 ROTORUA NEW ZEALAND OUTDOOR EDUCATION OUTDOOR RECREATION ADVENTURE TOURISM ∞ Networking opportunities ∞ Keynote presentations ∞ Panel discussions ∞ Workshops and discussion groups ∞ Outdoor sessions ∞ Activities ∞ Exhibitions ∞ Awards Gala Dinner
CALL FOR SPEAKERS NOW OPEN To submit an abstract or for more info visit:
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
shop guide to the mountain safety council store Your guide to buying the perfect gift for yourself or the other outdoor enthusiasts in your life, to keep safe in the outdoors. Make sure you have the below essentials on your outdoor adventures this summer
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A
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A. NZ Outdoor First Aid Manual This book contains essential information about how to handle first aid and medical emergencies in New Zealand’s outdoors. It’s suitable for all outdoors enthusiasts and could save your life if you run into difficulties in a remote location. Written by medical and outdoors experts for New Zealand conditions. RRP: $35.00
B. MSC Safety Whistle
This MSC branded, bright orange and extremely durable whistle is manufactured in the USA out of the strongest ABS plastic. This whistle will not fail or crack like cheaper polyproplylene products. RRP: $9.95
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E
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C. Premium Survival Pack
Essential survival items for the outdoors in one convenient, light-weight and shower proof zip-lock bag. Pack includes: • MSC Bushcraft manual • High quality safety whistle • Pack liner • Pocket survival bag • Safety information RRP: $50.00
D. Pocket Survival Bag
This lightweight emergency survival bag for warmth and shelter comes compressed in a handy pocket sized ziplock bag. The bag is durable and is printed with survival tips. RRP: $7.00
E. MSC Survival Bag Large, tough, bright orange survival bag. Features: • Survival information printed on one side • Can be an emergency shelter • Can be worn, or used as a signal. RRP: $7.00
F. MSC Packliner Essential to keep your gear dry. This Large tough bright yellow plastic liner is a fantastic way to keep your gear dry and essential for any outdoor enthusiast. Fits most packs. RRP: $5.00
To purchase, ask your branch Administration Officer or visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz/resources
NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |
31 may - 2 june
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
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 for the SAR sector, instructors and forecasters, 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 open soon. Supported by:
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NZ Mountain Safety Council | OnTrack | November 2012 |