NZ Mountain Safety Council - OnTrack October 2015

Issue

21

October 2015

On Track

PHOTO: Nathan Watson

N ew Zeal a nd M o unta in Sa f ety Co uncil Newslette r

Strategic Plan 2015-2020 Find out more about our changes for the future.

Projects Check out what we have been working on at MSC.

Latest News Stay up to date with all that is new at MSC.

Safer places, safer 1 activities, safer people

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is a national organisation with a mandate to encourage safe participation in land-based outdoor activities. It does this through the development and promotion of safety messaging, by identifying and responding to insights provided by the ongoing collection and analysis of data, and by building partnerships with relevant organisations.

Safer places, safer activities, safer people

Contents

Welcome OneMSC Strategic Plan Collaboration Outdoor Land Safety Alpine and Avalanche Firearms and Hunter Safety MSC News On Track information Outdoors Intentions Form 1

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

PHOTO: Nathan Watson

Welcome Mike Daisley >> CEO I realise that you may have heard a bit of noise lately regarding the changes the MSC is making. Unfortunately not all of the information circulating is correct. Yes, we are making changes and redefining what we do – but our primary focus continues to be safety in the outdoors and we believe these changes will better enable us to support this.

Enabling more people to access the outdoors safely is the focus of our new strategic plan, which is underpinned by four key platforms: spreading our messages widely, identifying and responding to insights provided by the ongoing collection and analysis of information, building strong partnerships, and organisational excellence.

We have already begun this work and will be meeting with our partners over the next few months to explain our key objectives, and to introduce this year’s Business Plan. The aim is to outline what can be achieved to improve safety by working collaboratively across the outdoor recreation sector.

Our commitment to alpine safety and avalanche forecasting at avalanche.net.nz remains a key focus for the MSC going forward, as does our commitment to firearms and hunter safety. Despite some of what you may have heard or read, the MSC remains as committed as ever to our firearms and hunter safety work and the continued delivery of firearms safety lectures around the country.

Our member organisations and partners will play a key part in the work of the MSC going forward, and it was great to catch up with so many of them at our recent Partner Workshop. This was a prime example of how we intend to work in the future and it was great to see the enthusiasm for this from our partners and member organisations.

By forming partnerships we can share knowledge, data and insights that will allow us to identify hazardous areas and activities and target safety messages to the most at risk groups and locations.

Incidents like the recent avalanche deaths of Canadian tourists Louis-Vincent Lessard and Etienne Lemieux, and Sydney heli-skier Roger Greville reinforce the importance of continuing and strengthening our focus on making sure we get the right messages to the right people, at the right time.

Geoff Ensor >> Chairperson It’s been fantastic to see the strong commitment and support the MSC has received from our member organisations and partners regarding our new strategic direction. Building strong partnerships is one of our key strategic platforms and it is encouraging to see that many of you are as excited about the future as we are.

While our strategic plan is setting us up for a great future, we are also looking back as we celebrate 50 years of the MSC. One of the ways we will be marking this special occasion will be a special lunch held at our AGM.

cause some healthy debate but I’m sure you’ll find some new places that you will be inspired to explore this summer.

Finally, we were pleased to welcome people from across the sector to our new home at the recent partners’ workshop which provided an excellent opportunity to discuss common outdoor safety issues. Our partners have extensive knowledge and networks, and by working collaboratively we can ensure our safety messages reach a much wider audience, at the right time and in the right way, which will ultimately be of benefit to everyone who ventures into the outdoors.

The November/December issue of On Track will be also be dedicated to celebrating the achievements, highlights, memories and stories of the past 50 years. We invite all of you to send us your stories, photos, news articles, memories and other contributions to assist with this edition. Contributions for the November/December issue should be sent to the MSC Communications team by emailing design@mountainsafety. org.nz before 1 November.

As part of our 50 year celebrations we are also developing a list of the Top 50 things to see or do or places to visit in New Zealand’s outdoors, which we’re hoping to release during Conservation Week (1-8 November). The final list is bound to

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OneMSC

New Strategic Plan – exciting way forward for MSC MSC partner workshop Over the past year, the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) has been In early September, the MSC held a partner workshop at its home on Customhouse Quay in Central Wellington. It was working to redefine what it does; enabling new a great opportunity to utilise our new facilities and welcome more people to enjoy the outdoors safely. many of our Council members and partners to our new office.

As part of this, the MSC Board confirmed the organisation’s new strategic plan in mid-July. The plan focuses on four broad platforms – spreading messages widely, building strong partnerships, identifying and responding to insights provided by the ongoing collection and analysis of information, and organisational excellence. [A copy of the full Strategic Plan is available on page five of this issue of OnTrack.]

MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley and Acting Operations Manager Nathan Watson will be sitting down with MSC partners and member organisations over the next few months to walk them through the strategic plan, and to introduce this year’s Business Plan. This will help to provide a real sense of what can be achieved to improve safety by working together across the outdoor sector.

There were 20 different partner organisations involved, including the Department of Conservation, Federated Mountain Clubs, New Zealand Alpine Club, NZ Mountain Guides Association, NZ Professional Hunting Guides Association, Education Outdoors NZ, New Zealand Recreation Association, NZOIA, ACC, NZSAR, NZ Shooting Federation, LandSAR and MetService. It was a superb turn out that showcases an incredible level of commitment and buy-in to the new MSC.

The workshop was an opportunity for many of our partners to come together and work towards solving some known outdoor safety issues. Facilitated by Acting Operations Manager Nathan Watson and Chief Executive Mike Daisley, the workshop was an opportunity to highlight outdoor safety issues, particularly focusing on the Central North Island People today want information to be readily available and and Southern Lakes/South Westland areas. The workshop easily shared, and we need to use a variety of media to reach presented some of the early MSC Insights work, specifically people and let them know how to stay safe in the outdoors. what we know about participation rates/trends and outdoor injuries, search and rescue operations and fatalities. After we Forging robust partnerships with other organisations will help set the scene and provided some context around what’s going identify how we can support each other to provide the best on in these hotspot areas, the 26 participants spent time possible safety information, education and initiatives, and to developing a better understanding of what was going wrong ensure we deliver targeted and consistent messaging. and collaboratively exploring possible solutions to these outdoor safety issues.

Gathering data to gain insights about where people go and when, and identifying hazardous places and activities will help The workshop was the perfect opportunity for our partners to us better target our safety messaging. engage in our new way of doing things, drawing on everyone’s knowledge and mutual commitment to improving outdoor Finally, by refining our business systems, the MSC will make safety, together. sure we are working in the most efficient way. Our internal operations will run smoothly, and we will connect better with Partner workshop hosted by MSC our partners. This will support our other three platforms and help us to achieve our overall goals.

As an industry, there are opportunities for collaboration as never before. With a clear direction, we can offer clear benefit.

Our new strategy will ensure we are relevant to more people than ever before and help New Zealand’s outdoor safety culture to flourish, today and into the future.

If you would like to talk to someone at the MSC about the new strategic direction, please contact Nathan Watson: nathan.watson@mountainsafety.org.nz.

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The MSC will now take some time to collate the workshop findings before taking the potential solutions any further. We will also continue to progress our Insights work to help us better understand what’s happening in relation to outdoor safety incidents.

The MSC also hosted a light supper and drinks in the evening to officially welcome everyone to our new home.

A big thank you to everyone who was able to attend the workshop and evening function. We look forward to the next opportunity to connect with you all.

Partner workshop hosted by MSC

OnTrack to celebrate 50 years This year the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) celebrates its 50th year. To mark this significant milestone, the December issue of On Track will focus on the achievements, highlights, memories and stories of the past 50 years of the MSC. Readers are invited to send in stories, photos, news articles, memories and other contributions to assist with this edition.

Contributions for the December issue should be sent to the MSC Communications team – email design@mountainsafety.org.nz by 14 November.

If you have a story to share but aren’t comfortable or don’t have time to write something yourself, email the Communications team and someone will be in touch to speak with you and write a story based on your conversation.

Insights - ACC data ethics approval As part of the MSC Insights platform, we’re working with a range of partners to gain access to their outdoor safety data and information. Recently, we submitted an application for ethics approval to ACC in order to gain access to their extensive injury database. The MSC worked together with Litmus Marketing to build a comprehensive ethics application and in early September our approval was granted.

This approval gives the MSC access to ACC’s outdoor recreation injury data and will form a significant and vital piece of our work to understand what is going wrong in the outdoors. The MSC and Litmus Marketing will explore this data and use it to develop highly relevant datasets. For example, we’ll have clarity about the types, frequency and severity of outdoor recreation injury claims, including where they’re occurring, and the types of people (demographics) involved. One of the most powerful pieces of information will be the causes involved.

While this last issue of On Track for the year will focus on celebrating the past 50 years, it will also look to the future – the next 50 years. With 50 great years behind us, we’re ready to look towards the next 50 years – and it’s going to be great.

PROJECT: Infographic insights into injuries and fatalities in New Zealand outdoors Working with the database of National Coronial Information Services, we identified and briefly analysed all fatalities related to outdoor recreation between 2009 and 2014. We also worked with ACC to collate a selection of injury-claim data about outdoor activities.

This data clearly showed us New Zealand’s accident and injury hotspots – places with a high number of outdoor safety issues.

Using this information, we are developing some basic infographics to use with our partners. Identifying priority areas will also help us plan our work for 2015–16.

This information serves as one critical aspect of the wider picture of what’s going wrong in the outdoors and, together with information about fatalities (which we already have access to via the National Coronial Information Services database), will allow us to build a truly representative picture of outdoor safety issues. The third critical piece of information relating to safety issues is search and rescue data, and we’re working with NZSAR to establish ongoing access to the information they hold.

The development of our Insights platform is an important step in the journey of the new MSC. We’re excited to keep you updated as this develops and share with you what we know.

To the right are some examples of the picture that’s already emerging, based on some of the work we’ve done to date.

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OneMSC

INSIGH Ts

g in ag ss Me

Strategic Plan 2015-2020

SafeR places, safeR activities, safeR people.

Our vision

Safer places, safer activities, safer people.

Our mission

Partnering

Enabling people to enjoy their outdoors recreation safely.

Our values

Professionalism: We will collaborate with the rest of the o utdoor sector and share what we know.

Integrity: We will be open and honest in everything we do.

Trust: We will be the organisation people look to for how to get prepared and stay safe outdoors.

How we’ll achieve our vision We’ll focus on three broad platforms. Each platform will support the others, and all three will be underpinned by organisational excellence.

We’ll build strong partnerships

We’ll use data to gain insights

We’ll spread messages widely

By working more closely with our partners, we will: • make outdoor safety a part of what we do together • act as a hub to connect us all together • make the most of combined knowledge, data and insights • use partnerships to identify and reach specific groups, together.

By collecting and analysing new and existing data, we will:

By targeting both broad and specific audiences, we will:

•u nderstand where people go and what activities they do •k now who’s most likely to get into problems • i dentify the most hazardous places and activities • t arget our safety messages to the right groups • s hare useful information with our partners and others.

• greatly increase how many people hear our messages • make sure we’re reaching the most at-risk groups • make sure people are prepared for the most hazardous places and activities • help many more people stay safe in the outdoors.

We’ll achieve organisational excellence By refining our business systems, we’ll make sure we’re working in the most efficient way. Our internal operations will run smoothly, and we’ll connect better with our partners. Excellence in our work processes will support our three main platforms and help us achieve our overall goals.

we’ll know we’re succeeding when By 2020, we want to see significant improvements in each of these three areas. We’ll use a range of ways to measure the effect we’re having. We will know we’re succeeding when: • our partners see us as a centre of knowledge and best practice, and they report better safety behaviour among their own networks.

• we’ve clearly identified which places, activities, and people we need to target most.

• surveys show people are more aware of how to stay safe, and the number of search and rescue call-outs decreases.

• our staff feel a sense of ownership over their work, and we can clearly show increased productivity and less waste.

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Why spread messages widely?

Aroha recently moved to Dunedin to study. She grew up in Auckland and doesn’t consider herself the outdoorsy type, but since moving south she’s heard all about the wilderness on her doorstep. She wants to see it for herself by doing a few day walks in the Otago region.

Why use data to gain insights?

Aroha’s planning to wait for a sunny Saturday, chuck on some gym gear, and go. It doesn’t occur to her to take a rain jacket, or to tell her flatmates where she’s off to.

Ryan lives in Queenstown. It’s a great area for getting outdoors, and Ryan’s a keen tramper and hunter, always eager to try new things. Mountain running is becoming pretty popular, and he’s keen to give it a go.

Ryan’s heard stories about runners who’ve got lost, sprained ankles, or been stranded in the dark. He wants to know more about how to stay safe before he hits the hills.

By collecting and analysing data, we’ll be able to give Ryan the information he needs. The data will show us where the most dangerous areas are, and which times of year present the most risks. If the data shows us mountain runners need specific information to keep them safe, we’ll be able to tailor our messages to them.

Ryan will be able to find out what he needs to know in a way that works for him – whether that’s online at home, or on his smartphone out in the trails. We’ll use the information available

By spreading our safety messages widely, we’ll be able to reach Aroha before she walks into trouble. She may not actively seek out safety information, but she does watch TV, listen to local radio, and browse Facebook. By spreading our messages across these mainstream channels, we’ll make sure Aroha knows enough to think about what she needs to do and take before leaving the house.

Why build strong partnerships?

Helen, Tim and their three children – Rebecca (12), Catherine (9), and Caleb (7) – are planning a three-day tramp in the central North Island. They’ve done some day walks before and Tim’s been tramping with mates, but this is their first big tramp as a family.

They know to check details of where they’re going, and they know where to get the gear they need. But there’s a lot they don’t know, and their limited experience means they don’t realise all the risks of what seems like a pretty safe trip.

By working with our partners, we’ll ensure Helen and Tim are aware of those risks before they go, and show them how to be prepared. When they stock up on supplies at their local outdoor shop, or visit the DOC website or a visitor centre, they’ll be given best-practice safety information.

We’ll support our partners to highlight any relevant hazards, remind Helen and Tim of anything they’ve forgotten, and help them have a safe, enjoyable trip.

For more information, see the MSC 2015-16 Business Plan www.mountainsafety.org.nz 66

Collaboration

NZ Recreation Association – champion for the outdoors Andrew Leslie is the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA). NZRA is the industry body for recreation professionals. It works to provide leadership and build capability across the recreation industry, from the front door to the great outdoors.

Every week hundreds of New Zealanders head off into the outdoors - be it to the beach, rivers, lakes, bush or mountains.

We have a huge variety of parks, beaches and outdoor spaces that are well used and provide enjoyment for many.The benefits of spending time in the outdoors are massive.

It is the role of the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) to be a champion for the outdoors, to increase participation and streamline access to opportunities. NZRA achieves this through strong advocacy, helping industry leaders to identify best practice and develop their skills, and providing networking opportunities so people in the sector can find common ground and ways to work together.

One of NZRA’s top priorities for the outdoor recreation sector is partnership building and advocacy, particularly in light of recent legislative change.

them, on behalf of the sector, to make the system more userfriendly for both providers and users, while still supporting greater safety.

Supporting those in the outdoor sector through professional development is another of our core roles. Recently, NZRA launched the NextStep website - a one-stop-shop for training, courses and events for recreation professionals to help grow their careers.

Looking ahead, there are a number of exciting events coming up. These include the Outdoors Forum, to be held in Wellington from 22-23 October, and NZRA’s annual National Conference, which will be held at Te Papa in Wellington from 18-20 November.

National Conference will feature presentations on strategic developments and trends impacting on the wider recreation industry, including keynote speakers from New Zealand and The extra safety audits that have resulted from the enactment overseas. of the Adventure Activity Regulations have already had a significant impact on many providers, and there has been Join others from across the wider recreation industry to unease about possible downstream effects of the new Health explore the benefits of outdoor recreation for individual and and Safety at Work Act, which will come into effect on 4 April community wellbeing, the spaces and places that enable 2016. sustainable recreation experiences, the changing nature and demographics of the people of Aotearoa, and the concept of During July we ran a series of workshops around the country risk as it applies to the outdoor recreation experience and to provide an opportunity for those in the outdoor sector to health and safety. get together, network, and share knowledge, challenges and opportunities.

The future certainly holds some challenges for the outdoor recreation sector, but also some real opportunities. To make Among the concerns raised at the workshops were the need the most of these, we will need to work together as a sector for strong advocacy to ensure the Government is aware of to ensure New Zealand’s outdoor spaces continue to be the impact rising compliance costs associated with new accessible, safe and available for everyone to enjoy. legislation can have when it comes to ongoing provision of outdoor experiences.

NZRA will continue to work with the sector to understand the issues around compliance with the new regulations, as well as any increased costs or fewer opportunities for end users that may arise as a result of these legislative changes.

These concerns will help to shape our conversations with WorkSafe and the Government and allow us to work with

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MSC and DOC collaborate on impressive new Queenstown Visitor Centre The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) welcomed the opening of the new Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centre in Queenstown by Conservation Minister Maggie Barry on 10 September as an important win for outdoor safety in the popular tourist area.

The MSC worked with DOC to develop a ‘Know Before You Go’ safety wall, the first of its kind in visitor centres around the country.

Mike Daisley and Kaja Vetter (DOC) at the new DOC Queenstown Visitor Centre

MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley said ensuring people had access to the right safety information and advice before venturing into the outdoors was critical, and visitor centres were a great source for this information.

“There are a lot of great resources and websites for planning an outdoor trip but visitor centres are able to provide localised advice about things like huts, weather and track conditions, which are a key part of trip planning.

“I encourage visitors to the area, who might be planning an outdoor trip, to visit the new visitor centre, access the impressive information and resources available and tap into that all important local knowledge.”

The wall features an interactive display that provides critical advice on topics such as avalanches, rivers and communications, and extreme environment screen showing footage of various weather conditions.

“While the wall is based around the five basic rules of the Outdoor Safety Code, it was important to the MSC that the information was relevant and specific to the local environment in Queenstown. We spent time with DOC Queenstown staff working to understand common questions they received and common safety issues in the area, and worked from there.

“It’s been great to see the fruits of that collaboration and to understand the potential for other similar projects with our partners, like DOC, in the future.”

Queenstown Visitor Centre Supervisor Kaja Vetter said she had been similarly impressed by the collaboration.

“Working with the MSC was very inspiring and the engaging approach to safety information will support the work that the MSC and DOC do in encouraging safe recreation.”

Queen’s Birthday media release collaboration with MetService In the lead up to Queen’s Birthday weekend, the MSC released a joint media release with MetService highlighting both the weather and related safety considerations. The release was promoted by both the MSC and MetService, through traditional and social media, and received good pick-up. This partnership with the MetService is something we will look to replicate in the future.

Nathan Watson, Maggie Barry, (MP) Jane Davis (Ngai Tahu Kaumatau Oraka Aparima Runaka) and Mike Daisley.

DOC Great Walk brochures We’ve been working closely with DoC to ensure the right safety messages are included in this year’s Great Walks brochures and track guides. A massive 260,000 of these will be printed and distributed across New Zealand in i-SITEs, DOC visitor centres and through local and international tourist agencies.

Winter signage on southern Great Walks As the three southern Great Walks (Milford, Routeburn and Kepler) move from summer to winter season, they undergo some changes, such as reduced facilities.

The MSC worked with DOC Fiordland on its ‘out of season’ and winter tramping signage and information that featured in the track huts and key track information areas such as local visitor centres over the winter months.

DOC visitor centre poster campaign The MSC developed an engaging new Outdoor Safety Code based poster, which featured in 25 DOC Visitor Centres across New Zealand during June and July. DOC’s national office received good feedback from visitor centre staff about the posters, and these are likely to be used again in the future.

Noticed our posters in the 25 DoC visitor centres around the country this winter?

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Outdoor Land Safety National North and South Island bush assessments

Collaborative Leader Development programme - two years on

The North Island Bush 1 and South Island Bush 2 assessments proceeded on beautiful autumn weekends with typical ever changing New Zealand weather. The assessees took turns navigating and leading their team in varying tasks involving track, river, bush, steep, flat, stable and slippery environments.

The Collaborative Leader Development programme has delivered a total of eight courses since it began in September 2013. The programme has resulted in 124 newly trained outdoor leaders who have returned to their communities and delivered outdoor recreation opportunities to more than 4,135 people. This is an average of 74 people per programme participant. This figure is based on a snapshot in time nine All five of the assessees now hold their MSC Bush 1 or Bush 2 months after their course attendance; the number will Instructor warrants and have transferred these qualifications continue to rise over time. over to NZOIA or Skills Active. Thanks to the assessors and instructors who made these assessments possible.

The significant positive impact of the programme is evident in the increasing number of qualified outdoor leaders across multiple youth and community based organisations.

MSC will be coordinating another year (four courses) of collaborative training across New Zealand.

Bush assessments - Glentui Meadows Course 7 PHOTO Terry Blumhardt

Bush assessments - Waihi Course 8 PHOTO John Burgess

How to leave your intentions for a trip Idenitify your trusted contact

Tell them your plans

Have a great time in the outdoors!

What you are doing Where are you going Who you are going with What transport you are taking When you expect to be back

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Visit www.adventuresmart.org.nz/outdoors-intentions for an online system

Let them know when you have returned

The Kawakawa tree and its many uses New Zealand’s bush is plentiful with edible and medicinal plants. Recently, whilst out on a day walk around Wellington, I discovered the Kawakawa tree, I had heard that the seeds were edible so I gave them a try and was amazed at how much they resembled black pepper.

I have eaten the leaves from the Horopito tree before but the Kawakawa seeds have a much more palatable taste!

Upon further research, I discovered that the Kawakawa tree is extremely versatile. The fruit, roots, bark and leaves all have medicinal properties. You can chew the leaves to help relieve tooth ache, or place on skin to help heal cuts and wounds. They are used as an insect repellent and can be made into a tea by being steeped in hot water. During summer, the sweet pulp of the orange fruit found on the female plants, can be eaten and tastes a lot like passionfruit.

Kawakawa is found in coastal and lowland forests throughout the North Island and the northern half of the South Island. It is a small tree, growing 2-3 metres tall.

It is easy to recognise by its heart-shaped leaves which often have holes in caused by the looper caterpillar.

When selecting which leaves to pick, these particular leaves have stronger medicinal and repellent properties.

This is because the plant is trying to defend against the caterpillar, sending more repellent to those leaves affected. - Jen Hayto, MSC

How to spot the signs of hypothermia and what to do If the symptoms of cold exhaustion are ignored, the patient’s core cools further and the brain becomes affected, and they are no longer able to help themselves or even recognise the problem. Cold exhaustion can turn into hypothermia.

The worsening stages of hypothermia begin when the core temperature falls below 35 degrees.

The below symptoms are just some that a person suffering from hypothermia could exhibit.

• they may complain or become argumentative • hand/eye coordination may deteriorate • they may mutter or speak unclearly • they may fall without obvious cause • they may refuse to admit anything is wrong, showing apathy and lack of concern.

This can progress to: • loss of consciousness • bluish-grey skin • slow pulse and breathing, with the pulse difficult to detect.

Management of hypothermia focuses on preventing further heat loss and re-warming the core.

You should:

Things to think about when planning your trip

• stop any exercise, treat them gently

It pays to do some research before you head off and local knowledge can be invaluable. Plan out the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take. Think about the slowest person in your party will they be able to manage the trip in the time expected?

Ask yourself:

• create shelter or move to sheltered spot

• remove damp clothing, replace with dry/warm clothing with windproof layers, particularly on the head

Where are you going?

• gently warm the person by using other peoples body heat • give the patient warm (not hot) drinks – if they are fully conscious • re-warm their core by applying warm (not hot) objects to their head, neck and chest only.

Is the route through areas that are exposed to difficult terrain or high winds? Are there river crossings? Will all members of your party be able to manage this?

Who is going with you?

Who is in your party? Are they young children, inexperienced, or have they spent a lot of time in the outdoors? Plan your trip to accommodate everyone’s abilities.

How long will you go for?

Is the trip achievable in the time allowed? Do you need an extra day to cater for those who may be less experienced?

Do you need permission for access?

Visit the track alerts section within the relevant region on the DOC website:

Does your route cross private land? If so, then getting www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/alerts consent from the land owner is imperative. The land owner may also have information about track conditions, commercial operations or track, hut or bridge repairs.

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Alpine and Avalanche How to survive an avalanche It may sound obvious, but the best way to survive an avalanche is to avoid getting caught in one. Most people who get caught in an avalanche, start it themselves. If we can learn to recognise the terrain and conditions that create avalanches, we can make good decisions about where to go to avoid the danger.

From a risk management perspective, avalanches are high risk, low frequency events; the worst combination. People’s ability to recognise a danger and deal with it is closely linked to the amount of times they have experienced a situation. Low frequency events are ones where we don’t experience these potentially fatal incidents regularly enough to inform good decision making processes. In fact, we can further compound this by convincing ourselves we are making great decisions in the backcountry because we haven’t caused any avalanches.

However, was it good decision making or good luck?

A significant tool for surviving in avalanche terrain is to have a system; a consistent approach to making travel decisions.

A checklist is a great, simple and effective tool used by surgeons, airline pilots and firefighters every day in high risk, low frequency situations. Always take time to discuss the terrain and conditions within your group before you commit to a slope.

Ski areas do a lot of work to ensure their runs are safe from avalanches, but everything changes the moment you leave the ski area boundary. You are on your own and need to have the skills and knowledge travel safely. Take an avalanche education course and learn how to interpret the signs of avalanche conditions, and how to develop a system and stick with it.

Caught in an avalanche

If you or your friends are caught in an avalanche, you only have minutes to rescue them. If you are travelling outside a ski area boundary it is critical that everyone in your group is carrying the right equipment to perform a rescue and knows how to use it. A transceiver will locate the vicinity of a buried victim, a probe will pin point the exact location and a shovel is will dig through the firm snow faster than your hands.

If you are caught in an avalanche, here are some simple things you can do to increase your chance of survival.

• Yell and wave to others in your group • Deploy any avalanche safety equipment- Airbag or Avalung • Attempt to get out of the avalanche flow. Angle out to the side • Roll onto your back with your feet facing downhill, swim hard and fight to remain on the surface • Discard any equipment that might drag you down, like skis and poles • As the debris starts to slow, attempt to create an air pocket in front of your face • As the debris stops and sets hard, remain calm and breathe evenly. Now it’s up to your friends to dig you out.

An update on the MSC’s Backcountry Avalanche Advisory and Info-Ex exchange The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) has contracted Alpine Guides Aoraki Ltd to coordinate its avalanche forecasting programme for this season, ensuring coordination of the MSC’s regional forecasters and the Info-Ex database/information exchange. In addition to this coordination role, Alpine Guides Aoraki Ltd is also providing alpine-related communications support.

It’s great to have the support of the hugely experienced team of Trev Streat, Laura Adams, Jamie Robertson and Kevin Boekholt coordinating the MSC avalanche advisory service.

Trev is based in Aoraki/Mount Cook, Laura works between Wellington and Aoraki/ Mount Cook, and Kevin and Jamie are based in Methven. They will provide oversight of and mentoring for the wider Backcountry Avalanche Advisory forecasters and training/support to Info-Ex users as required.

Please direct your questions, comments or any technical issues to the team using the following contact details.

The MSC Avalanche Assessor card is a simple checklist to help answer the questions, Is it avalanche terrain? Could it avalanche? What are the consequences if it does? It also has a slope angle indicator to keep you off the most dangerous terrain. These are available on the MSC online store.

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MSC Avalanche Forecasting Team NZ Info-Ex and Backcountry Avalanche Advisory Programme New Zealand Mountain Safety Council Email: avalanche@mountainsafety.org.nz Mobile: +64 21 857 609

SHAC Conference 2015 More than 100 people attended the MSC’s 2015 Southern Hemisphere Avalanche Conference held in Christchurch earlier this year.

The conference was a fantastic opportunity for participants to share knowledge and challenges, discuss opportunities and solutions, and network with other attendees from across the sector.

The conference kicked off with an optional Workshop Day on the Friday, covering everything from weather forecasting to explosive use in avalanche management.

The conference itself hosted a great range of New Zealand and international speakers who presented on the themes of planning and preparation, management and mitigation, and reaction and rescue response across the two days.

Keynote speaker Karl Birkeland, Director of the US Forest Service National Avalanche Centre, presented an overview of the scientific research being undertaken in the Northern Hemisphere - what is known, what is questioned, how it fits into the bigger picture and what it means for practitioners in the Southern Hemisphere. Karl also spoke at the Snowball Dinner, held on the Saturday evening.

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2015 The Banff Mountain Film Festival is the largest, and one of the most prestigious, mountain film festivals in the world.

The festival is held in Banff, Canada, in November each year, before touring up to 40 countries around the world.

As part of this, the New Zealand Alpine Club hosted 20 screenings in 11 different cities around New Zealand during May and June. Staff from the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) made it along to events in Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill to speak to attendees about outdoor safety and the changes to the way the MSC operates.

There were some great films on offer, events were well organised, there was a great turn out and our staff enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of it. We look forward to the festival’s return next year!

Southern Hemisphere Avalanche Conference 2015

MSC at Banff Queenstown

Heading for the hills?

If you’re planning a trip into an alpine environment, don’t forget to check the latest weather forecasts and visit www.avalanche.net.nz for the latest backcountry avalanche advisory for the area you’re planning to visit.

Crystal Ball Volume 26 For other avalanche news, and research presented at the Southern Hemisphere Avalanche Conference, check out the latest edition of Crystal Ball at www.avalanche.net.nz

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Firearms and Hunter Safety Horrific start to the year with nine firearms incidents This year has seen a significant blip in our non-intentional firearms incidents.

There were nine incidents between 26 February and 10 May 2015. All nine shooters and victims were males aged from 15 to 74 years. Five incidents occurred while hunting deer, three occurred in the first two weekends of duck hunting season and the last was not hunting related. Four of these incidents resulted in a death.

In all nine incidents we can point to more than one of the seven basic rules of firearms safety that has not been adhered to.

We need to look at how we ensure the principles of the seven basic rules are embedded into the subconscious thoughts of firearms users.

Ongoing education where we start addressing the issue.

Utilising the mediums that we already have access to and increasing those opportunities. Teaching the young from an early age is also imperative to setting up the next generation of firearms users with safe skills.

What’s happening with the MSC Firearms and Hunter Safety Programme?

How do you access firearms for demonstrations in firearms safety lectures?

Previously, you may have contacted the MSC to access firearms for demonstrations. Now you contact your local Arms Officer. Arms Officers have access to local Police armouries, where they can source a range of firearms. They can supply you with these for demonstrations. See a list of all Police Firearms Offices at: www.police.govt.nz/advice/firearms/firearms-offices

Will the location of firearms safety lectures change?

No, you’ll continue to hold your safety lectures at the venues you’ve been using.

How do you order resources for firearms safety lectures?

You now order your three main resources from your District It starts here – firearms instructors using their experience to Arms Officer, not from the MSC. These resources are: educate their communities. Keep up your good work and keep • Firearms Safety Test Papers (POL68B) in touch with the MSC about your ideas.

• Firearms Safety Test Answer Sheets (POL68) • T he green Firearms Certificate of Examination booklets TROQ - Hunting and Fishing Please note that NZ Police have recently updated the The Targeted Review of Qualifications (TROQ) for Hunting and Firearms Safety Test Papers. To order all other instructors’ Fishing Outdoor Leadership qualifications, including our own resources, contact the MSC using the contact details below.

Firearms Instructor and Range Officer qualifications, is still underway.

The MSC will continue to take an active interest in the review and is working with Skills Active on how we can best contribute going forward.

7 Basic Firearms Safety Rules 1. Treat every firearm as loaded 2. Always point firearms in a safe direction 3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire 4. Identify your target beyond all doubt 5. Check your firing zone 6. Store firearms and ammunition securely 7. Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms

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Who do you contact at the MSC if you have questions or need support?

Talk to us using the same details as before: • call us on 0800 GUNSAFE (486 7233) — if we can’t answer your call straight away, please leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible • email us — use the staff email address you usually use (if that person has left, your email will be redirected) or firearms@mountainsafety.org.nz We’re going to be a bit low on staff over the next month or two while we recruit people to our new roles. This means we may not be able to respond straight away, but we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Who do you send travel expense claims to?

Please send travel expense claims to firearms@mountainsafety.org.nz

Will the MSC revalidate Range Officer warrants later this year?

When will the new staff start?

We’re recruiting for a range of roles right now and we aim to have new staff coming on board over the next couple of Please be assured that we’re not stopping our Range Officer work, and we will be revalidating warrants. We just need some months. We’ll keep you updated as this happens. time to work out when we’ll be able to do this. If you’re a Range Officer, we’ll be in touch with you sometime in the near What’s happening with the Firearms Technical future to let you know exactly what we’ll be doing about this.

Advisory Committee?

How will the new MSC structure support the Firearms and Hunter Safety Programme, and who will do what?

Our new structure will continue to provide the support you need, as well as allowing us to manage all our work better.

We’ll need a little while to get up to speed. But once we’re on track, we’ll be better placed to deliver all our outdoor safety work, including firearms and hunter safety work.

Who will manage our partnership with NZ Police?

The Partnership Manager and Chief Executive will lead this critical partnership.

Who will support Firearms Instructors, Range Officers, and Whakatupato Instructors

We still need a range of advice and technical expertise to achieve our goals, but we’re changing how we gather that knowledge. Instead of a standing committee, we’ll now use issue-specific or project-based advisory groups to solve known issues. These groups will be made up of people with expertise relevant to the issue at hand.

We’ll often be looking at a range of issues, so we may need a number of different groups at a time. The groups will exist only as long as we need them. They may meet multiple times in a short period, and then disband.

To choose the people for each advisory group, we’ll use a system similar to what’s used by the Tourism Industry Association and Skills Active Aotearoa. Both of these organisations frequently use temporary advisory groups, for example in the development of the Activity Safety Guidelines (ASGs) and the Targeted Review of Qualifications (TRoQ), and we know their systems work well.

The new Partnership Advisor - Hunter will lead this work.

They’ll be the first contact point for Firearms Instructors.

Remember, we still need you to deliver firearms But they won’t be the only one working on firearms and hunter safety projects, or connecting with local Firearms safety training Instructors and Arms Officers. You can also expect all four Partnership Advisors to keep in touch with you when they’re in We’ll continue to deliver firearms safety training as part of the your community, and they’ll also get involved in firearms and firearms licencing process. Volunteers are key to this — the work you do teaching people to use firearms responsibly and hunter safety initiatives. to stay safe while out hunting is extremely important. You’re a critical component of our success. We thank you for that, and Who’s responsible for safety messaging and hope you’ll stick with us.

communications

Our Communications Manager will be responsible for developing and delivering our safety messages and communicating with the media. They’ll work closely with the other managers, especially the Partnership Advisor - Hunter, on topics relevant to firearms and hunting.

Keep doing the great work you do We received lots of replies to our last communication — thanks for connecting with us. We encourage you to carry on as usual and keep doing what you do so well.

Who will take care of warrant revalidation and firearms administration?

Our administration team will be responsible for firearms administration and warrant revalidation, working very closely with the Partnership Advisors on projects like revalidation.

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News

MSC Canterbury’s longest serving members. From left - Barry Dalkie, Ray Goldring, Maree Goldring, Graeme Barber and Ross Meder.

50th anniversary celebration dinner held earlier this year in Canterbury.

NZ Mountain Safety Council celebrates 50 years of operation in 2015. To celebrate this significant milestone the Canterbury branch held a dinner.

And what a night! The dinner was held at Robbie’s Riccarton and was attended by approximately 60 members, both past and present. The format for the evening consisted of a meal followed by the presentation of donations to organisations around the Canterbury region.

Donations were made to several organisations who the membership thought would benefit from this funding, provided they continue to develop the outdoor safety message.

Some of the recipients included Craigeburn Environmental Centre, for ongoing development of the facility; Craigeburn Wasp Eradication Programme to continue the great work in the Craigeburn area; South Island regional Scouting (Scouting NZ), to develop their young leaders in the outdoors; New Zealand Handloaders Association to upgrade their facilities and continue the their association with our firearms training; outdoor training New Zealand to assist with their establishment; and a donation of $5000 was presented to National Office as a scholarship fund for young New Zealanders.

It was great to see the number of people who attended, including our CEO Mike Daisley who accepted the cheque for the Canterbury MSC Branch Scholarship Fund.

Interspersed throughout the evening were stories both old and new. Ross Meder gave a presentation using some very old training aids. During the evening we held a text auction, which proved that most of our membership has moved forward with technology, and then four of our longest serving members cut the anniversary cake.

The final act of the night was to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to the organisation over the last 50 years and present small gifts to the committee for their dedication and hard work.

What’s a celebration without cake?! Fabulous and delicious, thanks to Vince Binding and Fantail Cakes.

Vince Binding presenting Mike Daisley with $5000 for a new outdoor scholarship fund to be run over the next five years and administered by the MSC.

The Canterbury MSC branch asked members to bring along any memorabilia. Ross Meder brought some of the original marketing and instructor training resources. This brought back a lot of good memories.

Congratulations Amelia Horne!

Amelia Horne was presented her Bush 1 Certificate at the last meeting of the Manawatu Branch earlier this year.

Amelia is possibly one of the youngest members to have attained her Bush 1 accreditation and her achievements are a reflection of her passion for the outdoors and promoting outdoor safety.

All in all, it was a fantastic night celebrating the achievements of MSC and specifically the Canterbury branch. We hope that with the organisation’s new direction we can celebrate another 50 years in 2065.

Vince Binding, Chair, Canterbury Branch

Heather Grady presenting Amelia Horne with her Bush 1 certificate

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Other news Awesome advertising highlights The MSC ran web banners on New Zealand’s biggest news website, www.stuff.co.nz, and nationwide radio advertising across eight stations, including Newstalk ZB, Radio Sport, ZM, The Hits and Radio Hauraki in the lead up to Queen’s Birthday weekend earlier this year.

The MSC ran firearms safety ads on the Trade Me website during the roar and duck shooting season. You’ll see some more outdoor safety advertising from the MSC on the Trade Me website between October and January.

We also ran half-page ads in two issues of KiaOra, Air New Zealand’s in-flight magazine, earlier this year, and in the issues of NZ Geographic. We’ll have another half page advertisement in the October issue of KiaOra, so watch this space!

National Volunteer Week ran from 21-27 June this year, and you may have seen the MSC’s advertisements in some of New Zealand’s largest newspapers (NZ Herald, The Dominion Post, The Press and the Southland Times) thanking volunteers for their contribution to keeping people safe in New Zealand’s outdoors.

Calendar 2015 October 22-23 October

NZRA - Outdoors Forum 26 October

Labour Weekend 30 October

MSC AGM

November 1-8 November

DOC - Conservation Week 18-20 November

NZRA - National Conference

You may also have seen a couple of front-page advertisements focusing on the Outdoor Safety Code and avalanche.net.nz in the Dominion Post during July, as well as a feature on the new MSC, ran in a recent issue of the Dominion Post’s Wellington Success tabloid.

You can find the Wellington Success feature and audio of our radio advertisements on the ‘Media’ section of our website.

Our national office has moved After approximately 27 years at Tory St, we moved into our new home earlier this year. The pack-up of the office space was a monumental task, and as you’d imagine, after nearly three decades in one place we found some interesting things! The team rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in, and after only two days packing we loaded up the moving truck and headed for our new office on Customhouse Quay, inside the Sport NZ building.

New physical MSC address: Groundfloor 86 Customhouse Quay Wellington 6141

Are you following us on Facebook?

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

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

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On Track Brought to you by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.

Disclaimer and submission guidelines: All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, but no responsibility will be taken by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council for errors or inaccuracies or for any consequences of reliance on this information.

If you have any feedback, ideas or items that you would like to submit for consideration please email: marketing@mountainsafety.org.nz Publication is not guaranteed and the editor’s decision is final. Also available to view online at www.ISSU.com/nzmountainsafetycouncil

PHOTO: Leonce Jones

Phone: 04 385 7162 Fax: 04 385 7366 Address: Ground Floor, 86 Customhouse Quay Wellington 6011 / PO Box 6027, Wellington 6141 17

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

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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

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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

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Do you have any stories or MSC material to share from the past 50 years?

We would love to include it in our 50 year celebration issue due out in early December!

Get in touch with us at design@mountainsafety.org.nz

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