nz mountain safety council - ontrack newsletter

1OnTrack >> November 2014

Essential Programme updates

Winner of the MSC Volunteer Award

SMS – the latest news

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www.mountainsafety.org.nz

www.avalanche.net.nz

www.incidentreport.org.nz

www.adventuresmart.org.nz

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Find out more about MSCWe are going through some big changes, so find out what we’ve done and where we’re going!

1 OnTrack >> November 2014

NEW ZEALAND MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCILPhone: 04 385 7162 | Fax: 04 385 7366 | Address: Level 3, 19 Tory Street, Wellington 6011 / PO Box 6027, Wellington 6141www.mountainsafety.org.nz || www.incidentreport.org.nz || www.avalanche.net.nz

Our mission is 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.

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

Our goals: ▲ An increased number of leaders, teachers, instructors and guides are inspired, inspiring, competent and retained as leaders.

▲ Groups and clubs effectively promote and deliver increased safety in the outdoors.

▲ Commercial operators operate safely. ▲ The community is more aware of outdoor safety. ▲ MSC is financially strong.

CEO Mike Daisley

Senior Management Team Acting Operations Manager Nathan Watson

Avalanche & Alpine Programme Manager Andrew Hobman Asst. Programme Manager Gordie Smith

Abseil, Bushcraft & Risk Management Acting Programme Manager Jen Hayto

Firearms & Hunter Safety Programme Manager Nicole McKee Training Coordinator Mike Pyatt

Marketing & Communications Manager Andrea Corrigan* Coordinator Sarsha Drakeford

Administration Team Manager Wendy Hudson Branch Network Manager Jane Hoedemaeckers Database Administrator Kusum Nathu Membership Administrator Jill Knight

*Away on Maternity Leave

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.

SUMMER 2014Seasonal safety message:

About OnTrackOnTrack 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: [email protected] is not guaranteed and the editor’s decision is final. Also available to view online at www.ISSU.com/nzmountainsafetycouncil

Submission deadlines: Published last week of:31 October November28 February March30 June July


As the year draws to a close, I would like to thank all of those who have helped and aided the MSC in our mission to keep people safe while recreating in the outdoors. It is the volunteers, staff, member organisations and funders who have enabled us to make the impact that we have thus far.For all those who attended our recent AGM, thank you for your contribution. It was fantastic to see so many people supporting our cause, and a great deal of progress was made towards shaping how our future will look.We realise that with great change often comes uncertainty and anxiety. With a review of this nature, it is only natural that volunteers and staff may feel uncomfortable or wonder how it may impact them. We are committed to limiting this impact and

maintaining the positive attitude that is characteristic of the MSC network.However unsettling these changes may be, the executive and management is responding to a strong clear call for fundamental change. Because of this, and continually declining volunteer numbers, we have introduced One MSC.Under OneMSC we aim to reach a greater and more diverse audience, by changing the way people interact with MSC and the way they access information.Therefore we continue to focus on safety messaging, partnering, and collecting and analysing information, as the future areas of focus that will increase the impact that we have on NZ outdoor safety. The AGM

workshops highlighted the significant potential within these three areas.MSC cannot afford to waver as we reach our 50th year, but must be united in our commitment to the changes that will secure MSC a positive future by ensuring we remain relevant and sustainable.Once again, I would sincerely like to thank all those who are helping position the organisation for the future and for weathering the associated uncertainty.

WELCOMEMike Daisley >> CEO

CHAIR REPORTGeoff Ensor >> Chairperson

Welcome to this latest issue. It is always a pleasure to introduce this publication, as it is a great opportunity to shine a light on some of the activity the MSC network delivers in communities throughout New Zealand.Summer is just around the corner, with its associated spike in people recreating in the outdoors. Without a doubt this will also result in an associated spike of people getting into difficulties, from a wide range of experience levels and the length and breadth of the country. This is the time of the year when the majority of the two million people that occasionally recreate in the outdoors begin dusting off their gear and making their plans. It is this time of the year that the one million people that regularly recreate in the outdoors might be considering pushing themselves just that little bit further. Of course this last winter brought its own spikes when vast numbers of people enjoyed those delights and challenges.This is the backdrop to the fundamental change that we are currently embarking upon. This is the backdrop our Council member organisations and funders expect the MSC turn and face. This is the backdrop that our core business needs to be relevant to.Recently representatives from our Council Member Organisations, Regional Reps and Technical Advisory Committees gathered with our Board and staff to discuss the future priorities for how the MSC will operate. I was really pleased with how the workshops went. There were many questions and challenges asked, and some great discussions had. Overall, there was real clarity about our priorities going forward, and some real energy behind how the new MSC will make a significant impact with allowing more people to recreate in the outdoors, safely.Transformational change is always challenging, so many thanks to all those who have engaged with the journey so far, and I look forward to working with you to solve the challenges that lie ahead.


Mountain Safety Council

CALENDAR 2015

December

National Office closes (Wellington)

SMS version 2 available on web portal.

19TH

April

Residential Leader Developement Course #7 (North Canterbury)

11TH - 18TH

May

Residential Leader Developement Course #8 (Waihi)

9TH - 16TH

March

National Abseil Workshop and Assessment Weekend (Mt Ruapehu)

National Abseil Workshop and Assessment Weekend (Christchurch)

6TH - 8TH

20TH - 22ND

January

SMS version 2 goes live

National Office reopens (Wellington)

1ST

12TH

Southern Hemisphere Avalanche Conference (Christchurch)

12TH - 14THJune

Every year thousands of people across NZ engage in volunteering from a local community level through to national roles, without volunteers many industries in NZ would look and operate very differently. The outdoor sector is no different and many volunteers contribute a huge amount of time, passion and energy, often across multiple organisations. The Mountain Safety Council is hugely appreciative of its fantastic volunteers and every year we recognise a small number of them through an awards opportunity. Like past years, this year’s nominations were of an incredibly high calibre and selecting one person to receive the Outdoors NZ ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’ was not an easy task. The MSC congratulates Bob Mankelow as the winner of the 2014 Outdoors NZ Volunteer of the Year Award.

Bob is currently the Chair of the Tauranga MSC branch and has been a volunteer with the MSC for approximately 45 years. Bob is heavily involved in a lot of the branch courses, and when he’s not volunteering for the MSC he’s usually giving more of his time and energy to other organisations such as LandSAR, Youth Search and Rescue, NZ Deerstalker’s Association and Ngatuhoa Lodge, to name a few. It’s not uncommon for Bob to spend on average 2 weekends a month volunteering his time. Bob also has an extensive background with the NZ

Army, having served 47 years with the 6th Hauraki Regiment plus about 10 years with the Department of Conservation as a ranger around the Bay of Plenty.

Bob was nominated by his branch Admin Officer and his application was supported by numerous letters

of support from other people and organisations Bob’s involved in. Congratulations Bob!The MSC also acknowledges Chris Tews (Manawatu) and Owen Joyce (Southland) for their nominations and in particular their services to both the MSC and volunteerism in NZ.

MSC Volunteer AwardNathan Watson >> Acting Operations Manager

Bob Mankelow receiving the MSC Volunteer Award


Wendy Hudson Administration and Office Manager

Wendy joined MSC in mid-October to take up the new role of Administration Manager. Wendy will be responsible for many of the administration functions in the office.Wendy has a range of office experience, most recently as Office Manager for the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and prior to that roles at the Ministry of Health and other non-government organisations.Earlier in the year she ticked off a visit to the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’, admittedly by the easier method of jet boat and shorter walk! Next on her to do list is the Tongario Crossing – hopefully in the earlier part of 2015.I know Wendy is looking forward to meeting many via phone and in person over the coming months.

Kusum Nathu Database Administrator

Kusum has always lived and worked in Wellington, though lucky to have travelled overseas to India, USA and Europe is always wishfully planning more. Her last trip was local – a curiosity call to see the East Cape and it was great fun with so many beaches.Kusum has been working on a Society member database at an Accountants firm then more recently on a CRM database at the NZ Recreation Association. She joined MSC in October and is getting familiar with the Microsoft CRM database. Her MSC experience so far is “its a hive of activity, with so much happening in the outdoors” and has enjoyed meeting a few branch members already.

Staffing Updates

MSC NEWS

Over the past few months some familiar MSC faces have moved on and some new ones have joined the team. In August Christine Oakley-Hall (Qualification Administrator), Richard Brodie (Shared Services Manager) and Leonce Jones (Prevention Manager) moved on to start new adventures. Not long after Nina Klauke (Database Administrator) and Emma Smart (Marketing & Communications Coordinator) also left to pursue other challenges. A restructure of the MSC financial systems also saw the departure of Alex Cordier in October. Everyone at MSC wishes these departing staff all the best for the future. Some temporary changes have also been made to the staffing structure with Jennifer Hayto stepping into the Acting Abseil, Bushcraft and Risk management Programme Manager role while Nathan Watson takes over as Acting Operations Manager. We’d also like to give a big welcome to the new members of our team! Here is a little about them...

Nathan Watson >> Acting Operations Manager

In early October the MSC launched a ‘MSC Newsletter’ aimed at improving communication and visibility of projects and programmes across the organisation. The newsletter focuses on topical content such as recent highlights or key achievements, examples of collaborative work from both National Office and MSC branches and upcoming events and opportunities. The newsletter is published every fortnight and sent to all members via email. Older versions are also available in the web portal document library ‘communications’ section. If you have any content, suggestions or ideas please send them via your branch administration officer or direct to [email protected].

New MSC NewsletterNathan Watson >> Acting Operations Manager

MSC Volunteer Award


ONE MSC WHERE WE ARE NOWMike Daisley >> CEO

Overview of the responseSince my last update, we’ve had workshops with our council member organisations, regional reps, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) conveners and Board members. At the workshops we:

▲ Debated and discussed 27 possible tactics for achieving each of our three focus areas

▲ Debated and discussed any issues about the changes we’re making.

Our partners gave us clear and strong support for the changes we’re making.Almost all our council member organisations were represented at the workshops and AGM. Their support for the scale and pace of change was strong and clear.

Some regional reps and TAC conveners voiced concerns.Some people were concerned that certain parts of the country don’t have enough training providers for volunteers to get or maintain their qualifications. We’re confident that there are enough providers across the country. We’re working closely with a range of providers, such as Skills Active and New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association, to establish a process for volunteer instructors to transfer your qualifications.Another concern was whether people could learn outdoor skills without field-based learning. We’re working with our partners to identify and promote other field-based opportunities for people who want to learn this way. For example, through tramping clubs, the NZ Alpine Club, and youth and community organisations such as Duke of Edinburgh, Scouts, GirlGuides, or Christian Camping New Zealand.

Detail on what we heard at the workshops The following information gives you an idea of what we heard at the workshops and how it’s shaping our thinking. Please keep in mind that nothing is finalised yet.

What we aimed to achieve at the workshopsOur workshops were structured around the three things we’ll be focusing on in future: safety messaging, collecting and analysing information, and partnering with other organisations. Our aim was to decide which activities will best help us achieve our three areas of focus. To work out our priorities, we thought about how best to influence:

▲ The behaviour of the 1 million people that regularly get into the outdoors, and the 3 million or more who occasionally get out there

▲ Target audiences, like specific activity groups or people at specific recreation hotspots.

What we heard from our workshop on safety messaging

We identified the following priorities at this workshop. ▲ We need to use the channels provided by our partners We need to use the existing channels of our partners for marketing and safety messaging. DoC, iSITEs, regional councils, retailers, and major travel companies (such as Air New Zealand) all have existing channels.

▲ We need to use social media We need to expand our social media presence, particularly to influence youth and to reach groups doing specific activities

▲ We need to use data to design our messages We need to ensure our safety messages are driven by data, so we can target the specific activities and specific places that need the most attention.

What we heard from our workshop on collecting and analysing information

▲ We need to make decisions based on data We need to identify trends about who is getting into the outdoors, where they’re going, what activities they’re doing, and what incidents are happening. We need to


concentrate on places and activities with specific or multiple hazards and high incidences of people getting into difficulty.

▲ We need to become a collection and distribution hub We need to be a central collection point for data on what people are doing in the outdoors and how they’re getting into difficulties. We need to draw together existing data from our partners, and use it to identify trends and key messages.

▲ We need to lead and help others We need to lead the analysis of data, drawing in appropriate expertise. We can then work with our partners to develop and put in place initiatives that allow more people to stay safe in the outdoors.

We can distribute the data through our safety messages and the work we do with our partners. We can also design online tools that allow people to make better-informed decisions (see www.avalanche.net.nz as an example).

What we heard from our workshop on partnering with other organisations

We identified the following priorities at this workshop:

▲ We need to become a hub that connects others We need to become a hub for outdoor safety knowledge, expertise, and best practice. We also need to encourage other organisations and user groups to connect and collaborate with each other.

▲ We need to align with other safety organisations We need to work with other safety organisations to create consistent messages for people who get into the outdoors, whether on land, in the water, or in the air.

▲ We need to work with those who can reach the public directly We need to prioritise partnerships with organisations that can directly reach people heading into the outdoors, including: - Land Managers (such as DoC, regional councils - Youth focussed organisations (such as Ministry of Education, school principals associations,

Scouts, GirlGuides) - Tourism organisations (such as Tourism Industry Association NZ, iSITEs, Tourism NZ, and other travel services or suppliers).

Detail on what we heard at the AGMFull minutes of the AGM will be available soon, but this is what we heard from discussions on the day.We’re heading in the right direction There is clear support from our member organisations that the scale and pace of change is correct. There is also clear support for the process we’re following. How we move from what we’re currently doing to our new core business is critical. How we do it, when we do it, and how quickly we do it are all really important. We need to review how we’re governed We recognise that we need to review our constitution and how we’re governed, but that this needs to happen after we have fully moved over to our new core business.

What our next steps areBetween now and the new year, we’ll focus on working out how we’ll achieve our three areas of focus. We’ll also continue to work with our partners to establish a process for volunteers to transfer their MSC qualifications.Early in the new year, we’ll visit all our branches again to outline where we’ve got to, and to discuss how things will work at community level. This will also be a great opportunity to talk through any details about working with our partners.Remember, we haven’t finalised the finer details of what we’re going to be doing just yet. But we now have a much clearer picture of how we’ll all be working in future.

For more information on why we need to change the way we work at the Mountain Safety Council, see www.mountainsafety.org.nz/aboutus/OneMSC

PHOTO: Kerry Adams


The MSC often works closely with its member and partner organisations, significantly contributing to the overall safety of outdoor users, here’s a snapshot of some recent projects.

As the largest manager of public land in New Zealand DoC play a critical role in providing facilities and access to many of the country’s top outdoor spaces. Recently the MSC have worked with DoC on:

• PresentingattheDoCVisitor Centre Hui to approximately 60 DoC staff

• Developingnew‘welcomehut’hut signage

• Developingnew‘RiverSafety’ track signage for the southern Great Walks

• Providingjointfeedbackto Tourism NZ enabling them to update their ‘Walking & Hiking’ safety information page

The targeted review of qualifications (also known as TRoQ) continues to progress and recently MSC staff have been part of technical working groups establishing the new qualifications. This includes:

• Level3and4NewZealand Certificates in Outdoor Experience; Bushcraft

• Level4NewZealandCertificatein Outdoor Leadership; Bushcraft

• Level5NewZealandCertificate in Outdoor Instruction; Alpine, Bushcraft, Abseil and Rock Climbing

For more information visit www.skillsactive.org.nz

It’s great to have a presence in one of NZ’s premier outdoor magazines, as well as regular advertising and editorial opinion pieces Wilderness now feature one of the MSC programme managers every month in the Wild Skills section.

COLLABORATIVEACHIEVEMENTSNathan Watson >> Acting Operations Manager

Nathan Watson (Acting Operations Manager) presenting at the Department of Conservation

MSC Member Organisations


VERSION 1 – NOVEMBER 2013

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMNathan Watson >> Acting Operations Manager

OutdoorsMark

Supporting Our Partners

Annual Review

In mid-October the MSC completed its OutdoorsMark audit process. This audit took a number of months to complete and included 7 days of field auditing across the Abseil, Alpine and Avalanche programmes, as well as reviewing our SMS documentation, policies and procedures. MSC would like to acknowledge the incredible effort all of our branches and members have invested into this process, especially those branches and members who were involved in a field audit or completed necessary requirements like the equipment log and ongoing hazard log entries. All MSC programmes achieved a ‘stage 1’ completion; this represents our safety documentation, policies, procedures, essentially our document based ‘Safety Management System.’ In addition to this the Abseil/Rock and Avalanche programmes achieved full OutdoorsMark accreditation – a significant achievement in a relatively short period of time and one that allows for the continued delivery of these programmes within the new legislative framework (which came into effect on 01 Nov 2014). The Alpine programme was also included in the field audits but has some areas that need addressing and these will be analysed and considered further over the summer months. The updated SMS version 2 (available 1 January 2015) will feature an OutdoorsMark logo so look out for this in the New Year.

Regularly reviewing and updating safety management systems is a crucial part of any safety culture and ensures the resources available to members are relevant, appropriate and contribute to the ongoing positive safety culture. The first annual review of the MSC SMS has been underway since early September 2014 and started off with a two month member feedback window. This gave MSC branches and members the chance to provide feedback on the current version (v1) and suggest possible updates or changes. During this period approximately 23 different submissions were received. The MSC Operations team including Programme Managers reviewed the submissions and incorporated these into a proposed draft v2. This was made available for another feedback window for just under one month. These submissions were then reviewed and final changes were made taking into account all feedback from MSC branch, members, staff and external input from our OutdoorsMark audit team and other recognised industry safety experts. The updated SMS (v2) will be completed by mid-December and will go live on 1 January 2015. All Safety Management System documents, tools and resources continue to be available from the MSC web portal.

One of the most positive outcomes we’ve seen through the development of the MSC SMS is the impact it’s having on other organisations. On multiple occasions the MSC have been asked to provide advice, support and guidance to other organisations that are either considering implementing a SMS or redeveloping their existing one. These organisations have seen the work the MSC has invested and recognise our SMS as one they can draw valuable information and learning from. The MSC is extremely pleased to be in a position to help other organisations. Supporting and advising other organisations through the process of developing their own SMS is another way the MSC is contributing to making more people safer in the outdoors.

1 Plan your trip

2 Tell someone

3 Be aware of the weather

4 Know your limits

5 Take sufficient supplies

KNOW BEFORE YOU GOThe Outdoor Safety

CODE


NATIONAL BUSH 1ASSESSMENT WEEKENDJen Hayto >> Acting Abseil, Bushcraft and Risk ManagementThe National Bush 1 Assessment weekend took place at Lupton Hut, Mt Ruapehu and the surrounding area over the weekend of 10-11 October. The group awoke to fine weather early Saturday morning and then split up into two teams and moved off to work in the area below the Round Mountain track between Mangaehuehu Stream and Ohakune Mountain Rd. Assessees took turns navigating and leading their team in varying tasks over steep, stable and slippery terrain. By early Saturday evening the groups reached their campsite and spent the evening completing other elements of their assessment, including - campcraft, cooking and individual Q&A sessions with the assessors. The excellent weather continued through to Sunday, when the group started early and completed impromptu instructional sessions and river safety skills. Everyone involved took away valuable learning experiences - even the Assessment Director was reminded that he must practice what he preaches and watch out for sneaky tree branches! Overall a great weekend was had by all.

A huge thank you to the Assessors and Trainee Assessors who helped make the assessment weekend possible; Noel Bigwood, Ben Luders, Terry Baldwin and Jorn Haack. The National Bush 2 Assessment weekend ran from 8-9 November. Four Bush 2 trainees were put through their paces and have come out triumphant! Thanks again to the assessors who were able to take the time to assist with the weekend

We have being sourcing a number of different organisations and events to further promote the Outdoor Safety Code. This year we have 100,000 flyers to distribute in an effort to spread awareness of the code to as many people as possible. So far 50,000 OSC flyers have been sent to a number of events and organisations across NZ. Some of these events include Speights Coast to Coast, Christchurch Marathon and Wellington Marathon. For these events the flyers will be included in the participant’s race packs. Absolute Wilderness has also kindly agreed to put an OSC flyer in every online order that they send out. Check out www.absolutewilderness.co.nz for freeze dried meals - designed to taste amazing wherever you are!If you’d like some OSC flyer’s for your branch or have a suggestion for an event or organisation that could use these, please contact [email protected]

Outdoor Safety Code (OSC) Flyer Distribution

Jorn Haack (Trainee Assessor) on MSC’s National Bush 1 Assesment Weekend


The Residential Leader Development course, or as it is also known, ‘The Collaborative Leader Development Initiative’, has now run a successful 5 courses with it’s 6th being run in late November 2014.Course 5 ran from the beautiful Waihi Beach over the week of 4-11 October, Waihi turned on the glorious sun shine for the group and 13 out of the 15 participants completed successfully. Since the start of the Residential courses, a total of 81 participants have attended, 76 of these have either already been awarded their National Certificate in Leadership L3 – Bush or are waiting to receive them. The remaining 5 participants are completing further training or re assessments. Funding for this programme is secure through until 31 December 2015 (thanks Sport NZ!). However, beyond this date there is no guarantee that Sport NZ will be able to provide funding as this is dependent on their new strategic goals (currently under revision). If Sport NZ cannot invest in continued funding, MSC will commit to funding an additional 2 Residential Leader courses until 30 June 2016. With all this in mind, we can happily say that the Residential Leader Development course will be running into at least mid-2016.

The Residential Leader Development Course and it’s Future

We are currently updating our MSC Bush 1 trainee instructor resources. The update should be available in early 2015 and will be condensed to a workbook and an overview document, along with a field assessment booklet. When the update has been completed it will be available on the MSC Web Portal and will be communicated to all MSC branches and current Bush 1 trainees. The new workbook will allow for a smoother transition of Bush 1 trainees to an alternative training provider.

Bush 1 Resources Update 2015

People who have completed warrantsODL warrantSarah Reynolds Auckland BranchClayton Hills Auckland branchKerry Adams Auckland branchNigel Naylor Auckland branchTania Seward Canterbury BranchFionna Torr Tauranga BranchLesley Mochan Tauranga BranchFlip Collins Wakatipu BranchKevin Randles Wanganui BranchJulia Horsfield Wellington Branch

BUSH 1 Instructor’sKerry Hudson Gisborne BranchKea Lippiatt Tauranga BranchFrances Karl Waikato Branch

ABSEIL 2 Instructor’sJames Dempster Dunedin Branch

Jen Hayto >> Acting Abseil, Bushcraft and Risk Management

A notice to all MSC Abseil Instructors and Trainees, the National Abseil Workshop and Assessment weekends are scheduled for the following weekends next year:

North Island: 6 - 8 March 2015 Mt Ruapehu

South Island: 20 - 22 March 2015 ChristchurchRegistration information will be sent to all Abseil trainees and branches this December.

National Abseil Workshop and Assessment Weekend!


Every three years the firearms safety instructors renew their Warrants to instruct so that they may administer the firearms safety test on behalf of the New Zealand Police. It’s that time again. All current Warrants will expire on 31 December 2014. This means if you do not have a renewed Warrant at that time you will not be able to continue testing under Section 14 of the Arms Regulations 1992.

Revalidation forms went out at the beginning of September 2014. Thank you to those that have up-dated, completed and returned their forms to us for processing. If you have not yet completed your revalidation could you please do so and send it back well before your current warrant expires.

The MSC and Police value our volunteers. We commend you for continuing to make yourselves available sharing your skills, expertise and knowledge in our field. The success of our firearms licensing regime in New Zealand starts with the education users receive. Your safety

lectures are successful and you are instrumental in retaining New Zealand’s low records for non-intentional firearms incidents.

For those that are considering whether to revalidate I ask that you think back on why you became a volunteer instructor in the first place. If your reason is still valid then please send back your completed form. If you have questions or frustrations about the process then contact me at 0800 GUNSAFE. If you feel your time is up and you want to pass the mantle then shoulder tap a like-minded licensed shooter and start the training process for your replacement. The Programme and your coordinator will help you.

In August the Firearms Programme assisted Instructors from the Canterbury Branch at the Tahr Show. The number of public that came through the doors of Pioneer Stadium in Christchurch was vastly up on last year. Special recognition and thanks to Ken and his daughter Amy who worked the MSC stand for both days. Also thanks to all the firearms instructors who took turns manning the stand during the popular two day show. We also had a popular stand at the Sika Show held in September at Taupo Events Centre. Our display of blown up demonstration firearms caught the eye of the public. These practical resources are proving invaluable to the instructors for demonstrating the firearms safety message.We value these shows as a great opportunity to communicate directly with our target audience and as an opportunity to catch up informally with many instructors.

Firearms Safety Instructor RevalidationNicole McKee >> Firearms and Hunting Safety

Nicole McKee >> Firearms and Hunting Safety

TAHR AND SIKASHOWS 2014


We welcome Inspector Garth den Heyer of NZ Police who is appointed to the position of Acting Principal Advisor: Strategic Development & Planning for the next 12 months. He is replacing Inspector Joe Green’s previous role and will hold the Commissioners delegated authority for the Arms Act.

Recently we helped deliver two Whakatūpato programmes at Kaingahoa Marae in Kaikohe and at the local school in Motatau. Well done Tracy Wakeford for organising this and the many other courses you deliver in the Northland area.The success of Whakatūpato continues to grow. It’s relevance to the isolated communities is huge. Our instructors do a great job utilising their skills to successfully deliver firearms safety training in many areas missed by mainstream.

In October the Firearms Team visited the Chatham Islands. We were honoured to meet our resident instructor on the Island Terry Tuanui QSM and his wife Donna. A good amount of time was spent with the Island’s new Police Officers and Firearms Safety Instructors Sam and Beck Coleman. The Island hospitality was outstanding. We acknowledge and express our condolences on the sudden passing of a pig hunter while we were there.

Northland Whakatūpato

Chatham Islands visit

NZ Police Update




Terry Tuanui, MSC Chatam Island instructor

www.mountainsafety.org.nz/firearms


We managed to reach over 2000 people this winter through a range of public outreach events including evening talks, displays, conferences, workshops and clinics.The continuing relationship with the Bivouac retail stores enabled us to hold avalanche evenings in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. This provides a great opportunity for us to reach trampers

and climbers who may have been missed through the regular promotional channels.We also continued to work with the New Zealand Alpine Club and intend to have a stand at the Banff Film Festival showings around the country in 2015.The next six months is more focused on planning and preparation for next winter and more events including the Southern Hemisphere Avalanche Conference in June.

Over the winter a new waterproof notebook was tested on a range of courses across NZ. A small A6 size ring-binder contains waterproof pages covering Observation; Trip planning, Rescue and Emergency Response for recreational or professional use. A core set of pages that contain check lists, tables and information is common to all users. Specific pages, like data collection forms are often high use and can be removed, stored separately and reordered.Some refinements are planned before the start of next winter but overall the user’s response has been very positive.

Public Outreach

New Avalanche Field Notebook

Andrew Hobman >> Avalanche and Alpine


Avalanche Night at Bivouac Christchurch


I have recently returned from the 21st International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) in Banff, Canada. This is a bi-annual gathering of over 800 snow scientists and avalanche practitioners from around the world. The conference is packed into 5 days as the attendee’s digest 64 oral and 203 poster presentations, 4 panel discussions and a field trip all focused on an exchange of ideas and experiences-“a merging of theory and practice” (The ISSW motto)Many of the national avalanche organisations also use the opportunity to hold meetings and workshops to discuss emerging ideas and promote consistency and best practice.The outcomes of attending the conference were to:• KeeptheNewZealandavalanchesectorwellinformed on latest ideas and practices.• BenchmarkingoftheMSCavalancheprogramme against international best practice.• Playourpartinaninternationalcommunity.There was a wide range of presentations, meetings and conversations that provided new information or best practice for the sector. This information will be communicated to the relevant groups through written reports, committee meetings, member organisations and publications like the Crystal Ball.

The gathering is an invaluable opportunity for comparing the NZ avalanche programme to international practices. Although there is always room for improvement, the current components of the programme are similar or equivalent to what is happening in Europe and America.New Zealand was well represented in the proceedings with presentations from Don Bogie (DOC) – Quantifying risk on DOC tracks, Penny Goddard – Avalanche forecasting for DOC tracks in Fiordland and Andrew Hobman (MSC) – The NZ Avalanche Programme and a panel discussion on wearing avalanche rescue equipment while alpine climbing.

All the papers from the ISSW can be accessed at http://arc.lib.montana.edu/snow-science/ via an on-line database housed by Montana State University.

The snowpack this winter was what could be described as bony, there was not much of it. The commercial ski areas survived on Snow Making systems and the backcountry users stretched out a diminishing supply.Winter was slow to start and the snowpack stayed shallow in many areas. A long, cold dry spell in the south of the country led to a weak layer, called facets, developing in the pack and this was responsible for a number of incidents and near misses.For a full run-down of the winter conditions see the latest edition of the Crystal Ball at www.avalanche.net.nz/resources/Publications/The-Crystal-Ball.asp

Season Wrap Up

International Snow Science Workshop



CRYSTAL BALL | CRYSTAL BALL | Periodical of the New ZealaNd avalaNche commuNity 1

NEW ZEALAND MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL

PERIODICAL OF THE NEW ZEALAND AVALANCHE COMMUNITY

DISCOVERMORE, SAFELY

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

PH

OTO

: JA

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Jim Spencer (DOC), Don Bogie (DOC) and Andrew Hobman (MSC) at ISSW 2014.


The Youth Development Unit (YDU) is a New Zealand Defence Force Unit which supports Government and Non Government Organisations by providing Courses to enhance options for young New Zealanders.The Instructors at these units (based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch) come from a variety of trades and backgrounds within the Defence Force and undertake instructional roles that provide life skills, learning, training and vocational opportunities to allow young New Zealanders to successfully establish themselves within, and contribute to New Zealand society.Because of the variety of knowledge, skills and attributes that these Defence Force personnel bring the YDU established a relationship with the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) to provide training for all instructors within the YDU.The YDU conducts courses for young NZs aged from 13-25 and each of the courses conducted has a field element attached. So it was deemed important that the YDU Instructors held a recognised level of training in order to deliver to these courses.The Limited Service Volunteers Course sponsored by Work and Income NZ (W&I NZ) is a six week residential course that involves an initial 4 days static field exercise to introduce them to the basics of Camping, Tramping and how to conduct River Crossings. Followed by a 50KM tramp in week five of their course, through the Canterbury High Country. This 50 KM tramp starts at Windy Point (Lewis Pass), follows the Hope River up to Hope Kiwi Lodge, then over the saddle adjacent to Lake Marion through into Lake Sumner, then out through Loch Katrine and finishing at Lake Taylor.The Service Academy Programme sponsored by Ministry of Education involves a seven day basic field craft course. Normally based out of Peel Forest, (Geraldine) the Students are given instruction on Camp Craft, Cooking, Navigation, Lost Procedures, Survival techniques, Packs and Packing and of course Tramping. The programme runs for a year at some high school s around NZ and culminates in an adventure activity at the end of the

year. The South Island Academies complete the Coast 2 Coast Course over three days starting at Kumara beach and finishing at a little village on the east coast called Taumutu. The variation to the Coast 2 Coast course is that from Darfield they head south via the Selwyn River rather than head into Sumner Beach, which is the traditional finish line for the Coast 2 Coast.Since 2011 a total of 31YDU Instructors have undergone training with 13 completing their Outdoor Leader Award and a further 18 waiting to complete their assessments. This last batch of 18 YDU Instructors completed their training in July this year, with some of the previously qualified ODL Instructors assisting with the delivery of the programme.

These Staff underwent training on a variety of subjects which include risk management, weather appreciation, trip planning, nutrition, outdoor emergency management, river safety, camp site selection, survival, packs and packing and were also expected to give a formal presentation on a given subject. The course also includes a pre assessment tramp to hone their basic navigation skills. When we researched possible organisations to deliver this training MSC were able to provide the support, instructors and the ODL programme covered essentially all elements that were conducted by the YDU and its programmes.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT UNITVince Binding >> YDU Instructor


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and

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ven

if y

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on’t

sta

y ov

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ght.Act

ivit

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21 3

At

the

‘exp

ecte

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te a

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ime’

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mm

edia

tely

try

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d co

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f yo

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alre

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If u

nsuc

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gro

up m

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).

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nsuc

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ait

1 ho

ur a

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repe

at t

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roce

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f co

ntac

ting

the

OU

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OR

S U

SER

and

if a

pplic

able

oth

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roup

m

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f un

succ

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nd y

ou a

re e

xtre

mel

y co

ncer

ned

or b

ad w

eath

er h

as s

et in

, go

stra

ight

to

cont

acti

ng t

he N

ew

Zea

land

Pol

ice.

If y

ou a

re s

till

unsu

cces

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in c

onta

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g th

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or a

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rs o

f th

e pa

rty,

tel

epho

ne 1

11 (o

r if

outs

ide

New

Z

eala

nd c

all +

64 4

381

200

0) a

sk f

or t

he P

olic

e an

d te

ll th

em

you

wis

h to

repo

rt a

mis

sing

per

son(

s) w

ho is

on

a tr

ip in

the

ou

tdoo

rs a

nd h

as n

ot re

turn

ed b

y th

e ex

pect

ed d

ate

and

tim

e.

You

will

nee

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pro

vide

the

Pol

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wit

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e in

form

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low

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Rem

embe

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tell

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Tru

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soon

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turn

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afel

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oid

unne

cess

ary

alar

m a

nd p

ossi

ble

invo

lvem

ent

from

New

Zea

land

Pol

ice.

For t

ips,

adv

ice

and

links

to

help

kee

p yo

u sa

fe t

hrou

ghou

t yo

ur la

nd, s

now

, wat

er, b

oati

ng a

nd a

ir ac

tivi

ties

in N

ew

Zea

land

, vis

it w

ww

.adv

entu

resm

art.

org.

nz

YOUR CUT OUT AND KEEP MASTER OUTDOORS INTENTIONS FORM - VISIT WWW.ADVENTURESMART.ORG.NZ TO FIND OUT MORE


2015

12-14 juneCHRISTCHURCHNEW ZEALAND

with guest speaker Karl Birkeland

Supported by:

currentp r a c t i c efuturet h i n k i n g

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Counci l invites the avalanche sector - from senior management to frontl ine practit ioners, to the bi-annual Southern Hemisphere Avalanche Conference.

The Conference consists of a ful l day of workshops, fol lowed 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, tr ial the latest gadgets and new technology, catch-up with fr iends and col leagues. Registrations open soon.

If you would l ike to present at, or sponsor the conference please contact Andrew Hobmanemail [email protected] or telephone +64 27 446 2626Expressions of interest for a presentation topic deadline is November 30, 2014.

nz mountain safety council - ontrack newsletter

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