Adventure forums target safety ahead of summer

Adventure tourism and commercial outdoor operators are being offered support to ensure their activities are as safe as possible before the summer season gets under way.

The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) is running Adventure Forums in three centres around New Zealand during the next two weeks, including Rotorua on Wednesday.

TIA advocacy manager Geoff Ensor said the forum would update attendees on the new adventure activities regulations and safety audit requirements.

Aimed at operators, contractors and senior staff responsible for safety management systems, the forums will provide advice and information on safety guidance material developed for New Zealand operators.

Mr Ensor said the forum would challenge operators to ensure they had done all they could to ensure the safety of their clients.

"The review showed that many operators are already operating to high standards.

"But there is always room for improvement and we want to do all we can to help operators avoid incidents and accidents.

"Even operators who are not directly affected by the regulations will benefit from attending these forums," he said.

Registration to the workshop is free and can be made by visiting www.tianz.org.nz/main/Adventure-Forums