MSC, MetService: stay safe outdoors this Labour Weekend

MSC and MetService encourage people to stay safe outdoors this Labour weekend

With Labour Weekend and the Great Walks season approaching fast, the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) and MetService are encouraging people to plan and prepare before heading outdoors.

MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley said it doesn’t matter whether people are heading out for a few hours or several days, or how experienced they are, preparation is essential to ensure a safe, enjoyable trip.

“It’s been a long winter and over the coming weeks, people across New Zealand will be wanting to get out and make the most of warmer temperatures and longer days. We all enjoy this time of year, but we also need to be mindful.”

Mr Daisley encouraged people to check out the five simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code – plan your trip, tell someone, be aware of the weather, know your limits and take sufficient supplies.

Although temperatures are rising, conditions are still wintery around much of New Zealand. On the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing and on many of the southern Great Walks – favourite locations for Labour Weekend getaways – there’s often still snow cover at this time of year. Parts of these tracks may even be affected by avalanche conditions.

MetService Meteorologist Lisa Murray urged people to check up-to-date weather forecasts before heading outdoors.

”We know how quickly weather conditions can change, and how treacherous they can become from one moment to the next.”

A front is expected to lie slow moving about the central North Island on Friday, bringing rain, with some heavy falls possible for the hill country from Waitomo to Taranaki, and across to Tongariro National Park.

On Saturday, a low develops on the front, which will bring a burst of rain to the northern half of the North Island during Saturday. This low moves away by Sunday afternoon. Elsewhere in the country there will be long fine spells, especially in the east of the South Island, but the west may see the odd shower in an onshore flow. On Monday, a front bringing rain moves onto the lower South Island.

“With the significant weather features affecting different parts of the country this weekend we advise people to keep up to date with the latest weather and warnings at www.MetService.com before heading outside,” advised Ms Murray.

Mr Daisley said wearing the right clothing was essential.

“The New Zealand outdoors can become very cold and wet very quickly, and you’ll enjoy your trip much more if you’re prepared for that.”

“Wear layers, and always carry a hat, gloves and a waterproof jacket. Carrying enough food and water is also really important. You’ll need enough to last you during your trip, as well as some extras in case of emergencies,” Mr Daisley said.

Finally, Mr Daisley encouraged people to leave their trip intentions with a trusted contact, in case something did go wrong.

“That way, if someone knows where you’re going and when to expect you back they can raise the alarm and get assistance to you quickly.”

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. For more information visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz

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