Outdoors Community Shocked By Tragedy

Outdoors Community Shocked By Tragedy

Outdoors NZ (ONZ) is shocked and saddened by the tragedy that occurred on Paritutu Rock today.

"As the representative organisation for the New Zealand outdoor sector, our heartfelt thoughts go to the families, friends and colleagues of the Spotswood College students and TOPEC instructors missing after the traverse of Paritutu Rock today," said ONZ Chief Executive Garth Dawson.

Outdoors NZ will be working closely with TOPEC and the authorities to establish what lies behind today's events, to support those involved and make sure that any lessons are learned and improvements made.

"TOPEC is a well-respected, long-established organisation with a good safety record," said Mr Dawson. "We know they will be devastated by today's tragedy."

The outdoor recreation and education sector is already working closely with government to develop NZ-wide safety standards, practices and assessments.

Outdoors New Zealand
Outdoors NZ is the peak organisation for the outdoors community. By its constitution Outdoors NZ is a confederation of various members, and has a vision to advance the use, enjoyment and safety of New Zealand’s great outdoors, by providing co-ordination, leadership and support to the whole of the outdoors community.

The organisation provides a wide range of services and support to its members and to the wider public, with its member organisations taking responsibility for specific aspects of outdoor recreation, training, education and adventure tourism.

Each member organisation has its own objectives and sphere of interest, including aspects of participation, sustainability, safety, outdoor education and professional development. Collectively, Outdoors NZ represents the wide focus of outdoor recreation in New Zealand.

Our vision is to see people in New Zealand enjoying the opportunity for positive outdoor recreation and education experiences through a coherent, vibrant, and effective outdoors community.

ENDS

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