29 deaths in 5 years revealed in adventure tourism report

Twenty-nine people died while taking part in adventure tourism activities in New Zealand in the five years to June 30 last year, a Department of Labour report into safety in the industry reveals.

The report, released yesterday, was one of three from the first phase of the department's review.

The first phase included consultation with operators and compiling an overview of the industry. The next phase will look at any gaps in safety and make recommendations for improvements.

The first report, a snapshot of the industry, shows 19 fatalities in the adventure and outdoor commercial sectors, including seven in the Mangatepopo canyoning tragedy. Six lives were lost in the wider maritime adventure sector and four in the aviation sector.

More than 540 incidents resulted in "serious harm" in the same period, mostly in snow sports, followed by luging, horse trekking and quad-biking.

The department's questionnaire prompted 142 responses, more than 70 per cent of which were from industry operators. Respondents noted the industry could provide more clarity on industry standards including operating practices and staff qualifications.

They expressed concern about "inconsistencies" in the qualifications for instructors and guides. Some acknowledged different training organisations provided different courses, which could result in staff doing the same job differently.

Two respondents said they had no compulsory standards, codes, local operating procedures, licensing regimes or other documents to guide their business.

One heli-skiing operator believed no scheme was available with the skills and knowledge to audit its operation.

Several respondents commented on the high costs of compliance.

A few respondents raised concerns about the lack of recording and reporting of incidents because of fear of prosecution or losing a competitive advantage.

The review was sparked by Prime Minister John Key in September, after he became concerned about a number of incidents in the adventure and outdoor commercial sectors.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES