Camps warned after hefty fine

A Christian youth camp fined $30,000 after a schoolboy hurt himself on a slide has warned other camps and groups to insure themselves against playground accidents.

Christian Youth Camps in Ngaruawahia was fined in the Hamilton District Court after the 10-year-old fell down a waterslide while on a school trip.

The camp pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the boy's safety.

Judge Neil Maclean ordered that the fine be paid to the victim, Nemani Delaibatiki, who injured his head and neck in the accident during a Whitiora School visit to the camp on Waingaro Rd on February 25.

Nemani landed on a chain placed across the bottom of the waterslide to deter unsupervised use.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) branch manager Kevin Webby believed the fine was one of the highest in New Zealand for this type of incident.

The maximum fine is $50,000.

The incident was taken very seriously because it was the second of its kind at the camp.

Camp managers had not removed the chain after the first incident.

The boy's father, Nemani Delaibatiki sen, said his son could have died.

He said Nemani was no longer the same child.

His reactions had slowed, he slept longer and sometimes stared blankly at the ceiling. His movements were limited and he could no longer play rugby.

Mr Delaibatiki said the money would be put in a trust and perhaps used to help with rehabilitation costs.

Mr Webby said camp-owners' responsibility had increased since law changes just over a year ago.

While they had previously been responsible only for staff under health and safety regulations, these now covered people who paid to use the facility.

"I would imagine most camp-owners will take some interest in this decision and really take a look at their safety procedures."

The chairman of the Christian Youth Camps council, David Hockin, said the camp was covered by liability insurance. It had expected to be fined $8000 to $12,000.

He understood a court had fined a Waihi mine $20,000 two or three months ago after the death of a worker.

"The comparison doesn't quite seem fair to me," Mr Hockin said.

"I would strongly advise other camps and organisations to do so [take out insurance] to protect themselves against any unfortunate incident."

Mr Hockin said the camp was concerned about safety and hoped Nemani was progressing.

The chain had been removed on the advice of OSH inspectors.

Mr Hockin said camp managers kept the chain in place after the first incident, believing it was the best safety measure.

- NZPA