NZRA has been engaging with WorkSafe officials on rectifying misconceptions held by landowners about the HSW Act. Recent closures and access denials have shown that land managers can easily misunderstand the intent and reality of the HSW Act and adopt a risk-adverse attitude to allowing recreational access.

At a recent workshop hosted by WorkSafe, Sam and other representatives of various recreational organisations, progress was made. WorkSafe have committed to developing guidance material for land managers that will hopefully provide confidence and reassurance to those that are faced with a choice to allow recreational access. WorkSafe have indicated that the guidance will be produced and disseminated in months, rather than years.

Until that guidance is delivered we recommend this document produced by the Walking Access Commission.