NZ Recreation is working in partnership with the NZ SAR Council to develop guidelines for outdoor activity providers and event organisers around how to communicate with emergency services from remote areas in an emergency.

There has been an increase in organised recreational activities in remote areas in the last two decades. This includes adventure races or trail rides/runs as well as traditional adventure guiding or outdoor education activities.

There is currently an absence of clear and consistent information for operators as to how to interact with emergency services from remote areas in NZ. The development of a guideline presents an opportunity to proactively improve communication between emergency services and operators.

We hope that better communication will ultimately result in more appropriate and effective emergency response. If you are interested in having input into the development of these guidelines please email rob@nzrecreation.org.nz