Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill Submission
NZDA makes joint submission with 15 outdoor recreation organisations
NZDA has submitted on the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill (HSWA) alongside 15 outdoor recreation organisations.
This collaborative effort, led by Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (FMC) and Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust, represents a unified voice across the outdoor sector.
NZDA CEO Gwyn Thurlow represents our organisation within the sector working group. As a passionate recreational hunter and NZDA’s advocate on our behalf, he ensures hunters interests and perspectives are clearly represented throughout the process.
What are the Concerns?
While the Bill aims to improve workplace safety, there is a real risk of unintended consequences for access. As it stands, the legislation could expose landowners and volunteer led clubs to liability for recreational accidents, even where no work activity is taking place.
This uncertainty is already influencing behaviour, with some landowners reconsidering or restricting public access.
The Submission
Our submission supports the intent of the Bill but calls for practical, common sense changes to ensure it works for the outdoor community. Key points include:
-
Ensure landowners and managers are not liable for accidents involving recreational visitors, volunteers, or natural hazards on their land, and that charging access fees does not create liability.
-
Ensure that any duties owed to recreational visitors in relation to work activities on the land are minimal, practical, and supported by clear guidance.
-
Ensure a clear and principled approach for volunteer-led outdoor recreation clubs, so they are not held liable for purely recreational activities.
Read it here: LINK
Hunters are among the many New Zealanders who rely on continued access to both public and private land. Getting this legislation right is critical to maintaining access.
NZDA will continue to advocate for outcomes that protect both safety and access.
This submission was lodged on behalf of the following organisations:
New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Inc, New Zealand Game Animal Council, New Zealand Fish & Game Council, Mountain Bike New Zealand, New Zealand Alpine Club, New Zealand Canyoning Association, New Zealand Speleological Society, Cave Conservation and Access Trust, New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, Te Araroa Trust, Whitewater NZ, Packrafting Association of NZ, New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association.
Join NZDA To Help Us Advocate on Your Behalf
