Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
The government is consulting on health and safety regulations to reduce red tape for adventure activity and amusement ride operators.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said at the moment businesses running low-risk activities could be required to meet compliance standards designed for higher-risk operations.
"We're making it easier for recreation providers by making sure only those running genuinely high-risk adventure activities need to meet the stricter safety requirements. The first proposed change is to amend the definition of 'adventure activities' in the Adventure Activities Regulations," she said.
"There's a big difference in the level of risk associated with things like white water rafting and bungy jumping versus a bike ride on one of the New Zealand cycle trails.
"We will be consulting with the sector so that we get the boundary right between high risk and lower risk activities."
The second change was to update the Amusement Device Regulations so only transportable high-risk amusement devices required a permit from local councils, van Velden said.
"I have heard from local councils who say the regulations are outdated and in need of review," she said.
"Councils currently permit a wide range of amusement devices regardless of risk. There's a difference in risk between large Ferris wheels that are frequently dismantled and reinstalled, and small merry-go-rounds or fixed amusement rides that are never moved."
Van Velden was also looking to include a provision on clarifying the obligations for volunteer organisations in the Health and Safety Reform Bill.
"I have also heard from a number of groups that recreational organisations are reluctant to organise volunteer work in the outdoors, like checking traps and pest control or trail maintenance, because of concerns about triggering health and safety liabilities," she said.
"I have asked my officials to consult a wide range of affected groups like the Federated Mountain Clubs, Aotearoa Climbing Access Trust, Department of Conservation, Volunteering NZ and Local Government NZ.
"It is important we get the balance right between encouraging voluntary activities that all New Zealanders benefit from, while keeping people safe."
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