The only organization up and running has been Outdoors New Zealand (ONZ). They have been struggling to meet the demands of hundreds of businesses involved in adventure activities and have had cash flow difficulties. Visit: http://
www.outdoorsnz.org.nz
They recently issued the following statement:
17 March 2014
ONZ is currently on hold pending a full review of our finances. Recently some messages have been distributed stating that the organisation is insolvent but the ONZ Board, upon reflection and obtaining new information, is not clear that this is accurate. The Board have not resolved to wind up the organisation nor has it declared insolvency.
Further on in this statement:
… If you are currently in the process of an OutdoorsMark audit, we are working hard to get these back on track so that these can be completed in time for the November deadline. The ONZ Board has a clear intention to preserve the integrity and value of OutdoorsMark as the primary accredited safety audit.
I understand the government has now stated that the November deadline will not be enforced due to the inability of audits being completed.
New Zealand Underwater Associations commercial division has been working through the process of becoming a registered business to conduct these audits. However red flags are appearing re how viable a business it would be.
ONZ ran into cash flow problems and it seems people are starting to question if the process is workable without maybe some form of government funding! Dive operators can only pay so much. Their customers will not be too happy if their cost to partake in diving rises considerably! So at the moment everything is in limbo.
As a diver you should always insure your own safety. Do not rely on the operator to have a magic safety wand over every dive.
Dive New Zealand magazine!
If youre visiting The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show (1518 May) call into our stand in Hall 1 stand #170 which is next to a real Heletranzs helicopter! Renew your subscription and pick up some bargain priced books and DVDs. Plus check out the man powered submarine Taniwha designed and constructed by University of Aucklands Bioengineering Institute:
www.abi.auckland.ac.nz/taniwha
We look forward to seeing you there!
