Media Statement from Bungy New Zealand

Early this morning (February 10 2010) Bungy New Zealand was informed of an unauthorized base jump from a non-operational site in Skippers Canyon near Queenstown.

AJ Hackett Bungy has owned the Pipeline site for approximately seven years, of which it has been non-operational for more than five.

The Pipeline is on private land and is padlocked and secured with signs that clearly state “No unauthorized access”.

Bungy New Zealand CEO Michelle Trapski said there had been no prior contact with the two base jumpers who went onto the site at approximately 6.30am this morning.

“We have had base jumpers wanting to jump from this site before, however we are responsible for that structure.

“We have made it clear to members of the base jumping community that they need prior permission to access this private land, and we will not give that permission without evidence of a robust safety plan that would mitigate the risk and exposure to themselves and to us.”

Ms Trapski said the company would consider whether to take any action as a result of the incident.