TIA appoints adventure tourism safety specialist

Rachael Moore has been appointed Adventure and Outdoor Project Leader with the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA), a new dedicated safety role.

“This is a three-year position which will help TIA successfully deliver on the recommendations coming out of the Department of Labour review into safety within the adventure tourism and outdoor commercial sector,” says TIA Advocacy Manager Geoff Ensor.

TIA and Outdoors New Zealand (ONZ) were jointly charged by the government with implementing five of the review recommendations, designed to strengthen safety across the sector.

Ms Moore’s focus will be on working with the industry to further develop general and activity-specific safety guidance. She will also help ONZ as they work on other safety initiatives aimed at supporting the sector. Mr Ensor says Ms Moore has exceptional outdoor skills and the experience necessary to establish a strong working partnership with individuals, activity groups and the wider adventure tourism sector.

“Rachael has worked internationally with many different adventure tourism and outdoor commercial organisations across a broad range of areas, including designing safety management systems, working as an auditor and assessor, and in educational, mentoring and training roles.

“She also brings extensive practical experience to this role, having worked in 13 countries as an adventure guide and outdoor instructor in a variety of activities, including rafting, climbing, kayaking and technical rescue. Rachael has also competed internationally in extreme kayaking and won a world championship as a member of the New Zealand women’s rafting team.

“At the heart of the role is a need to build the trust and respect of operators. Rachael will work at the frontline, interacting with operators and other key sector partners on a daily basis.”

Ms Moore says the New Zealand adventure and outdoor sectors are world renowned as leaders in their field. “These safety initiatives are yet another example of this, and I am very excited to be working with TIA and industry to help in their implementation.”