United Future
Hon Peter Dunne

Dunne: Visitor death highlights danger of complacency

The woman and her male companion did not return from a day tramp of the track yesterday. A search party found the pair at about 2am today; it appeared the woman had died from hypothermia.

“It is very distressing to hear about such a tragedy, however it is the latest in a long list of sad episodes involving overseas visitors that have taken place in the New Zealand outdoors,” said Mr Dunne.

“The issue is that many visitors to New Zealand do not understand the seriousness of our outdoor environment and may subsequently lack the clothing, skills and information needed to enjoy it safely,” said Mr Dunne. “Weather changes so quickly in New Zealand - a beautiful, clear day one minute can turn bitterly cold and dangerous the next. It is important to carry adequate clothing and know what to do if one is caught out.”

According to Mr Dunne, “The onus must go on the Department of Conservation and tourism operators to educate visitors about the necessary requirements of undertaking a trip in the New Zealand outdoors.”

“It has long been evident that a problem exists. In the middle of winter, it is not uncommon to encounter overseas visitors in the New Zealand bush in jeans, sandshoes and t-shirts, completely oblivious to the danger they face if circumstances suddenly change,” said Mr Dunne.

“It is simply not enough to erect a notice at the end of a track like Tongariro and expect people to adhere to it. What is needed is a concerted effort to distribute information through pamphlets and have rangers on our more popular walks to inform and, if necessary, dissuade people from doing something that they are not adequately prepared for,” said Mr Dunne.

“I understand that personal responsibility is an important factor in any outdoor experience, however, every effort needs to be made to prevent tragedies such as this occurring in the future,” concluded Mr Dunne.