The deaths of two French kayakers near Queenstown last week seem likely to lead to changes in the way search and rescue operations are conducted in the region.
The men, in their early 20s, had turned down an offer of assistance but sought help later when they got into trouble on Lake Wakatipu.
People involved in the search have met with commercial operators for a debrief at Queenstown police station.
The Coastguard manager for the south region, Cheryl Moffat, says courses will now be provided for tour operators and a volunteer list will be updated.
Ms Moffat says the best way of preventing a repeat of the incident is for people to treat nature with respect, and for locals to share their knowledge with the community.
