15 Dec 2012

New adventure risk rules in place

6:16 am on 15 December 2012

New rules are now in force requiring all adventure tourism operators to strengthen how they manage drug and alcohol-related safety risks.

Operators must now have programmes for possible drug and alcohol impairment of staff.

They can adopt one of three options and the highest level includes random drug testing. Regular audits will be held.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said the tougher rules mean tourists will have greater assurance about the safety of adventure activities.