About SKOANZ
The Sea Kayak Operators Association of New Zealand is a voluntary membership organisation that was formed following a meeting of sea kayak operators in Picton in June 1992. The sea kayaking industry was very much in its infancy at this time but it had become apparent to those involved that the time had come to form a national body. Commercial sea kayaking operations were being established around New Zealand but there were no guidelines or conventions in place that would establish minimum standards of operation. Standards varied considerably from operator to operator and it was felt that it was only a matter of time before a serious accident occurred that could affect everyone in the industry.
Significant energy was immediately devoted to establishing a Code of Practice and a Guiding qualification for operators, which would in tandem significantly, address the early concerns. There was a strong feeling that operators working co-operatively was the best way to develop good industry practices rather than have standards imposed by an outside body as a result of accidents. The principal objective of SKOANZ was established in our Constitution as being to promote:
· The interests of sea kayak operators within a framework of the highest possible standards of safety, environmental care and social responsibility.
· The development of sea kayaking skills and standards within the industry.
All SKOANZ Guides Qualification are now managed by NZOIA. Maintaining contact with the New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Assn over the development of sea kayaking awards continues to be an important part of the process.
New Draft Code of Practice
The Code of Practice evolved from a very simple document in the early days to something that is now very detailed addressing; safety, the environment, customer service and legal matters. This document is regarded as the foundation on which a sea kayaking business should base its operations.
The SKOANZ committee has recently produced a new Draft Code of Practice. The draft is available for commenting on in the Code of Practice section of this website. Feedback is required by the end of October 2011 with the new Code of Practice to be voted on at the SKOANZ AGM in November 2011(date and location to be confirmed).
All feedback should be addressed to the SKOANZ Chairman Peter Townend and sent to pete@canoeandkayak.co.nz feedback should have the page number and the heading it pertains to.
The new Draft Code of Practice is focused on the wider kayaking industry. This has been done to address the need for bringing the commercial interest in kayaking across all areas of Sea, River, Lake, Retailers, Hire operators and Manufacturers into one group where the advancement of safety and good business can be fostered through interaction and the sharing of ideas.
Your feedback is required to make this new Code of Practice
a document that will be a helpful tool to your business.
Feedback closes on the 31st of October 2011.
