An Auckland kura is leading a push to improve outdoor education risk management in Māori immersion schools, in response to a river rescue involving tamariki.
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Puau te Moananui-ā-Kiwa took about a dozen children floating down the Waikato River using pool noodles and floatie toys in December 2023. Most of those taking part were not wearing life jackets. The group encountered strong currents and risked life-threatening injuries.
A WorkSafe investigation found the kura board had inadequate policies, planning, supervision, and emergency procedures in place for the activity, and should not have let it go ahead.
The board has accepted responsibility for the breach, and applied for an enforceable undertaking (EU), which is a legally binding agreement to fund and action a range of health and safety initiatives. WorkSafe has accepted the EU, which includes:
- Partnering with Education Outdoors NZ to develop a Te Ao Māori Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) toolkit primarily for kura, but also bilingual for all schools and communities nationwide.
- Engagement with the national body for kura kaupapa, Te Rūnanga Nui o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori, and the Ministry of Education to distribute the toolkit.
- Professional development for kura staff and board members, including outdoor education training for the new principal.
- Training and support for staff and ākonga (students) in safe water activities.
- Ongoing support for the victims, including a return haerenga (journey) to the Waikato River.
"Effective risk management is a non-negotiable part of outdoor education. The toolkit will reach up to 72 kura, and will more generally be useful for all schools by providing improved resources for managing the risks of EOTC," says WorkSafe's spokesperson, Anaru Pewhairangi.
"An enforceable undertaking is a serious commitment to improving health and safety. We commend the kura for taking responsibility and committing to meaningful change."
Enforceable Undertakings are a way for WorkSafe to hold organisations accountable for health and safety breaches, without going through prosecution. WorkSafe monitors progress on the agreed commitments and can seek a court order enforcing them if required. WorkSafe's role is to influence organisations to meet their responsibilities to keep people healthy and safe.
