Risk Assessment Safety Information and Details

New Zealand Educational Tours Limited (New Zealand Educational Tours Limited is hereinafter referred to as NZET) is a New Zealand-owned inbound ground tour operator since 1992. Its trading activities are related to tourism services in New Zealand and it is engaged in operating and promoting education/special interest group New Zealand holidays. It is NZET’s intention that the company delivers a memorable and positively enhanced tour experience.

Our tour managers are among the best in New Zealand and are qualified and experienced professionals in the industry. In 2000 NZ Educational Tours was successful at the NZ Tourism Awards winning “Best Small Operator of the Year” and was WINNER 2001/2002 in the “Organised Group Tours and Touring” category. Recently NZET enjoyed further success by winning New Zealand and Bay of Plenty Environmental and Business Sustainability Awards 2003.

NZET has a team of professional staff that places the highest priority on customer service, where  customers’ safety is of paramount importance. All of our tour managers hold a current first aid certificate and have undergone a refresher course in the past 12 months. The company carries Public Liability Insurance.

Responsibility

The staff and management of New Zealand Educational Tours take all practicable steps to identify and minimise potential dangers.  However, New Zealand Educational Tours Limited, its staff and management, do no accept any liability for accident or injury to you or anyone else arising from your failure to follow our instructions.  To the extent permitted by law, all our liability for damage to your property, disruption to travel plans, or mental injury is excluded.  This exclusion is subject to any rights or remedies you may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

We reserve the right to withdraw any person who in our opinion is likely to endanger themselves or others.  We also reserve the right to cancel any activity if we become concerned for any reason for your safety or that of any other person.

NZET is NOT responsible for:

* Mechanical breakdowns, government actions, weather, acts of God, strikes, or other circumstances beyond our control.

* The failure of the client to follow instructions including check-in and check-out places and times.

* The loss of/or damage to participants' baggage or its contents. Refunds are not payable on any unused sections of the tour itinerary, meals, excursions or accommodation.

NZET Safety Practices

NZET is a highly respected tour company that is leading the way with passenger safety in New Zealand. The following outlines NZET’s commitment to passenger safety.  Our coach company is fully qualmarked and all of our coaches are equipped with seatbelts.

Bus/Coach Safety Check

Important Note: Our coach company is fully qualmarked and all of our coaches are equipped with seatbelts.

Before the tour starts, a coach safety check will be done by the tour manager and coach driver. This is to ensure that the coach meets the safety requirements of NZET and includes the checking of:

* Indicators working front and back

* Lights (dim and full beam) working front and back

* Horn working

* Microphone system works correctly

* Emergency exits

* Location of fire extinguisher, first aid kit & location of handbrake

Bus/Coach Safety Briefing Card

NZET has developed its own bus safety briefing card – similar to an airline briefing card which is delivered once the passengers are on the bus, ready to leave. The SIX POINT card includes safety information on:

* Exits and keeping aisles free from luggage

* Overhead items safely stored

* Remain seated while the coach is in motion

* Location of first aid kit; fire extinguisher etc.. in case of emergency

* Personal safety statements re travelling as a group or at accommodation

* What to do in case of an accident

General Safety

On the first evening of the tour the tour manager discusses with the tour participants general safety details. Participants are advised to stay within restricted areas (e.g. glaciers, Punakaiki Rocks) before participating in an included activity and to follow the instructions of the tour manager if at an activity or attraction. The tour manager will ask accommodation providers to explain emergency procedures. For personal hygiene reasons, NZET encourages participants not to share drink bottles etc.

Catering and Food Safety

All menus/meals provided by NZET have been approved by food experts and are nutritionally balanced.  If tour participants give assistance with meals, the tour manager will remind everyone in the kitchen to wash their hands before preparing the meals, to wrap all leftover food in cling wrap or sealed bags. We do not allow participants who are sniffling and coughing or those with cuts or plasters to assist with food preparation.

Emergency Contact Detail Business Cards

Business card-size emergency contact details are given to each participant. These include contact details of NZET, tour manager and drivers mobile phone number and also numbers for police, fire and ambulance.