10 October 2013

Mowing accident at Hastings park: NZRA statement

New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) expresses its sympathy to whānau of the young victim killed in a mowing accident in Hastings on 8 October 2013.

NZRA chairman Sarah Beaman says the incident is a terrible tragedy. An accident such as this has a huge impact on the whole community.

“NZRA offers its support to Hastings District Council’s officers and contractors at this difficult time. There is an expectation on councils that parks, reserves and open spaces are well maintained, as well as being open for public use at all times. This inevitably means that there will be machinery and members of the public on recreation areas at the same time.

“This incident brings to the fore some of the issues affecting NZRA members. Right now, councils are examining their practices for operating on public parks, whilst parents are considering the level of freedom they give their children to play and explore.”

NZRA, through its professional development and best practice services, will continue to support councils as they develop their individual policies and procedures to minimise risk for activities, such as mowing in public areas.

About NZRA
NZRA is recognised as the professional organisation representative of the parks and open spaces sector in New Zealand. NZRA member services and sector advocacy extends across all providers of parks, reserves and open spaces. The NZRA network includes local and regional authorities, consultants and contractors to the industry.

NZRA provides professional development and best practice in management and operational delivery for the recreation sector.

NZRA actively encourages children and adults to engage in recreation, whether through the great outdoors, formal sport, or recreation and play in local parks.

For further information, visit www.nzrecreation.org.nz

ENDS

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