Health & Safety Policy

1. Our Commitment

The Tahurangi Ski Club Incorporated is committed to providing a safe environment for all members, guests, and visitors at Tahurangi Lodge, Iwikau Village, Mt Ruapehu. The health and safety of everyone at our lodge is our highest priority.

We operate in compliance with the New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and take all reasonable practicable steps to eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety.

2. Mountain and Alpine Hazards

Tahurangi Lodge is located at Iwikau Village (approximately 1,630m) on Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano in the Tongariro National Park. All visitors must be aware of and prepared for the following hazards:

• Volcanic activity: Mt Ruapehu is an active volcano. Monitor GeoNet alerts and follow all evacuation instructions from the hut leader or emergency services immediately.
• Weather conditions: Alpine weather can change rapidly. Always check forecasts before travel and during your stay. Do not proceed to the lodge in dangerous conditions.
• Snow and ice: Chains or 4WD may be required for road access in winter. Icy paths around the lodge require appropriate footwear.
• Avalanche risk: Be aware of avalanche conditions on the mountain. Do not travel in avalanche-prone terrain without appropriate experience and equipment.

3. Lodge Rules and Conduct

• All guests must sign in with the hut leader on arrival.
• The hut leader has authority over all safety matters during their assigned period. Their instructions must be followed at all times.
• No open flames other than the designated cooking facilities.
• Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the lodge or within 5 metres of any entrance.
• Alcohol consumption must remain responsible. Intoxicated guests who pose a safety risk may be asked to leave.
• Children must be supervised by their parent or guardian at all times.
• Ski and snowboard equipment must be stored in the dedicated drying and storage room — not in sleeping or common areas.

4. Emergency Procedures

In any emergency, dial 111 for New Zealand emergency services.

• Fire: Raise the alarm immediately. Evacuate the building via the nearest exit. Muster at the designated assembly point. Do not re-enter until declared safe by emergency services.
• Medical emergency: Contact the hut leader. First aid kits are located in the kitchen and main hallway. The nearest hospital is Whanganui Hospital. In serious cases request helicopter evacuation via 111.
• Volcanic eruption alert: Follow the Tongariro National Park volcanic alert system. Evacuation routes are posted in the lodge. Move to lower ground away from lahar flow paths.
• Missing person: Notify the hut leader immediately. Do not commence a search without coordinating with the hut leader and emergency services.

5. Incident Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the hut leader as soon as possible. The hut leader will complete an incident report through the lodge system.

Serious injuries and notifiable events must also be reported to WorkSafe New Zealand as required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

6. First Aid

First aid kits are maintained in the lodge kitchen and main hallway. The hut leader for each stay period holds current first aid certification. If you have a medical condition that may require emergency assistance, please advise the hut leader on arrival.

7. Responsibilities

The Club is responsible for maintaining the lodge in a safe condition, providing adequate first aid equipment, and ensuring hut leaders are appropriately trained.

Hut leaders are responsible for conducting a safety briefing on arrival, managing hazards during their period, and completing incident reports.

All guests are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others, following hut leader instructions, and reporting hazards or incidents promptly.

8. Contact

Questions about this policy should be directed to the Club Secretary via our contact form.