Education outside the classroom (EOTC) has been an integral part of New Zealand’s educational fabric for over a century. But as the list of safety concerns to consider grows, so do fears that taking students out on field trips has more risks than rewards.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has announced further changes to health and safety, as part of the ACT-National Coalition’s commitment to reform health and safety law and regulations. Instead of placing liability for injuries on the landowner, the responsibility would fall on the activity organisers.
Schools already must develop and review health and safety policies in line with the National Administration Guideline 5, identify at-risk students, outline emergency procedures, and ensure staff are first aid trained. Staff must also inform parents and caregivers about trip details in advance, collect up-to-date medical data, and discuss requirements and concerns before, during, and after the trip.
“For many Kiwis, outdoor recreational activities are a way of life that has been enjoyed for generations. Unfortunately, New Zealand’s work health and safety settings have reduced the appetite to allow these activities, inadvertently creating a culture of fear amongst landowners who are now worried about their legal liability if someone gets hurt,” she said. “Landowners will not be responsible if someone is injured on their land while doing recreational activities. Health and safety responsibilities will lie squarely on the organisation running the activities.”
The reform should reduce liability concerns for schools organising field trips. Schools may also find it easier to secure access to private farmland, forestry areas, or other outdoor locations for educational trips.
But schools will still need to ensure that the activity providers they partner with have appropriate safety measures in place. If a school directly organises an outdoor activity, such as a hiking trip without an external provider, it would still need to manage health and safety risks for its students. And so, whether this reform will reduce the fear culture surrounding EOTC depends on how it affects educators’ perceptions of risk themselves. What do you think?
Outdoor activities involve risk; it’s a somewhat inherent part of the fun. Schools might be daunted by the administrative tasks associated with organising EOTC, but these experiences have undeniable benefits for students. Groups like EONZ (Education Outdoors New Zealand) help schools navigate regulations rather than avoid outdoor trips altogether. Some level of risk aversion is necessary and healthy, but there is learning to be had when students engage in activities with risk involved.
While this reform aims to alleviate liability concerns and promote greater access to outdoor spaces, the actual impact on EOTC will depend on how schools interpret and implement these changes. If educators feel more confident navigating health and safety requirements, students may benefit from richer, more frequent outdoor learning experiences. But risk management will always be a key consideration. The challenge remains in striking a balance between safety and the invaluable opportunities that EOTC provides
