Tick of approval for adventure team
The Otago Polytechnic adventure team has been given the tick of approval, successfully completing an external audit of their Diploma in Outdoor Leadership and Management programme through Outdoors Mark, Outdoors New Zealand (ONZ).
“This is a significant achievement for our team, and ensures our safety systems and daily operations are in order,” says Programme Manager and Senior Lecturer at the Otago Institute of Sports and Adventure, Andy Thompson.
ONZ promote safe, quality participation in the outdoors through innovative research, education, networking, consultancy and standards.
“Key priorities for ONZ are fostering collaboration and partnerships within the outdoor community, encouraging high quality standards and best practices. In our line of work, we cannot afford to take a half-hearted approach and that’s why we have a highly skilled and highly qualified team of professionals heading the outdoor programme at the Polytech.”
In other adventure news – the Otago Institute of Sports and Adventure have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Industry Assessment Organisation, New Zealand Outdoor Instructors Association (NZOIA).
“The agreement will enable our second year students to gain their first NZOIA associate membership for free, and complete their first recognised external industry qualification as part of their Diploma at no extra costs,” says Andy.
If they are successful in passing their assessment, students will gain full membership as industry recognised practitioners.