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Para Clinics Aotearoa — Safety Policy Statement

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Organisation: Para Clinics Aotearoa
Chief Instructor: Zachery Morris
Location: Wanaka, New Zealand
Effective Date: 5 April 2026
Review Date: 5 April 2026

 

Safety Commitment

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Para Clinics Aotearoa is committed to providing a safe, professional, and supportive training environment for all pilots participating in paragliding and speed wing instruction and coaching activities.

Safety is the highest priority in all operational decisions. No training objective or activity will take precedence over the safety and wellbeing of students, pilots, instructors, or members of the public.

All operations conducted by Para Clinics Aotearoa will comply with the requirements of the New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (NZHGPA) Operations Procedures Manual (OPM), relevant aviation standards, and the WorkSafe New Zealand Health and Safety at Work Act requirements.

 

Safety Responsibilities

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Safety is a shared responsibility between instructors, students, and participating pilots.

Para Clinics Aotearoa commits to:

  • Providing structured, safe, and progressive training programmes

  • Conducting thorough safety briefings before all activities

  • Monitoring weather and environmental conditions before and during operations

  • Ensuring training equipment is maintained to appropriate safety standards

  • Maintaining accurate and detailed records of student progression and performance

  • Promoting safe decision-making and responsible pilot behaviour

  • Maintaining emergency preparedness and response capability

  • Encouraging open communication about safety concerns or hazards

  • Taking immediate action to manage unsafe situations

All instructors and assistants involved in training activities are expected to act professionally and follow established safety procedures at all times.

 

Risk Management

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Para Clinics Aotearoa applies a proactive approach to risk management through:

  • Identification of hazards before training begins

  • Ongoing assessment of site conditions

  • Continuous monitoring of weather and operational conditions

  • Implementation of control measures to reduce risk

  • Review of incidents and near-miss events

  • Regular evaluation of safety procedures

Risk management decisions will always favour the safest available option.

Training activities may be modified, delayed, or cancelled when conditions are considered unsuitable or unsafe.

 

Student Safety Expectations

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All students participating in Para Clinics Aotearoa activities are expected to:

  • Attend all required safety briefings

  • Follow instructor guidance at all times

  • Operate equipment responsibly

  • Maintain personal readiness using the IMSAFE self-assessment model

  • Report hazards, incidents, or safety concerns immediately

  • Use equipment that meets required safety standards

Students who fail to follow safety instructions may be withdrawn from activities if their actions present an unacceptable risk.

 

Continuous Safety Improvement

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Para Clinics Aotearoa is committed to continuous safety improvement through:

  • Regular review of safety procedures

  • Recording and analysing incidents and near-misses

  • Implementing improvements where required

  • Maintaining professional development and training standards

  • Reviewing safety systems on a seasonal or annual basis

Safety performance is monitored to ensure ongoing improvement and compliance with industry standards.

 

Emergency Preparedness

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Para Clinics Aotearoa maintains an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that outlines procedures to be followed in the event of an incident or emergency.

All instructors involved in training activities are familiar with emergency procedures and are trained to respond appropriately to incidents.

Emergency response readiness is reviewed regularly.

 

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

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Para Clinics Aotearoa operates in accordance with:

  • NZHGPA Operations Procedures Manual (OPM)

  • Relevant aviation safety guidance

  • Health and Safety at Work Act obligations

  • Applicable equipment safety standards

  • Industry best-practice guidelines

All operations are conducted with a commitment to legal compliance and professional responsibility.

 

Safety Culture

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Para Clinics Aotearoa promotes a positive safety culture where:

  • Safety concerns can be raised without hesitation

  • Learning from incidents is encouraged

  • Communication is open and respectful

  • Decisions prioritise long-term safety over short-term outcomes

Safety is not treated as a checklist, but as an ongoing responsibility shared by all participants.

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