Code of Conduct

• Promote the highest possible standards of safety, professionalism, and environmental care.
• Develop and support strong operational procedures, guiding competence, and quality river craft equipment.
• Establish clear qualifications and ongoing training pathways for river guides.
• Work collaboratively with other organisations connected to rivers, tourism, and training.
• Advocate for the interests of river guiding and rafting across New Zealand.
• Oversee National Raft Racing, including selection of teams for the World Rafting Championships.
• Maintain membership with the International Rafting Federation to ensure NZ teams can compete internationally.

• Support the kaupapa and purpose of the NZRA.
• Act with mana and integrity. Avoid behaviour that may bring the NZRA, the industry, or the sport of rafting into disrepute.
• Uphold partnerships. Do not act in a way that could damage NZRA’s relationships with key partners such as WorkSafe NZ, Te Mahi Ako, audit providers, polytechs, United Rafting, IRF and other commercial operators.
• Protect the awa (rivers). Commit to kaitiakitanga — the guardianship and sustainable use of our rivers and surrounding environments.
• Operate to agreed industry standards. Maintain the professional benchmarks supported by the NZRA and our wider networks.

NZRA members are expected to create a working environment grounded in manaakitanga (care and respect), whanaungatanga (connection and belonging), and pono (integrity and honesty).

We expect all members to:

• Foster a workplace free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination, including on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• Promote inclusivity and diversity in all areas of recruitment, leadership, and staff development.
• Act quickly and appropriately to address any concerns or reports of harmful behaviour.
• Support all individuals to feel safe, respected, and able to thrive in their roles — especially new, young, or international guides.
• Role-model respectful behaviour both on and off the river.

• Follow the law. Only engage in commercial rafting activities that meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activities) Regulations 2016, and any future amendments.
• Stay within your scope. Only guide on rivers and activities that align with your NZ rafting qualification.

• Only operate legally. Do not offer or run commercial rafting trips without a valid WorkSafe registration and safety audit.
• Comply with immigration rules when recruiting or working with overseas guides.
• Avoid harmful employment practices, including:
  • Unpaid or underpaid work
  • Excessive or exploitative training periods
  • Employing underqualified guides
  • Blocking opportunities for career progression
• Support guide development. Offer trainee and junior guide roles wherever possible to support skill-building and career growth.

• Commit or assist with doping offences
• Cheat in any form
• Engage in unsportsmanlike conduct

Upholding these standards is essential for the integrity of our industry, the safety of our people, and the mana of the NZRA.

If any individual or company member is found to be in breach of this Code of Conduct, or acts in a way that undermines the safety, reputation, or wellbeing of the river guiding industry, the NZRA reserves the right to take appropriate action, including:

• Formal warning or written notice
• Temporary suspension of membership
• Permanent removal from NZRA membership

These steps will be taken in line with a fair and transparent process, and in consultation with relevant parties where appropriate.

The NZRA may also report serious non-compliance to relevant external bodies (e.g., WorkSafe NZ, Immigration NZ) if required to protect the public, our industry standards, or environmental values.