AR World Championship 2005
Cavers Protest
Media Release / 15.11.2005
Permission was granted by the Department of Conservation last week to use the well known Te Tahi Cave near Westport during the race on Thursday.
ARWorld Series director Geoff Hunt has reacted to statements from the New Zealand Speleological Society and the Tasman District Search and Rescue organisation, which claim DOC should review the decision, because of concerns for the safety of the competitors and further concerns that acceptable safety practices would not be used.
"There is a definite 'misinformation campaign' going on. We have been given approval to use this cave for the event by DOC and professional cavers from Norwest Adventures Ltd of Westport will be on hand monitoring everyone as they go through. "
The company has been commercially operating tours in the Te Tahi Cave and Mr Hunt says they have extensive experience over many years in the caving industry.
"They are more than happy for our racers to use the cave and they, along with the race organisation, will ensure all safety measures are in place."
Mr Hunt pointed out that the only criteria for people to go on a caving expedition with Norwest Adventures is to be over the age of 16 and fit.
"People who book on this venture do not have to have any caving experience. NZSS president Dr Stephen Swabey has noted that 50% of the world championship competitors do have caving experience which we believe is an extremely high ratio."
While 46 teams entered the World Championship it was likely that less than 30% of the teams would still be competing by Thursday. A number of teams have withdrawn today and the attrition rate is expected to continue.
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