Northland school ordered to pay more than $500K following death of student

New Zealand’s workplace safety regulator has identified numerous shortcomings that led to the death of a teenager during a school caving expedition in Northland in 2023.

This follows the tragic incident in May 2023, when a high school student lost their life due to drowning in floodwaters caused by heavy rainfall at Abbey Caves.

WorkSafe said the trip included sixteen other students and their two supervisors, who were fortunate to survive the ordeal.

“Outdoor education plays a crucial role in providing students with valuable, real-world learning experiences that enhance their overall education,” WorkSafe’s Inspectorate Head, Rob Pope said.

“However, there must be gold standard risk management whenever schools take rangatahi into the great outdoors.

“This drowning should be a moment for every school board in the country to ensure its oversight of outdoor education is robust – and if you’re at all unsure, get an expert involved.”

The school was recently sentenced in the Whangārei District Court and required to pay over $500,000 in reparations.

To get all the information, go to the WorkSafe New Zealand website.