About us

The MSC is a national organisation with 28 Branches, over 1000 volunteer instructors, 17 member organisations and a professional staff of 14, specialising in outdoor safety for land-based recreation. We promote safe participation by setting nationwide standards and offering education for safety in the outdoors.

New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) was formed in 1965 in response to a growing concern over an increasing number of accidents in the bush and mountains. Representatives from a number of government and recreational organisations formed an incorporated society with the goal of enhancing safety in outdoor adventure activities.

We intend to do this by:

• Developing and monitoring training programs
• Produce technical manuals
• Provide administrative support and information
• Publicise outdoor safety.

Groups of acknowledged experts form MSC's Standing Committees advise MSC on current practices, equipment and standards in their respective areas of expertise.

These area include:

• Abseil and Alpine
• Bushcraft
• Education
• Firearms
• HUNTS (Hunter National Training Scheme)
• Outdoor First Aid
• Research
• Risk Management
• Snow and Avalanche