Risk Disclosure Example

Risk Disclosure Example

A risk disclosure document is a legal and ethical requirement for adventure activity operators in New Zealand. It ensures participants understand and accept the inherent risks of an activity before they engage.

Why Risk Disclosure Matters

Under the Adventure Activities Amendment Regulations 2023 (effective April 2024), operators must take reasonable steps to inform people looking to participate about the risks involved. A written risk disclosure is the clearest way to demonstrate this.

A well-written risk disclosure:

• Explains the nature and inherent risks of the activity in plain language
• Distinguishes between inherent risks (cannot be eliminated) and preventable risks (managed through your SMS)
• Obtains acknowledgement that the participant has read and understood the information
• Reduces your legal exposure if a participant is injured

What to Include

A risk disclosure should cover:

• A clear description of the activity
• The inherent risks associated with the activity (specific, not generic)
• The physical and experience requirements for safe participation
• What the operator does to manage risk (brief overview)
• Confirmation that the participant has read and accepts the inherent risks
• Space for participant signature and date
• A guardian signature section for participants under 18

Timing

Risk disclosure should happen before the participant commits to participating — ideally at the booking stage or on arrival, not immediately before the activity begins when they may feel social pressure to continue.

Download the example below and adapt it for your specific activity and business.