Schools & EOTC
Outdoor education for schools
Resources for teachers, EOTC coordinators, and outdoor education providers — verified instructors, compliance guidance, and curriculum support through EONZ.
Our partner
Education Outdoors New Zealand (EONZ)
EONZ is the home for school outdoor education — curriculum resources, PLD workshops, te ao Māori integration, NCEA outdoor education content, and the EOTC Guidelines 2025. We list their workshops; they link to us for professional verification and compliance resources.
EONZ PLD Workshops
All EONZ eventsEffective Safety Management
Practical safety management for outdoor activities in a school context. Critical for EOTC coordinators.
Dates on EONZ websiteRisk Management for Teachers
How to identify, assess, and manage risk in outdoor education. Covers EOTC Guidelines 2025.
Dates on EONZ websitePlanning Safe Water-based Experiences
Specific guidance for sea kayaking, swimming, rafting, and other water activities with students.
Dates on EONZ websiteFatality Prevention
Lessons from New Zealand outdoor education fatalities and the systemic changes that prevent recurrence.
Dates on EONZ websiteCompliance & Guidance
EOTC Guidelines 2025 (Ministry of Education)
The primary compliance framework for schools
Natural Hazards: What schools need to know
WorkSafe April 2025 guidance — applies to schools
How to verify a qualified instructor
Search the Professional Registry
Activity Safety Guidelines for school activities
ASGs relevant to school outdoor programmes
What to do if you have an incident
Reporting requirements for schools
Find Qualified Instructors
Schools should use verified, qualified instructors for outdoor activities. The Professional Registry lets you confirm qualifications, currency status, and experience.
Search the registryWhat to look for
- NZOIA award at the appropriate level for the activity
- Current first aid certificate (within 3 years)
- NZOIA currency up to date (5-year cycle)
- Relevant experience with school-aged participants
- Current police clearance (your responsibility to obtain)
School outdoor programme positions
Schools post outdoor programme and EOTC coordinator positions on our jobs board.