The following is a list of policies and procedures in place that you should be aware of in case a decision needs to be made about your safety and others on the course.

Any event in the New Zealand high country involves some risk and to minimise this, the Kaweka Challenge Committee has put several polices in place.   Perhaps the highest risk is exposure and in the last event the winner of Course 1 at one stage had all his clothing on just to maintain a comfortable, competitive body temperature.   Clothing, light in weight, is available that is wind proof, water proof and warm and for a few hundred grams it is not worth the risk of not enjoying the event or in the worst case, exposure.

Each Competitor

• Before the event each competitor has to satisfy the course marshals that they have adequate clothing, water and food for the course they are undertaking.   A list of these requirements can be found on the Entry Form and in greater detail in the Programme.
• On each section of the course a “sweeper” follows the slowest competitor or gives assistance where necessary.   He will be in radio contact with the Kaweka Challenge radio network.
• Cut-off times for each section will be adhered to.   Where a competitor fails to make the cut-off time they will be directed to an alternative route for their own safety.
• The last 250m of every course is along the Napier - Taihape Road.   For this section there is an approved Traffic Plan.
• At the end of their event category winners and others will be checked to determine that the minimum requirements have been maintained with regards to clothing (water) and food.
• It is advisable to treat drinking water for gardia etc.

Shelter and Water

This is available at the following places in cases of emergencies.

• Kiwi Saddle Hut
• Castle Camp (tank water)
• Studholme Saddle Hut
• Dominic Bivouac (tank water)
• Makahu Saddle Hut
• Mackintosh Hut
• Kaweka Hut has been destroyed

Event Centre

• Registered Doctor.
• Red Cross.
• Personnel experienced in Search and Rescue.

Severe Weather Contingencies

Course 0.1 and Course 0.2

• The severe weather plans for course 0 are being refined at the moment . They will follow the plans for Course 1 with some variations.

Course 1

• If the weather on the tops is severe but the Donald River is crossable, competitors will be diverted down Mackintosh Spur through the Donald and along Matauria Ridge to Makahu Saddle.    The route will then return southwards back along Matauria Ridge and continue as planned.

• If the weather on the tops is severe on Saturday but the Donald River is crossable, competitors will be diverted down Mackintosh Spur through the Donald and along Matauria Ridge to Makahu Saddle.    The route will return southwards back along Matauria Ridge on Sunday as planned.  It will be considered overnight if the Donald would be unpassable on Sunday.

Course 3

• If the creeks between the Mackintosh Spur/Kaweka Hut track junction, at the foot of Mackintosh Spur, and the Lakes car park, are not crossable, the course will be diverted over the three-wire bridge, then to the Lakes car park and finish as usual.

Course 4

• If the creeks between the Mackintosh Spur/Kaweka Hut track junction, at the foot of Mackintosh Spur, and the Lakes car park, are not crossable, the Sunday course will be diverted over the three-wire bridge, then to the Lakes car park and finish as usual.

Courses 5 & 6

• Severe weather conditions cancel.

Radio Check Points and First Aid

• Event Centre
• Top of Kuripapango Hill
• Kiwi Saddle Hut
• Top of Mackintosh Spur
• Kaweka J (1724m)
• Makahu Saddle Hut
• Toe of Kuripapango Spur
• Mackintosh Hut
• Lakes car park (end of Lakes Road)