CCG Ethical Guidelines

As a trip leader you have an ethical code of conduct and responsibility to the cave environment. It is recommended that you communicate this code to all members of your party before entering the cave.

You should be familiar with the New Zealand Speleological Society Handbook (3rd Edition 1995). This book details everything you need to know about cave ethics. Below is a summary of the information on pages 20-24 (you received a copy of this book when you joined NZSS, take the time to read it. It's good! If you've lost yours, get one from Lindsay Main).

Conservation and Protection of Caves:

• Take all care to avoid destruction or disfiguration of cave decorations (speleothems), and any other natural feature of caves. Follow tracks carefully. They are there to protect formations/cavers. Do not disfigure or mark caves in any way.
• In areas of clean flowstone floors, muddy clothing and boots should be removed to minimise impact.
• All rubbish (spent carbide, lolly wrappers, human faeces/urine) should be carried out of the cave and disposed of appropriately.
• Take carbide out of the cave in an unsealed container e.g. plastic bag. In many overseas caves, carbide is banned as a light source, and if we do not dispose of it carefully the same will apply in New Zealand. Outside the cave, don't leave it where stock can eat it or it can be seen.
• Do not interfere with, force or damage a legitimately erected gate or barrier.
• Do not remove any deposit, speleothem, sub-fossil remains, flora or fauna, or any other naturally occurring thing from a cave or karst area without first obtaining permission from the administering authority.
• When camping in natural areas or on farmland carefully observe the established Minimum Impact Code and rules of good camping conduct, especially in lighting fires and removing rubbish. Bury faeces when camping.

Cavers and Landowners:

• Seek and confirm specific approval in advance from the owner before entering a cave or crossing private property. DO NOT take access for granted.
• Respect the privacy of landowners and restrictions placed on access to caves, eg during lambing season. Ensure all gates etc are left as found.
• Always carry your current Society membership card to show the landowner or DoC when necessary.

DoC Permits

Most caves on the DoC estate are "Open Access" to cavers, but a permit is necessary for Metro Cave (Paparoa National Park) and Honeycomb Hill Cave (Kahurangi National Park) in the South Island. Examples of permit systems are attached at the back of these guidelines.