The primary objectives of this document are to:
Ensure a Safe Environment: Clearly communicate MCEC’s health and safety (H&S) expectations for all Hirer workers (including employees, volunteers and contractors) to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone on site.
Facilitate Compliance: Help you meet your obligations and ensure compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) and other applicable New Zealand legislation (refer Legal References section).Our approach aligns with WorkSafe NZ's best practice guidelines for PCBUs (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) working together.*
* Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, s17. Meaning of PCBU.
Scope and Limitations
This handbook does not replace or supersede your legal duty of care.
As the Hirer, you remain the principal PCBU for your event.
This guide does not take away your responsibility to:
Identify and Manage Risks: You must still develop your own robust processes to identify and manage all hazards and risks specific to your event activities.
Stay Legally Compliant: This document does not list every statutory or regulatory requirement that may apply to your specific event. You are responsible for ensuring your processes remain current and comply with all applicable legal requirements associated with your event, which may include specific legislation related to animals, food, alcohol, or activities taking place.
Safety Commitment
Our shared commitment
As the venue operator (MCEC), we are committed to providing a safe environment for all workers (employees, volunteers and contractors)*, and visitors (other persons)**. We retain duties over fixtures and fittings at the venue.
MCEC recognises its duty of care to all parties and is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and service. The success of our health and safety efforts relies on everyone working together. To achieve this, all parties must understand their responsibilities and obligations.
As the Hirer, you are designated as a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) and have a primary Duty of Care under HSWA.
Your commitment includes:
- Ensuring the health and safety of everyone working at the venue.
- Implementing systems to reduce the risk of injury.
- Complying with MCEC's Health & Safety management procedures and directions.
- Reporting any incidents, accidents, injuries, or hazards and risks to MCEC employees.
- Supplying any required Health & Safety documentation to the MCEC Venue Representative.
* Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, s19. Meaning of Worker.
** NZNFS and the Hirer have duties to keep others in the Workplace safe from harm as referred to in Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, s32((2). Primary Duty of Care.
Policies and Procedures
Site rules
Site Safety requirements
Pre event safety checks may be conducted. Non- compliant equipment will not be allowed and MCEC staff may request work to stop if actions are in breach.
🚧 Ground Penetration
No digging or ground penetration (e.g. pegging marquees) between red lines, these indicate underground services. All ground penetration must be signed off by a MCEC Representative before work commences.
🦺Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
High- visibility clothing (vest, shirt, jacket) must be worn as the outer layer. If working in hours of darkness reflective materials must be clearly visible.
Wear appropriate PPE for the task at hand (e.g. harness for working at heights).
Covered shoes to be worn at all times, no jandals or sandals are permitted.
📑Site Rules
Site speed limit: 15km/h. All road rules apply. Pedestrians have right of way.
No children under 15 are allowed on site during pack in/ pack out.
Dogs are not permitted, except guide dogs.
⚡Electrical Safety
All electrical leads must display a current test and tag (within the last 12 months).
Electrical work must be conducted by a registered electrician and authorised by MCEC to connect to venue power supply.
Cables in public/ traffic areas must be protected by cable covers.
Vending units with electrical supplies must have a current Electrical Compliance Certificate.
⚠️Gas Safety
Gas bottles must be secured to prevent falling.
They must have a current test date, be undamaged and leak free.
⛺Structure Placement
Units, stalls and pop ups must be in approved areas and must not block egress routes.
All structures must be weighted or pegged on all legs.
🏡Housekeeping
Keep the worksite clean, and free of hazards; fire egress routes must also be kept clear.
Remove all rubbish and debris before leaving; use provided waste bins/ skips/ cages and flatten cardboard before disposal.
Hazardous liquid waste (oils, chemicals) must be removed from site – never tipped down drains, onto grass or into the river.Site Rules
Site speed limit: 15km/h. All road rules apply. Pedestrians have right of way.
No children under 15 are allowed on site during pack in/ pack out.
Dogs are not permitted, except guide dogs.
⚡Electrical Safety
All electrical leads must display a current test and tag (within the last 12 months).
Electrical work must be conducted by a registered electrician and authorised by MCEC to connect to venue power supply.
Cables in public/ traffic areas must be protected by cable covers.
Vending units with electrical supplies must have a current Electrical Compliance Certificate.
⚠️Gas Safety
Gas bottles must be secured to prevent falling.
They must have a current test date, be undamaged and leak free.
⛺Structure Placement
Units, stalls and pop ups must be in approved areas and must not block egress routes.
All structures must be weighted or pegged on all legs.
🏡Housekeeping
Keep the worksite clean, and free of hazards; fire egress routes must also be kept clear.
Remove all rubbish and debris before leaving; use provided waste bins/ skips/ cages and flatten cardboard before disposal.
Hazardous liquid waste (oils, chemicals) must be removed from site – never tipped down drains, onto grass or into the river.
Health and Safety documentation
All Hirers and their contractors involved in delivering works that presents a risk to any person’s safety or health is required to submit pre-event safety documentation. It is the expectation that health & safety documentation be submitted to the MCEC Venue Representative, in timeframes outlined in the table below. We will provide feedback where applicable to help both parties meet any overlapping or consultation duties*.
If the Hirer utilises sub-contracted workers (including labour hire), you must either obtain appropriate health & safety documentation from the sub-contractor and ensure the sub-contracted workers are inducted, trained & supervised.
Pre Event H&S Documentation Submission checklist:
| Action | Required Deadline | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|
| Health & Safety Documentation | 1 month prior | The Hirer must provide their overall safety plan for the event. Depending on the size and complexity of the event, this maybe in the form of a Site-Specific Safety Plan (SSSP), Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), or similar, specific to your activities at MCEC. Document must identify hazards and control measures. You may add to our Venue Specific Hazard Identification template in the next section. |
| Fire wardens (Evacuation) | 1 week prior | The Hirer will be provided with an Evacuation Plan for all buildings in use. Wardens must be appointed for each building and recorded in the plan including names and contact information |
| Insurance | 1 month prior | Evidence of Public Liability Insurance (as required) to cover the event. |
| Induction | As agreed with MCEC Representative | A plan for how any contracted workers will have critical H&S information communicated to them. The Hirer may use the MCEC standard contractor induction and fill in editable fields. |
| Floorplans, site plans | 1 month prior | Detailing how buildings and spaces will be used. |
| Notification of any of the following involved in your event: Candles, dry ice (smoke effects), pyrotechnics, lasers, open flames, hot works, animals onsite, excessive noise generating activities, or drone operation. | 1 month prior | If applicable (See sections on specific items). |
| Copy of Notification to WorkSafe NZ | 1 month prior | If applicable (See Notifiable Works section), indication of if Notifiable Works will occur is required 1 month in advance, however actual notifications must be provided to the MCEC Venue Representative at least 1 week prior to the activity occurring. |
| Engineering or rigging plans | As agreed with MCEC Representative | If applicable |
| Hazardous substance/chemical registers (including LPG) | As agreed with MCEC Representative | If applicable |
| Licensing/ qualification of workers | As agreed with MCEC Representative | If applicable (If using venue owned or shared equipment/machinery) |
| Traffic Management Plan | 2 weeks prior | If applicable, a copy of your TMP must be provided to MCEC. See section on Traffic Management. |
* Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, s28, ss31 – 34. No contracting out, Duties not transferable, Person may have more than one duty, more than 1 person may have same duty, and PCBU must consult other PCBU’s with the same duty.
Risk Management
Your Health & Safety documentation (SSSP/SWMS/JSA) must detail a risk assessment that considers every aspect of your event and activities.*
- Identify hazards and risks.**
- Determine how serious the risk is (consequences) and the likelihood of it occurring.
- Decide on the Reasonably Practicable actions to manage the risk (eliminate or minimise)***.
- Review the process and control measures to ensure risks are adequately addressed
As an example, a copy of our Venue Specific Hazard Identification can be found HERE
Which you may add your own event specific hazards and risk to.
The documentation you submit must be:
- Specific to the tasks/activities taking place.
- Specific to the work environment at Mystery Creek.
- Detail all known/expected risks and the control methods that will be implemented.
- Provides sufficient emergency response if the risk does occur.
- Identify how incident’s, accidents are reported, including reporting to MCEC.
* Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, s30. Management of risks.
** Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, r5 Duty to identify hazards.
*** Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, s22. Meaning of reasonably practicable, and Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, r 6 Hierarchy of controls.
Notifiable Work - Worksafe NZ
If your event involves Notifiable Work, you must indicate this as early as possible in the event process (1 month prior). MCEC requires you to forward a copy of any planned Notifiable Work Notification to the MCEC Venue Representative a week before the specific work activity occurs to help ensure the WorkSafe NZ minimum notification period is met (24 hours). *Unplanned Notifiable Work, must have the WorkSafe notification provided to the MCEC Venue Representative as soon as possible, but still at least 24 hours prior to the specific work activity occurring.
Activities most likely to be Notifiable Work include:**
- Any rigging or construction work that involves lifting over 500 kg over 5 metres in height.
- Work where a worker could fall 5 metres or more.
- Erecting or dismantling scaffolding with a risk of falling 5 metres or more.
The notification duration must cover both pack-in and pack-out activities.
* Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995, r2, Interpretation – “Notifiable works” and r26(3) Notification.
** Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995, r2, Interpretation – “Notifiable works”
Emergency and Evacuation Procedures
We have Emergency Evacuation Procedures in place for buildings available to be hired which will be provided to you by the MCEC Venue representative. The Hirer should take this information in consideration when developing their emergency plans and will need to consider the impact of any combination of buildings, the expected attendee profile, pack in and pack out activities, outdoor areas used and if overnight camping is occurring.
The MCEC Venue Representative will brief the Hirer on the essential aspects of the evacuation processes and ensure they are aware of the location of fire alarm panels, any critical equipment and any warden identification required to be worn. It is the Hirers responsibility to ensure Wardens are appointed and trained in the evacuation process for the event area. All workers are expected to familiarise themselves with emergency procedures, exit pathways, assembly points, alarm call point positions and firefighting equipment.
Emergency Access
You must plan for how emergency services will access the site (especially when gates are closed or locked) and how they will be directed to the specific location of the emergency.
Controls may include having overnight security staff at Gate 2, liaison with MCEC employees to open specific gates, or having a person ready to escort emergency services to the specific incident location.
Evacuation Protocol (General):
Upon hearing an alarm, all persons should evacuate the area immediately. Follow all reasonable directions from the Wardens, MCEC employees or Emergency Services personnel.
Do not re-enter buildings/areas until the all-clear is given by Emergency Service personnel or the Building Warden.
Incident and Accident Reporting
- All accidents and incidents must be recorded and reported to the MCEC Venue Representative as soon as possible. A thorough investigation must be completed for all accidents, incidents, and near misses that could have been of a serious nature.
- For Notifiable Events*, the incident scene must not be disturbed prior to advice from WorkSafe, with exceptions for providing assistance or making the worksite safe.
Exceptions below:
- Aiding an injured person.
- Removing a deceased person.
- Ensure the worksite is made safe so the incident or other incidents do not have the potential to cause further harm to persons.
- Following instruction from a Police Officer or WorkSafe NZ inspector or other authorised emergency service personnel.**
Hirers are expected to complete the MCEC incident report form or their own if they contain the equivalent information. Copies must be shared with the MCEC Venue Representative as required, and the Hirer is expected to assist with any ongoing investigation that may be required.
* Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, s25, Meaning of Notifiable Event.
** Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, s55(2). Duty to preserve sites
Damage to venue, equipment or property
The Hirer is responsible for ensuring their contractors protect the venue including floors, furniture, and fixtures from being stained, marked, or damaged during any work.
Any damage to the venue, property or equipment caused by the Hirer or their contractors must be reported immediately to MCEC Venue Representative. The Hirer will be liable to front the cost of all necessary repairs resulting from such damage as outlined in the Venue Hire Agreement
First Aid
An appropriate number of first aid certified personnel shall be present during, pack in, the event period and packing out, the event taking into account the risk profile of activities and expected number of workers and attendees. It is strongly recommended to engage a recognised service provider for first aid during a large-scale event or where the risk would suggest it appropriate.
First Aid equipment is made available by the venue onsite at a designated location as agreed by both parties. These include a First Aid Kit and defibrillator. The venue also has a wheelchair and rescue chair available. The location of First Aid services should be communicated to all workers (induction) and event attendees and well sign posted.
All accidents and incidents must be reported to the MCEC Venue Representative as soon as possible, as per the Incident Reporting and Recording section.
Pandemic and Communicable Diseases
MCEC expects all hirers to remain up to date with public health related issues and follow guidance from the Ministry of Health or similar agencies. MCEC must be informed as soon as a Hirer becomes aware of any known or suspected public health concerns e.g. positive tests from workers or attendees for pandemics or other communicable diseases e.g. measles, campylobacter, salmonella. The Hirer is to ensure any reporting required to be followed for communicable diseases occurs.
Alcohol and Drug Policy
Hirers must guarantee that their Workers are not impaired by alcohol or drugs (including prescription drugs) that could compromise safety. If MCEC considers any person to pose a risk due to intoxication or drug influence, that individual will be instructed to leave the venue.
See Alcohol Management section for requirements of events involving alcohol.
Smoke Free Policy
All MCEC venues are non-smoking indoors. This policy is in place to protect health, comply with legal requirements and ensure non-smokers are not exposed to harmful substances*. To avoid doubt, smoking also refers to vaping and similar products.
* Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990.
Animal Policy
Animals are not permitted on site unless they are taking part in an event or are a trained service dog providing medical, police or other government agency support. Approval is required for any animal to be present as part of an event by the MCEC Venue Representative. Details of how a hirer will meet their animal welfare legal obligations must be provided to obtain any approval. *Hirers should also consider processes for managing animal welfare issues of event attendees, including pets being left in vehicles.**
* Animal Welfare Act, Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018.
** Animal Welfare Act, Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, r14, Dogs left in vehicles.
Drone Policy
Mystery Creek Events Centre is located within the Hamilton Airport Controlled Airspace Zone; therefore, all drone activities must be approved by the venue before authorisation will be granted and must follow the steps outlined in the MCEC Drone Policy
Ground Penetration
It is the hirers responsibility to ensure that all ground penetration is signed off by MCEC employee before digging occurs, The Mystery Creek site has several underground services including, electrical power (with risk of electrocution) and water which are all GPS located. The protection of these services is critical for both your worker’s health and safety, but also the successful delivery of the event.
Personal Protective Equipment
The following PPE is required to always be worn while working on-site:
- Hi viz clothing (vest, shirt, jacket) as the outer layer. If working in the hours of darkness reflective materials must be clearly visible.
- Covered shoes. Jandals / sandals are not acceptable.
There is an expectation that PPE will be always worn while carrying out tasks, where it is required to be used as a management control for identified risks e.g., wearing a harness for working at heights
It is the hirers or contractors’ responsibility to provide PPE to their workers and have processes in place to ensure those who turn up onsite without it don’t work until its available.
Toilets, Showers (Hygiene)
An adequate number of toilets must be available for crowd numbers and hours onsite. A general guideline is provided below from Waipa District Council guidelines:*
Toilet facilities
Toilets are one of those things your guests may not notice when everything is working well—but they'll certainly notice if there aren't enough!
Mystery Creek Events Centre has a range of permanent toilet facilities located throughout the venue. When planning your event, it's important to consider whether the available facilities will adequately support your expected attendee numbers, event duration, and event type.
For larger events, you may wish to supplement existing facilities with additional portable toilets and arrange servicing throughout the event to ensure they remain clean, safe, and fully operational. Don't forget to consider accessible toilet facilities and ensure essential supplies, such as toilet paper and handwashing amenities, are maintained throughout your event.
If your event includes food and beverage service, you may also want to increase the number of toilet facilities available to your guests.
Use this table to guide as a starting point when assessing your event requirements. Please ensure your event is appropriately equipped for the comfort and safety of all attendees.
| The gents | The ladies | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrons | Loo | Urinals | Hand basins | Loo | Hand basins |
| >500 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 13 | 2 |
| <1000 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 16 | 4 |
| <2000 | 9 | 15 | 7 | 18 | 7 |
| <3000 | 10 | 20 | 14 | 22 | 14 |
| <5000 | 12 | 30 | 20 | 40 | 20 |
Based on your event timings and with the hirer’s approval, the MCEC Venue Representative will make arrangements for cleaning and servicing of facilities during your event. MCEC will ensure toilet facilities are well maintained with adequate signage and lighting and include hand washing, sanitary disposal and nappy changing facilities as well as disability accessible stalls.
Several showers including accessible stalls are also available onsite, for events involving camping. Additional shower blocks may need to be hired in depending on your event needs. Your MCEC Venue Representative can provide maps with location of permanent toilet and shower blocks, and proximity to key buildings/ features of the site to assist with your planning.
Water Access (Potable supply))
All water on Mystery Creek site available to Hirers is safe to drink. Water taps are available in buildings and around site, their locations are plotted on MCEC maps which can be provided by the MCEC Venue Representative.
Noise Limits
Your event planning must consider the expected noise your activities are likely to produce, any noise generating elements should be detailed in your Health and Safety plan, and any mitigation measures.
Take into consideration the impact on attendees, through acute exposure e.g. hearing loss and the environmental impact of noise disturbance to neighbouring residents and businesses. MCEC has a Mystery Creek Events Zone designation within the Waipa District Plan but also has a boundary with the Waikato District Council. Hirers need to be aware of the noise limits and plan for the activities to meet these requirements.*
Noise limits do decrease from 8pm each day and further reduce at 11pm, with the Waikato District Council levels (neighbours across the Waikato River) being lower than those allowed by Waipa District Council.**
Mystery Creek has an allocated number of noise days per year, which allow for higher-than-normal noise levels, so we need to understand any expected noise activities taking place at your event. As the total number of noise days is restricted across all events at MCEC, you need to request inclusion for your event to be allocated a “noise day” through the MCEC Venue Representative.
Examples for consideration of noise levels include:
- Live music/ DJ’s, Stage Audio
- PA systems and announcements
- Patron activity (crowd cheering, mass movement)
- Pyrotechnics displays
- Construction noise (pack in/pack out)
- Generators
It is expected that you will have an internal process for noise complaints e.g. a contact phone number, and the Venue Representative must be notified of any complaints.
* Refer - Waipa District Plan, Volume 1 - Waipa District Plan 2016, Part D - Zone Provisions, Section 9 - Mystery Creek Events Zone, parts 9.4.10 – 9.4.20 for general noise rules and considerations.
** Refer - Waipa District Plan, Volume 1 - Waipa District Plan 2016, Part D - Zone Provisions, Section 9 - Mystery Creek Events Zone, parts 9.4.15 for exact noise limits outside allocated Noise Days.
Hazard Management
Traffic Management (Includeing onsite vehicle movements and parking)
Onsite Vehicle movements
As the hirer, you will need to consider how you will separate people and moving vehicles and how vehicle movements will be managed around the site during pack, in and pack out and during the event. We encourage the use of temporary fencing or barriers to prevent vehicle access to pedestrian walkways.
Any persons directing traffic should be visible (e.g. Hi vis, light wands) and be trained for the job. Roadways must be kept free of obstructions, maintaining safe access and egress to the site, emergency services must be able to always gain access to the event zone.
All vehicles operating within the Mystery Creek grounds are subject to a maximum speed limit of 15 km/h. This limit must be strictly followed. Drivers must possess the relevant NZ driver's license and any applicable endorsements, and an MCEC representative may request proof of this license at any time. All vehicles used as part of your event must be road worthy and road legal.
External Roadways
The MCEC site boarder’s State Highway 21, along Airport Road, and is near major road networks such as State highway 3 and the Waikato Expressway. MCEC events also often impact traffic patterns on Cambridge Road between Cambridge and Te Awamutu.
Therefore, for events “which are planning for and/or are capable of attracting more than 5000 patrons per day”, a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is required to be prepared and submitted for approval to Waipa District Council no less than one month prior to the event.*
in consultation with:
- NZTA,
- New Zealand Police, and
- Waipa District Council,
It is recommended you engage a professional traffic management company early in the planning process. Your MCEC Venue Representative can assist by referring you to an endorsed supplier.
A copy of the TMP must be provided to the MCEC Venue Representative. If Waipa District Council advises that a TMP for public roads is not required, written confirmation must be provided to the MCEC Venue Representative.
* Refer - Waipa District Plan, Volume 1 - Waipa District Plan 2016, Part D - Zone Provisions, Section 9 - Mystery Creek Events Zone, parts 9.4.2.9 – Rules Scale of activities
Our venue Alcohol Policy, along with our Responsible Service of Alcohol guidelines, outlines the following requirements for events involving alcohol (all policies are available on our website: Privacy, Terms & Policies - Mystery Creek
- Licensing: The hirer may engage a caterer to provide alcohol service at an event, provided they are licensed to deliver food and beverage services; or
- Special Licence: The hirer must apply for a Special Licence for the event through Waipa District Council (WDC). *
Any event involving the service of alcohol must first be notified to the MCEC Venue Representative. Where a licence is necessary, proof must be provided and displayed on site. (add correspondence from WDC)
It is a mandatory requirement from the venue, that security must be employed for events involving alcohol, to ensure safety and compliance. The number of guards required will be dependent on attendee numbers and other risk factors and operating hours of the event.
Your MCEC Venue Representative will book necessary guards and outline their roles and responsibilities. MCEC has an endorsed security provider who are approved to work on our site.
* Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
Security
Depending on the nature and scope of your event and activities, MCEC may require security to be employed. This will be either booked yourself or undertaken by the MCEC Venue Representative in liaison with you as the Hirer, and in accordance with the Venue Hire Agreement. Mystery Creek has an endorsed security provider who are approved to work on our site.
Some but not all applicable scenarios have been outlined below:
- The event falls outside of daylight hours where MCEC employees would otherwise be offsite.
- There is a perceived risk to safety e.g. protestors, unruly groups, high profile attendees.
- There are people camping or staying onsite overnight.
- Your event involves the service or sale of alcohol.
- Controlled access is required e.g. strict entry/exit points or credentials and/or bag checking.
- The sale of dangerous goods e.g. firearms
Crowd Control
Wherever crowds converge at one location, the level of risk to safety may increase. You must detail how the movement and behaviour of people on site will be managed in your Health and Safety documentation. Our buildings have maximum occupancy restrictions for safety, your MCEC Venue Representative can provide these.
To ensure safety and efficient crowd management at events and especially higher risk profile events, the following guidelines should be reviewed and applied as required.
- Emergency planning: for possible scenarios, for example medical events, fire and weather.
- Directional Signage: Install clear and visible directional signage throughout the venue.
- Pathway Clearance: Ensure all pathways and egress routes remain clear and unobstructed.
- Security Engagement: Utilise Security to manage and assist with guiding patrons and crowd control.
- Staff Briefing: Conduct a comprehensive briefing for all staff covering the venue layout, anticipated crowd nature, and detailed entry and exit procedures.
- There are resources available to you such as the NZ Government Strategy for “Protecting Our Crowded Places from Attack” document.*
* New Zealand Government, “Protecting Our Crowded Places from Attack: New Zealand’s Strategy”, Version 1.0 August 2020.
Food Safety
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all event attendees, all food supplied or sold at Mystery Creek (MCEC) must meet the requirements of the Food Act 2014 and all other applicable regulations and standards. MCEC strongly recommends the use of our endorsed caterers, who are familiar with our site, our infrastructure and our compliance expectations. A current list of endorsed caterers is available on the MCEC website.
Hirers who chose to engage their own food providers, must ensure those vendors meet all venue and legal requirements. The Hirer is required to report immediately to the MCEC Venue Representative, any known or suspect cases of food or beverage related illnesses associated with the event. MCEC may require the cessation of food service, cleaning or sanitation interventions, or further investigation as appropriate.
Before any food service begins, the MCEC Venue Representative will request evidence of each vendor’s current food registration or certification issued by the relevant local authority. This documentation must cover the type of operation the vendor intends to run onsite. Waste oil must be removed from site by the vendor unless a prior arrangement for disposal has been made with MCEC. All waste must be correctly sorted and disposed of into the appropriate waste streams provided by the venue.
Working at height
Hirers must follow the WorkSafe NZ guidance for working at heights, with the following requirements being in addition or as a reminder of some applicable hazard and risks controls.*
- Gantry Access (Pavilion): Only allowed for those who have completed a Gantry Access Induction (contact your MCEC Venue Representative to arrange Gantry specific inductions).
- Roof Access: Requires a MCEC Working at Heights Permit (contact your MCEC Venue Representative).
- Harnesses & Gear: Must be maintained to applicable NZ standards, have a current certificate, and be no older than ten years. Height rated helmets must be worn.** PPE for the applicable working at height device must be used e.g. harnesses.
- Exclusion Zones: Area’s underneath working at height must have controlled access/exclusion zones for authorised workers only. These must be clearly marked with barriers, tape or cones with bars and should be discussed in daily inductions and displayed on hazard boards / safety signage or similar.
- Rescue Plan: Contractors must include a specific rescue plan in their safety plans that details how a hanging worker at height will be safely rescued (without relying solely on emergency services).
- Use of ladders: Ladders must be used as a last resort for short duration work only. Other options must be considered, such as mobile platforms, scaffolding etc. The top levels of ladders must not be used and no standing on the top of 3 step ladders not fitted with safety bars or similar to support three points of contact***
- Training: Specific training and use requirement must exist for specific devices, Hirers must ensure these requirements are met for:
- Erection of scaffolding
- Use of mobile scaffolding
- Use of Elevated Work Platforms (EWP’s)
- Use of boom lifts
- Cages used to lift people, attached to other machines e.g. forklift or telehandler cages
- WorkSafe Notification: Hirer must consider if height work is notifiable and make necessary notification. Refer to the WorkSafe NZ Notifications section.
* Refer to multiple guidance documents on WorkSafe NZ webpage, www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/working-at-height/, which includes but not limited to:
- Scaffolding in New Zealand,
- Mobile elevating work platforms,
- Working safely at height,
- Equipment for working at height,
- Working at height in New Zealand,
- Safe working with ladders and stepladders.
** WorkSafe NZ, “Best practice guidelines for working at height in New Zealand, July 2019.
*** WorkSafe NZ, “Best practice guidelines for working at height in New Zealand, July 2019.
Rigging and stage build requirements
The Rigging and Stage Build requirements are in addition to any Working a Height considerations.
Pre-Work Documentation: Rigging build information, weight loadings, and rigging plans must be submitted to MCEC Venue Representative or nominated contractor prior to works occurring.
Load Calculations: All weight loadings (trusses, gantry, hanging equipment) must be known and calculated for both sectional and cumulative load limit to ensure they are within the weight range.
Safety Requirements:
- All tools used by riggers must be attached to lanyards to prevent dropped objects, including mobile phones or other devices.
- All chain motor hoists to be fit for purpose, inspected before use, have a current electrical test and tag as well as having chain bags installed.
- All workers (including riggers) to be wearing PPE when there is work at height. Hard hat, safety footwear, high visibility vest, glove & eye protection as required.
- All hanging equipment to have safety cables, chains attached. Completed sign off or checklist are to be available for inspection by the MCEC Venue Representative as required.
Procedure: A "1 up 1 down" system (one rigger at height, one person on the ground to secure the safety zone) must be in operation.
Temporary Structures (Stages, Canopies, Marquees)
Any covered structure, including outdoor stages, canopies, and marquees, is classified as a Temporary Structure. The requirements below apply to all such structures to ensure they comply with the relevant building and fire and emergency requirements. Also refer Pop-up Marquee’s (Gazebo’s, Tents) for smaller structures. All electrical installations inside covered temporary structures must adhere to AS/NZS standards.*
Permit & Compliance Requirements
| Structure size | Key Requirement | Hirer action required |
| All Structures | Anchoring |
|
| Marquees over 100 m2 | Building Act, Regulations and Code Conditions | MCEC holds a site-wide Building Act 2024 Consent exemption for marquees or other temporary structures over 100m2 floor area.** The Hirer or temporary structure owner remains obligated to be compliant with the Building Act 2004, the Fire and Emergency Act and associated regulations, and is required to gain FENZ approval of a Temporary Evacuation Scheme. Therefore, Hirers must have:
|
| All Engineered Structures – e.g. stage rigging around an outdoor stage, or free standing inside a venue | Certification (PS4) |
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* AS/NZS 3760:2021 In-service safety inspection and testing or electrical equipment and RCD’s and AS/NZS 3002:2021 Electrical installations – Shows and carnival events.
** Letter from Waipa District Council to NZNFS for “Building Consent Exemption”, dated 15 March 2017. Exemption granted pursuant to Schedule 1, Exemption 2(a).
*** Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018, r7 Owner of building must provide evacuation procedure, r 18 Application for approval of evacuation scheme and Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017, s 77. Owner must apply to FENZ for approval of evacuation scheme.
**** Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018, r5 - Owner and tenants of building must maintain means of escape from fire for building.
***** Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018, r8 and r9 – Duties of occupants of building regarding evacuation procedure, and Owners or tenants of certain buildings must have employees trained to assist occupants to evacuate.
Pop-up Marquee's (Gazebo's, tents)
Due to their inherent instability, the use of Pop-Up Marquees (Gazebos) presents a significant wind risk, particularly at the Mystery Creek Event Centre site as areas can experience a wind funnel effect.
Remain proactive: and initiate the process to secure or dismantle at risk structures before adverse wind conditions arise.
Emergency Response: If the risk is immediate, you must postpone the activity, cancel the use of the marquee, or immediately direct all occupants to a safe, permanent location.
Regardless of weather conditions Pop-Up Marquees (Gazebo’s) must be weighted or pegged to secure them (industrial pegs, not domestic tent pegs) at the earliest stage of installation. Note: Obtain permissions for Ground Penetration from the MCEC representative before commencing installation.
If weights are used to secure the pop-up they must be attached or fit around the leg of the structure or secured to the structure of the marquee by tie down straps. Weights / pegs must be used on all the legs of the pop-up. If sandbags are used as a form of weighing down pop-up marquees the sandbags as per the weights must be securely attached to the structure.
Working with power
The Hirer and all contractors must liaise with the MCEC Venue Representative regarding the venue's power supply to ensure all power requirements (sound, lighting, catering needs, etc.) can be safely met. All electrical equipment used must be fit for purpose, inspected before use, and protected from environmental conditions e.g. dust and water.
Power Load Plans: May be requested detailing equipment layout, capacity of cabling, dimmer, and phase loading.
MCEC Authorisation: The Hirer must use a registered/certified electrician on-site. Electricians must gain authorisation from MCEC prior to connecting to the venue’s power supply. Refer to the MCEC website for endorsed suppliers familiar with the MCEC site.
Electrical Isolation: Isolation of an MCEC power supply must only be carried out by an MCEC approved contractor. The electrical grid must be effectively isolated from mains or generators while any electrical equipment is installed or removed.
Residual Current Devices: All connected power/electrical equipment need to ensure that Residual Current Device (RCD) protection is in place. MCEC hardwired connections have built in RCD's.
Electrical Testing and Tagging: All electrical equipment must be tested to AS/NZS 3760:2022 and display a current tag.
Cable jackets: Cables and cable runs must be protected in cable covers or similar in areas of public occupation, traffic, and pedestrian movements (e.g., roadways, pathways).
Severe weather events
Contingency plans for severe wind and rain must be considered for all stages of your event. Severe weather may restrict vehicle and pedestrian access to grassed areas and compromise stability of marquees and temporary structures. If wet weather concerns are raised, alternative access routes and ground cover options should be investigated in liaison with the MCEC Venue Representative
High wind is a significant hazard, particular to temporary structures such as marquees, scaffolding and stages. Hirers or their contractors must be aware of detailed wind limits for the safe operations of these, and plant and equipment e.g. scissor lifts, and have a management plan in place and ensure specific anchoring requirements are met.
MCEC is a designated Civil Defence site with some back up facilities.
Hazardous Substances
The Hirer/Contractor shall provide MCEC Venue Representative with a complete list of all hazardous substances they intend to bring onto the venue grounds. Also review the LPG Storage & Use section and include LPG as a hazardous substance.
- The list must be provided along with pre-event safety documentation (SSSP/SWMS).
- Clearly outline the requirements of a Chemical Inventory required by regulations for each hazardous substance:*
- the product or chemical name and UN number (if available); and
- the maximum quantity likely to be at the workplace; and
- the location of those hazardous substances; and
- any specific storage and segregation requirements; and
- any hazardous waste.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be supplied for all listed substances and be less than 5 years old from when it was last reviewed.
- Planned use and management of these substances must be noted in your Site-Specific Safety Plan (or similar documentation).
- If any substance requires a specific qualification, this must be clearly noted in your documentation, and MCEC reserves the right to request proof of the qualification.
* Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substance Regulations) 2017, r3.1 – Duty of PCBU to keep hazardous substances inventory
LPG storage and use
LPG is a hazardous substance and so these requirements are in addition to those in the Hazardous Substance section. The total number of cylinders and the cumulative weight of LPG being brought on-site must be made known to the MCEC Venue Representative prior to the event.
Storage of 100Kg of LPG or more will require a Location Compliance Certificate (LCC). A hirer will need to consider obtaining external expert advice for the process of obtaining a LCC.
Storage of LPG cylinders (empty or full) must be in an approved storage area / facility. Location of the storage facility will be in liaison with the MCEC Venue Representative, and the Compliance Certifier (if a LCC required) as required.
Storage facility requirements of space:
| Requirement | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Secure and Suitable | The facility must be secure and appropriate for storing hazardous substances. |
| Well Ventilated | Adequate ventilation in the area. |
| Separation | Must be separated from any source of ignition. |
| Incompatible Fuels | Must NOT be stored near flammable materials, ignition sources (e.g., generators), or other incompatible fuels (e.g., petrol). |
| Distance Consideration | Cylinders stored within 3 metres of each other add to the cumulative quantity of the substance. |
| Required Warning Signage | Must clearly display the correct HAZCHEM signage (2YE) and 'No Naked Flames' signage. |
| Extinguisher available | A portable fire extinguisher (minimum 2kg) of the correct type must be available within line of site and no more than 30m from storage area. |
Special effects (Pyrotechnics, including sparklers)
All pyrotechnic activities, whether indoors or outdoors require strict authorisation and planning to ensure safety and compliance.
Any use of sparklers or domestically purchased fireworks require approval from MCEC Venue Representative. If required, neighbours of the venue may need to be notified.
- MCEC must be notified in the first instance followed by approval from:* Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ)**
- WorkSafe NZ (notify at least 3 days prior to occurrence)***
- Civil Aviation Authority: due to proximity of Hamilton Airport or if displays exceed 60m in height. ****In addition:
- Outdoor Displays: Must comply with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Code of Practice for Outdoor Pyrotechnic Displays.*****
Personnel Requirements:
- Certified Handlers to operate pyrotechnic displays
- Qualifications: All persons involved must be suitably qualified, trained and experienced.
Pyrotechnics Safety plan: is required which outlines,
- Location and directing of firing
- Location of personnel involved in the display (must have direct line of sight).
- Details of the size and type of pyrotechnics used
- Deployment height and noise level generated (Displays must not exceed 140 dB LZ peak in the audience area or at any activity sensitive to noise).
- Location of firefighting equipment (suitable extinguisher for fire type)
- Outline minimum safe distances, exclusion and safety zones.
- Safety Data sheets must be available onsite
Display Execution and Hazard Control:
Controlled Access
- The pyrotechnics display area must have controlled access, excluding anyone not directly involved in the activity.
Wind Limits
- Known wind limits must be provided.
- Displays must not take place if conditions exceed these known wind limits.
Hazard Prevention
- Ensure that fired items will not create a fire or safety risk to crowds, buildings, or structures.
- Pyrotechnics must not be fired if any person enters the firing/exclusion zones.
Overhead Obstructions
- Any overhead object (e.g., trees, wires, branches, buildings) must not be within 8 meters of the display site set-up area.
* Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017, r9.35 – Notifications and recording of outdoor pyrotechnic displays.
** Fireworks and pyrotechnic displays | Fire and Emergency New Zealand
*** Outdoor pyrotechnics display compliance certificates | WorkSafe
**** Search risk management | WorkSafe – “HSNOCOP: Outdoor pyrotechnic displays”.
