Horowhenua Christmas Parade 2026 Health and Safety Plan

Outlined below are the terms and conditions for the Horowhenua Christmas Parade & Carnival. The organisers have created terms and conditions that must be adhered to as a result of the Health & Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA).

Protect yourself and others

All persons involved in the 2026 Horowhenua Christmas Parade are responsible for taking every reasonable step to ensure their actions do not cause harm or injury to themselves, other parade participants, spectators, or members of the public during the Christmas Parade & Carnival.

Participating vehicles / floats

All float operators must ensure vehicles and floats are safe and in good operating order.

  • Maximum float width is 3 metres
  • Maximum float height is 4 metres from the ground
  • Restricted height (for banners, balloons, etc.) is 4 metres from the ground.

All floats must be constructed with safety in mind. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • All props should be fastened securely.
  • Young children must not be positioned close to the edge of a moving float without a safety rail or sides.
  • An adult must supervise young children (especially children under the age of 5) on floats at all times.
  • Where necessary, floats should include a safety barrier or a rail for standing passengers to hold on to in the event of sudden stopping.
  • All vehicles/floats must drive at a steady walking pace in the parade - no more than 5km/hr.
  • All vehicles/floats must be conscious of the marching and walking groups participating in the parade (in front, and behind).
  • All parade vehicles must be registered, and have a current WOF certificate and insurance.
  • All floats using power or generators must use an isolating transformer in case of wet weather.
  • Floats need to be aware of overhead electricity lines when going to the parade, participating in the parade and going to their home base at the conclusion of the parade.
  • Float participants are asked to please remove any rubbish from the mustering area before you commence onto the parade route.
  • Bubbles and balloons are excellent, as long as they are tied down and no higher than the restricted height of 4m from the ground.
  • Signs, banners and flags are great as long as they are not higher than the restricted height.
  • If you have giveaways please hand these to the crowd rather than throwing. This is far more receptive and welcoming. Persons giving away items to spectators must be well clear of any moving vehicle or float.

The risk of electrical shock from any equipment due to adverse weather (or other factors) will be minimised by the normal practise of using isolating transformers and through the protection of leads and points with RDCs and circuit breakers. These will be the responsibility of the entertainment or display group.

Participants

All children participating in the parade must be under the direct supervision of an adult at all times. Large walking groups of children must be supervised by adults at a ratio of at least 12:2. No children are to be lifted onto or off moving floats. Prior to the parade all participants, especially children, should be instructed where to meet by a leader of your group. Children must be supervised in the float assembly area at all times. This is a very busy area with lots of moving vehicles and equipment. Vehicles manoeuvring must be done with a spotter or marshal in place.

Animals

Animals are permitted in the parade; however, we recommend the following:

  • The animal(s) concerned is 'parade proof' – i.e. used to loud noises, lots of people, lots of parade and crowd activity and movement.
  • The float organiser will have adequate food and water for the animal(s) involved prior, during and after the parade.
  • The float organiser will have adequate shade and housing facilities for the animal(s) involved prior, during and after the parade.
  • The float organiser is responsible for cleaning up after your animals in the parade assembly area, along the parade route and dismantle area.

Floats / vehicle assembly and dispersal

Marshals at the assembly area will position and disperse floats. All participants are to listen and follow the parade marshal's instructions on lining up, entering and exiting the parade.

Crowd control

Parade spectators are advised through advertising and publicity to sit behind barriers where erected. Parade marshals and traffic management personnel will reinforce this message to the crowds. This team is equipped with radio and/or telephones.

Emergency procedures / first aid

In the event that medical assistance is required, trained first aid staff will be available. If they are not readily available, dial 111 and ask for ambulance and notify the ambulance operator of your location. The nearest St John ambulance will then be sent to your location. A first aid tent will be located at the Levin Domain for minor injuries/illness.

Hazards

All participants and parade marshals will be advised verbally, prior to the parade's commencement, of any hazards associated with moving parts (floats/trucks) or the surrounding environment.

This is an important document – please ensure that everyone in your group reads this.

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