New Zealand tree climbers James Kilpatrick and Chrissy Spence completed the double in the Masters’ Challenge at the International Tree Climbing Championships in San Antonio recently. Source: The New Zealand Herald
Mr Kilpatrick also won the Secured Footlock event and finished with a second placing in the Aerial Rescue.
Ms Spence won the Work Climb and also finished second in the Aerial Rescue.
The titles come on the back of changes to safety laws that will see some school children banned from climbing trees.
Some principals are paying consultants thousands of dollars for their health and safety systems to be reviewed after changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Under the new act, those with significant management influence over a workplace – including school principals – may be subject to prosecution and a fine of up to NZ$600,000 and five years in jail if they fail to meet the duty of due diligence.
The International Tree Climbing Championship, which is put on by the International Society of Arboriculture, was celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The ITCC consists of five challenges that test each contestant’s proficiency at scaling and maneuvering trees, along with completing their tasks safely and competently.
New Zealander Scott Forrest won the men’s title in 2014.
