Companies are urged to consider investing in a winter driving course being facilitated by the Queenstown Lakes District Council, QLDC human resources manager Rachel Reece said.

"For the last five years the Council has arranged for its staff and contractors to participate in a winter driving course with a company called Hillseekers. The results have been excellent and the feedback from staff very positive," Ms Reece said. Local police and snow plough drivers had also subscribed to Hillseekers.

Run by former New Zealand national 4WD rally series titleholder Mark Warren, at the end of June, the course was partly theory and partly practice.

"The course demonstrates general operation of a 4WD to its optimum efficiency. Also included are safety skills in slippery situations, how to minimise costs of running a 4WD vehicle, and vehicle recovery skills and techniques," Mr Warren said.

The practical element of the course was invaluable.

"Participants are taken to a ski area and in a controlled environment, given hands on experience at handling a vehicle in extreme snow and ice conditions, in vehicles they would normally be expected to drive," Ms Reece said.

The Council was once again offering the course to new staff, however there was an opportunity for other businesses and individuals to participate.

"Hillseekers is happy to accommodate any additional companies or individuals, who may wish to participate," Ms Reece said.

The price ranged from $250 per person, for group bookings, through to $280 for an individual.

Interested persons should contact Ms Reece at the Council for additional details, email rachel@qldc.govt.nz.

ENDS

For further information please contact Rachel Reece 03 441 0499

By: Tamah