Ice-skating rink makes helmets mandatory after teen's death

A Christchurch ice skating rink has brought in a mandatory helmet policy after a teenager died from a head injury sustained in a fall there.

Kymani Hiley-Hetaraka, 13, was taken to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition after falling at the Alpine Ice Sports Centre last Tuesday.

Her whānau said she had suffered an unsurvivable head injury before her death on Thursday was announced.

• Teenager dies after Christchurch ice-skating tragedy

Alpine Ice has now made changes to its policy, The New Zealand Herald reported.

“Customer safety is a priority at Alpine Ice,” a social media post said.

“From Monday 5 August, all customers are required to wear a helmet while attending our public skating sessions. Helmets are provided free of charge by Alpine, or skaters may prefer to bring their own well-fitting cycle helmet.

“For inquiries relating to helmet policy for other ice sport activities, please refer to advice from your sport/programme co-ordinator. We appreciate your support and understanding.”

WorkSafe earlier told the Herald an investigation into the facility's safety procedures was under way.