Figure 1.--New Zealand Cubs wear blue shirts and tan shorts. The boys here are involved in a 1988 national Scout event.

New Zealand is the most southerly of the Pacific island countries. It is composed primarily of two large islands. The climate in the south is tempetrate. The population is both European and Polynesian (Maori). New Zealand boys as in other British Empire possessions eagerly adopted Scouting after it appeared in England. Scouting has traditionally been a popular activity for Kiwi boys. New Zealand os a great place for Scouting. The climate permits outdoor activities year round. Scouting is popular with New Zealand boys. While there is a great deal of information avialable on the Baden Powell and the foundation of English Scouting, HBU has been able to find very little about the founation of the Scouting movement in New Zealand. The New Zealand Scout program consists of Kias, Cubs, Scouts, Ventuere, and Rovers. The are the basic Scout levels, although the names of the different levels varies from country to country. New Zealand Scouting has the same modern Scouting Levels as other countries. They include Kia, Cub, Scout, Venture, and Rovers. Some of the names vary, but the levels are identical. There is also an active Sea Scout program in New Zealand. Early uniforms were just like the British ones. Only later did a destinct uniform develop.

Historical Background

We have been able to find very little historical information on New Zealand Scouting. While there is a great deal of information avialable on the Baden Powell and the foundation of English Scouting, HBU has been able to find very little about the founation of the Scouting movement in New Zealand.

Levels

The New Zealand Scout program consists of Kias, Cubs, Scouts, Ventuere, and Rovers. The are the basic Scout levels, although the names of the different levels varies from country to country. Cubs were initially the first group for younger boys. New Zealand like many other countries in recent years has intoduced a new group for boys even younger than the Cubs. For Boys and Girls aged between 6 - 8½ years of age. Cub are girls and boys aged between 8-10½ years of age. At this stage the groups are managed by trained volunteers "Leaders". During the period in cubs the child is trained in accomplishing structured tasks from reward of collection of badges. A Scout takes part in a programme suitable for young people from age 11 to age 16 Scouts are organised into Patrols. Patrols are encouraged to plan & organise their own activities in order to develop teamwork and self reliance. There are opportunities for Scouts to experience leadership. A progressive award scheme enables Scouts to learn a range of new skills through working on personal challenges and group activities. Venturers is for 15-18½ year olds which will help to keep the youth together longer and train them in more adult skills and responsibilities. Rovers are for 18-26 year olds.

Specialized Divisions

There are different specialized Scouting divisions. The best known is the Sea Scouts. We have very limited information available on New Zealand. The only specialized division that we have information on at this time is the Sea Scouts.

Uniforms

Kia Scouts

Cub Scouts

Cubs in the 1980s wore a blue short-sleeved shorts with tan short pants and matching kneesocks.

Boy Scouts

Venture Scouts

Rover Scouts

Sea Scouts

At present (2002), the uniform is as follows: White-topped seaman's cap with tally band, navy blue shirt (short sleeved), navy blue jersey, group scarf, navy blue shorts, official belt, black walk socks (knee highs), and black shoes. There are variations allowed such as white T shirts with blue neck and arm bands, and sandals in place of shoes and socks, and this is usual in some of the North Island troops, particularly in summer. A white lanyard is also optional wear. Badges used to be worn on uniforms as in most countries. However, since the changes to the land scout uniform in 2000, all badges were supposed to be removed from uniforms in all sections, and worn on optional activity dress only. This has met with a lot of resistance from most Sea Scout groups and badges are still generally being worn.

Jamborees

The 16th national New Zealand Jamboree was held in December 2001. (December is of course the summer down under in the southern hemisphere. New Zealand Scouts stressed to international Scouts "This Jamboree is for scouts planned by scouts. Members of the core Jamboree Program Team are scouts, just like yourself. They have been and will be involved with the planning and preparations for the Jamboree from start to finish. If the program team suggested an activity that they thought was boring they said 'Na, get rid of that'. If they heard something they liked, they said 'We want more!'." Early planning suggested the following uniform and clothes. Uniform: one complete uniform including socks and shoes (brown or black leather), no Group scarf. Cklothing: 5 changes underwear minimum, 2 Jamboree T-shirts and 1 other spare T-shirt, 2 Jamboree scarves, (no Group scarf), 1 pair pyjamas/night-shirt, 3 pair shorts, 2 Pair casual shoes (sneakers) JANDALS ARE NOT PERMITTED, 5 pair socks, minimum, 1 full length WATERPROOF rain coat, NOT SKI JACKET, 1 woollen hat, 1 Jamboree Troop sunhat, 1 woollen jersey or bush shirt, 1 pair gloves, 1 pair gumboots, 1 polypropylene long-Johns, 1 pair long trousers (track pants), 1 pair swimming togs, 1 set of throw away clothing including underwear and sneakers. There was a Kea/Cub Day or family day.

Gang Shows

New Zealand Scouts, like those in Australia, have developed a wonderful tradition of Scout Gang Shows in the finest traditions of those first presented by English Scouts. The first Gang Show was produced in 1956 and there have since been many successful Gang Shows produced by Scout Groups all over New Zealand. Scout Gang Shows are popular events in New Zealand. We have noted Gang Shows being held throughout New Zealand by Scouts and Guides working together. Perhaps the most important is the Central Gang Show held at Auckland Grammar School. Other recent shows have been held in Christchurch, Hawera, Hawkes Bay (Hastings), Hutt Valley, Kapiti (Otaki), Manuatu (Pamerston North), North Shore Gang Show (Takapuna, Auckland), Otago Gang Show (Dunedin), and Wairarapa. An especially well done one was produced by Scouts in the Christchurch area during 1996.