Mt Pirongia. Photo: Hamilton and Waikato Tourism
Pirongia Scout Group is searching for new leaders
Keas – aged 5 to7 – and cubs – 8 to 11 – came back into the Pirongia fold three years ago and have thrived.
But without a kea leader in 2026, fewer children will have the opportunity to learn invaluable life lessons.
Assistant group leader and 2026 group leader Leah Saunders said she’s loved being part of keas but her children are moving to cubs.
“Most of our entire kea group is moving up to cubs. It’s going to be a big change for Pirongia Scouts,” Saunders said.
“The cubs will continue, but the keas won’t be running at this stage. We’ve got kids for scouts too, but not leaders.
“There are kids on our waitlist, but there’s no one to take over. It’s quite a commitment to become a leader. That will be up to the community if they want to help.”
Leader Nathan Wells with Pirongia Scout Group’s keas. Photo: Supplied
Leaders goes through police vetting and there are online modules about child safety to complete as well as free training days.
Leaders and attendees get to experience many different activities people may not have access to otherwise.
“Last term we did our goodwill special badge for kai. I took the kids through local farms including Little Pirongia Farms. We saw vegetables and we went through a sheep and beef farm,” Saunders said.
“We also went through a dairy farm and got to see how everything works.
“We try and keep it local. We use the mountain quite often and we’ve linked up with the Pirongia Lodge. They have a zip line, rock climbing and archery there. Some great things we can use to qualify for our badges.
“We’ve also worked with Pirongia Predator Free and helped make traps.
As a child, Saunders wanted to be a scout, but Brownies and Girl Guides were the only option for girls.
“I always looked over the fence at the kids that were at scouts because I wanted to be one. Back then, scouting was only for boys, now it’s changed to boys and girls,” Saunders said.
