Vice-regal event celebrates 100 years of support for SCOUTS

Media Release
8 November 2012

For immediate release

Vice-regal event celebrates 100 years of support for SCOUTS New Zealand

The Governor-General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, will hold a reception for SCOUTS New Zealand at Government House on 9 November 2012 to mark 100 years since Governors and Governors-General took on the role of Chief Scout.

The first Governor to serve as Chief Scout was Lord Islington, who accepted the role in 1912 - soon after Scouting started in NZ.

Sir Jerry Mateparae is the 21st Governor-General to serve as Chief Scout, and become the head of the Scout movement in NZ. He has also agreed to have his title given to the badge that recognises the highest Scout Section badge for youth leadership and achievement - the Chief Scout Award.

Sir Jerry Mateparae congratulated New Zealand's Scout movement on a century of vice-regal support.

Niamh Lawless, Chief Executive of SCOUTS New Zealand, said that she was delighted that Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mateparae had agreed to host this reception. It celebrated an important milestone and a close working relationship between Government House and SCOUTS New Zealand.

"For more than a century, the Scout movement has worked to prepare our greatest asset-our young people-for life. Its practical education programmes, which focus on self-reliance and teamwork, outdoor activities, adventure and 'learning by doing,' resonate with New Zealanders love of the outdoors and all things practical" Mrs. Lawless said.

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