How Scouts deals with allegations of wrong behavior

Media Statement for immediate release:

We have prepared the following statement for you which explains how our organisation deals with allegations of wrong behaviour:

“Paul Nimmo refused to work within the policies and procedures established by SCOUTS New Zealand. In mid-2015, SCOUTS New Zealand exited Mr Nimmo from the organisation.

We had no child protection concerns and there were no child protection complaints reported against Mr Nimmo while he was associated with SCOUTS New Zealand.

Mr Nimmo went on to establish a youth group unaffiliated with SCOUTS New Zealand. Mr Nimmo successfully convinced young people and their parents to follow him to that organisation. Our understanding is it is in this context that the offending happened.

SCOUTS New Zealand cooperated fully with the police investigation. Due to confidentiality matters, we learned of the details of the charges against Mr Nimmo today along with everyone else.

SCOUTS New Zealand feels for the families whose trust was betrayed by Mr Nimmo. Youth development organisations, be they athletic, religious, or recreation in nature should be safe places for young people. We welcome members of the aforementioned youth group back into SCOUTS New Zealand.

SCOUTS New Zealand takes child protection matters very seriously. Actively doing the right thing to protect young people is our top priority. Where there is a risk to the safety of young people we always act. Creating a safe environment for youth, an environment that parents can trust, with zero tolerance for doubtful behaviour is what guides us.

We are proud of our 4,500 adult volunteers who work hard to bring out the best with our 14,000 youth members. Every year our volunteers provide New Zealand with over one million hours of youth development to support our young people and help make New Zealand a better place.

We thank our volunteers for the work they do to empower young people through adventurous experiences to lead lives that make a positive difference.

Anyone with anything to report whether current or historic, related or unrelated to Mr Nimmo, is encouraged to call the 0508 SCOUT HELP (0508 726 884) number. This number rings into the national office of SCOUTS New Zealand and is answered by national staff. The number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks per year.

Callers to the 0508 SCOUT Help number will be provided support and connected with appropriate authorities.”

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