Motueka’s recently revived scouting group has had its share of setbacks this year, but members are bouncing back with a busy term of activities ahead.
The July floods hit the group hard, with many associated families facing hefty clean-up jobs on their own properties. On top of that, the Scout hall, located in Riwaka behind the tennis courts, was inundated several times as the waters rose and fell.
The group is currently awaiting final details from their insurance company before it decides whether to take on the repair work or relinquish the space.
After taking last term off to allow members to recover, weekly sessions resumed last week in an interim space at Motueka’s St Thomas Church.
In true Scouting spirit, the group aims to be out and about as much as possible, with fishing, kayaking, bike riding and community service all on the programme for the coming term.
A camp to Gilbert Lodge near Brightwater is scheduled for mid-November, and the triennial Jamboree – New Zealand’s biggest scouting event – is already on the radar for late 2026.
The group caters for Keas (five to eight years of age), Cubs (eight to 11) and Scouts (11 to 14), meeting every Tuesday afternoon during term time.
Zone leader Stacey Gradwell says the group is also looking for new leaders to help run activities and support its growth.
“The group is going strong and has a lot of potential to be very successful,” she says.
To get involved or find out more, email riwaka@group.scouts.nz
