SCOUTS sailing in the National Scout Regatta this summer will be powered by a fresh set of sails thanks to new partner, Ports of Auckland.
Ports of Auckland have teamed up with SCOUTS New Zealand to become their first maritime industry partner in support of Sea Scouting, to give more young people the chance to experience the joy of sailing.
As a former Sea Scout and Venturer, Ports of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson is a strong advocate of Scouting and the benefits it can deliver for young people.
“Sea Scouts was fun”, says Tony Gibson, “and also taught me a lot about working well with others, respect and service to the community, values we share at Ports of Auckland. That’s why I am pleased we can support SCOUTS New Zealand and the many volunteers who keep SCOUTS New Zealand going.”
After the Regatta the new sails will be shared between several Sea Scout groups from Whangarei to Tauranga.
“We are a volunteer organisation with limited resources”, says SCOUTS New Zealand Chief Executive Niamh Lawless, “so partnerships like this are extremely important to us. Already our partnership with Ports of Auckland has helped us establish two new Sea Scout groups which is allowing over 100 more young people to access SCOUTS, as well as the purchase of new sails for our Regatta. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Ports of Auckland.”
The NATIONAL SCOUT REGATTA is being held at Narrow Neck Beach near Devonport on Auckland's North Shore (27 December 2014 - 4 January 2015) – all welcome.
About SCOUTS New Zealand
As New Zealand’s best-known mixed youth organisation, SCOUTS New Zealand helps over 15,000 young kiwis in 400 communities to enjoy new adventures, experience the outdoors, gain confidence and reach their full potential. Through a national programme focused on the outdoors, community, personal development and new experiences, 6 to 26-year old girl and boy Scouts are equipped with life skills such as problem-solving, team work, leadership and citizenship, supported by over 5,000 trained and accredited volunteers. Anyone interested in joining or volunteering can find their nearest group on scouts.org.nz or by calling 0800 SCOUTS.
There are 53 Sea Scout groups nationally and girls and boys aged 6 – 26 are all welcome, as are adult volunteers with an interest in sharing their passion for water with young people.
About Ports of Auckland
Ports of Auckland Ltd is the port for New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. It is New Zealand’s busiest container terminal, the premier cruise port and vehicle import hub. In 2013/14 it handled over 968,000 TEU (1 TEU = 1 20ft container), more than 1,500 ship calls and 5.6 m tonnes of non-containerised cargo, including 207,000 cars. A key partner to export and import industries, Ports of Auckland is 100%-owned by Auckland Council Investments Ltd, for the benefit of Auckland Ratepayers.
Ports of Auckland holds an open port event (SeePort) at Captain Cook Wharf on Auckland Anniversary Weekend (24 - 26 January 2015). This year Sea Scout groups will be at SeePort showing off their skills and helping Ports of Auckland build community understanding of the maritime industry. For more information visit http://www.poal.co.nz/community_environment/seeport.htm
ENDS
For further information contact:
Matt Ball
Head of Communications
P: 09 348 5262
M: 021 495 645
E: [email protected]
After Hours Media Contact Number (5.30 pm – 8.00 am): 09 348 5040
