Auckland's Guiding History
Guiding started in New Zealand in 1908. The earliest ‘Guides’ in Auckland were Girl Peace Scouts, one early unit being in Onehunga. Similar to Guides, Girl Peace Scouts were started by Colonel David Cossgrove, the Dominion Chief Scout , who wrote to Lord Robert Baden Powell and asked if he could start Girl Peace Scouts for his daughter Muriel, based on Scouting for Boys. Dressed in khaki, carrying poles and marching to drums and bugles, the Girl Peace Scouts were very enthusiastic. By early 1921 the early troops had disbanded, but in July 1921 the Cavell Troop in Epsom was formed by Miss Mona Burgin, and is in existence today.
In 1923, Mrs W. R. Wilson talked to Baden Powell in London and with the support of Colonel Cosgrove, the Peace Scouts became Girl Guides. Mrs. Wilson became the first Provincial Commissioner for Auckland Province, which in those days stretched from the North Cape to Te Kuiti. A feature of the early days of Auckland Guiding was the rallies with displays of Guide work. Trainings were held for leaders as early as December 1923 and continue today.
In 1927, Otimai was given to the Guide Movement by the Wilson family. Rumours of a pig farm next door saw Guides fund raising and the land was bought and the Burgin Field campsite was established. In 1979 Otimai was partially rebuilt and extended to what it is today. A beautiful property at Oratia, Otimai is used by Guiding groups every weekend.
Lord and Lady Baden Powell visited in 1931 and celebrated their birthdays, February 22 at Otimai, having lunch under the old pear tree. They came again together in 1935 and Lady B P also visited in 1948 and 1967. A huge Rally was held at Eden Park in 1967, with Guides coming from all over the North Island by special trains.
Auckland Region for many years had an office in the Westpac Building in Karangahape Road. When time came to leave Westpac building, the Region had a problem! The solution was to buy the old church of the Holy Sepulchre in Grange Road for $ 35, 000. Money was raised with enthusiasm, extensive repairs were carried out and the Auckland Guide Centre was opened in August 1989.
Today the Region is the smallest in geographical area of the 21 regions in NZ, stretching from the Harbour Bridge to Onehunga, and St Heliers to Swanson.
Auckland History Resources
- Auckland's Guiding History - A printable sheet giving the history of Guiding, useful as a resource sheet for games and activities.
