One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest recreation organisations has become the latest member of the sport and recreation sector to sign up to the Code of Integrity for Sport and Recreation (Integrity Code). 

As of Friday 14 November 2025, Scouts Aotearoa and its members are formally bound by the Integrity Code and will begin working towards full compliance with its standards. The Integrity Code sets out minimum standards to help sport and recreation organisations prevent and respond to threats to integrity and create safe and fair environments for all participants.  

Scouts Aotearoa Chief Executive Chris Wilson said adopting the Integrity Code is an important step for the organisation. 

“We’re proud to be the first recreation organisation in Aotearoa to adopt the Integrity Code,” he said.  

“This milestone reflects our organisation’s collective determination to lead by example and to continue evolving as community expectations around safety, fairness, and accountability grow. 

“Over the last decade, Scouts Aotearoa has worked incredibly hard to strengthen safeguarding systems. Adopting the Integrity Code represents the next step in our ongoing journey to uphold the highest standards of integrity. It reinforces our commitment to creating a safe, modern, and relevant environment where young people can thrive.” 

Rebecca Rolls, Chief Executive of the Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui, also welcomed the announcement.  

“We’re thrilled to see Scouts Aotearoa leading the way for recreation organisations by adopting the Integrity Code.  Being active and connected to te taiao (environment) is a cornerstone experience for many New Zealanders, so this is a significant step forward in building a culture of integrity across the sport and recreation sector.”  

Annually around 15,000 young people take part in activities run by Scouts Aotearoa.  

During the Integrity Code’s consultation phase, Scouts were key contributors, and their adoption represents a continuation of their strong support for the work of the Commission.  

A key part of their contributions drew on the perspectives and input of the young people they work with, as well as the volunteers involved in the ​​organisation, and this is reflected in the Integrity Code’s focus on rangatahi. 

Scouts Aotearoa are the second organisation to adopt the Integrity Code, joining inaugural adoptees NZ Esports Federation, who adopted in August.