The 19-year-old Andersons Bay Sea Scout member was in Wellington on Saturday to receive a prestigious Queen’s Scout Award, which is among the highest achievable in Scouting.
Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy will officiate at the ceremony that will recognise 37 of New Zealand’s brightest and best Venturers.
"I’m pretty excited about the award," she said.
"I’m also pretty lucky that I’ve had a lot of support along the way, from people who were willing to go out on all these adventures with me."
Miss Haszard said she was inspired to work towards the award after attending a national Scouting regatta in 2017-18.
As part of her work towards attaining the award, she did two major tramps, went on a sailing expedition around the Hauraki Gulf, helped junior members of her Scout group, got involved with the Spirit of New Zealand and joined the New Zealand Scouts Council.
"The award has really pushed me to get involved.
"I don’t think I would’ve ever gone for a proper tramp otherwise (being a sea scout), and this is something I found I really enjoy."
Scouts New Zealand chief executive Josh Tabor said Queen’s Scout award recipients demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead in the organisation, including developing their own Scout Service Project and exploring opportunities for the future of Scouting.
"The award scheme is based around the four main cornerstones of Scouting, which are outdoors, community, personal development, and new experiences.
"The Queen’s Scouts Awards are the peak of Scouting."
He said the ceremony was originally scheduled to take place this time last year, rescheduled for October and again postponed.
"Finally, we are able give them the recognition they deserve."
