Alex Sansom was awarded Murihiku’s first King’s Scout Award a year after his sister Briana was awarded the last Murihiku Queen’s Scout Kauri Award in 2024.
Alex’s award notched up another milestone in his family legacy of leadership alongside royalty’s own legacy.
The King’s Scout Kauri Award is one of the highest youth achievements in Scouting.
Alex started his Scouting journey as a 5-year-old in 2011 and has continued his involvement as an adult helper with the group.
"Coming through from when I was that young to now, it’s been pretty crazy. You get to do so many experiences. . .meeting all the people along the way and all the life skills — it’s been pretty good."
His award citation says, "Alex has grown into a remarkable young leader and has taken part with enthusiasm and a commitment to the Scouting values".
He was excited about the award and honoured to know his achievement was going into Scouting’s history books.
Alex credited Scouting for fostering both his leadership and communication skills and enjoyed the close community relationships it developed.
His four-day, 400km mountainbiking Adventurous Journey left an indelible memory as he coped with leading his team safely through the freezing temperatures of a surprise Southern snow storm, he said.
The group had daily tracks scheduled in the Albert Town area, but the storm forced them to reroute and navigate a safe passage away from avalanche dangers.
He believed he made the right decision in keeping "safety first" as not all the group had ventured out with the clothing necessary to cope with freezing temperatures.
Murihiku Zone leader Helena Kennard said Alex was an amazing role model who was always prepared to "give everything a go".
"The young ones from Georgetown look up to him. He’s never got an issue with helping out the young ones."
Scout leader and mum Kathryn Sansom said her son was a charismatic person who had achieved multiple Scouting awards.
Despite his outgoing personality, he declined a trip to Government House for the official award presentation, she said.
Alex hoped after finishing Verdon College this year, his next graduation would be from the New Zealand Police College.
