Two former Scout volunteers before courts

Strict suppression orders surround two former volunteer scout leaders facing charges against children in the youth movement.

In a letter sent to all families, caregivers and members across New Zealand chief executive Niamh Lawless revealed two former volunteers were at the centre of a police investigation after "potential breaches of our code of conduct and child protection policies".

Both volunteers were now subject to the legal process and had appeared before the court.

But the Scout movement could not publish details about the alleged crimes in order to protect the young victims.

Ms Lawless wrote the movement was now working closely with affected families, members and young people to provide support to them.

The matter was dealt with swiftly once it came to the organisation's attention and she had no reason to believe any further young people connected to Scouts were at risk.

"Both former volunteers are now subject to a legal process, with the matters in the hands of the police, and are before the courts.

"The court has made suppression orders which prevent publication of any particulars about the matters in order to protect the young people concerned."

She reiterated the organisation's commitment to a zero tolerance of any breach of our Child Protection Policy, Code of Conduct and Duty of Care.

The youth organisation had taken swift action against the pair, preventing them from taking a leadership role while the matter was before the court.

"Within 30 minutes of the police notifying Scouts New Zealand of the matters, the two former volunteers had their warrants suspended, thereby ensuring there was no further access to our young people through Scouts, and I have no reason to believe that any further young people were at risk since that action," she wrote.

Volunteer leaders and staff had also been reminded about the movement's child protection policies and how to report concerns and seek support.

If there were any immediate concerns people were asked to email the organisation or call on the free safety hotline which was monitored by a member of the executive team.

The movement would continue to be relentless in ensuring a safe environment.

"We will continue our work and we will not allow the actions of a few to derail what has been Scouts New Zealand's outstandingly positive influence on young people throughout our country," she wrote.

A police spokeswoman said police could not comment on individuals who were currently before the courts.