On Saturday, 7th December...

...Boys Brigade New Zealand, along with Girl's Brigade, celebrated with five young women and 15 young men, who were the recipients of the International Queens award for the young women and for the young men the Kings Badge, at Government House. The recipients were hosted at Government House by His Excellency Dr Richard Davies on Saturday afternoon, followed by a Celebration Dinner. Certificates were presented by Todd Harper, Boys Brigade New Zealand. 

The King's Badge is the highest award a boy may receive in Boys Brigade New Zealand and recognises both achievement and character. Achievement is obtained by earning badges from Year 7-13 in both FUN and RISC programmes which are based on the S.P.A.C.I (Spiritual, Physical, Adventure, Community Service, Interests) awards program. Also required is graduation from Stage 1 of the Boys Brigade National Leadership Development Camp (NLDC), an 8-day residential course held at the Rotoiti Outdoor Education Centre. 

Three recipients of the King's Badge from Middleton Grange School last year were Joel Couperus (alumni), Caleb Couperus (current Year 13) and James Mulholland (current Year 13).