Pride Of NZ: Tireless Scout leader says he's just one of the team

Chris Herries has been involved with the Scouts since he was 8.

Community Spirit category: When Chris Herries was told he had been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award he says he was reluctant to accept it.

Mr Herries has been nominated for the community spirit category for his work with the Scouts.

"I'm a bit reluctant, to be honest. I mean there's so many people who do a heck of a lot of stuff for scouting."

The 46-year-old father of three is a Scout leader at the Windsor Scout Group. He has donated a lot of his time giving children an opportunity to experience activities focusing on outdoors, leadership and independence while making it fun, challenging and adventuresome.

One of the main reasons for his nomination was his work in helping to redevelop New Zealand's oldest Scout camp - Weka Point Camp in Puketitiri, northwest of Napier.

The camp was going to be sold in 2008 but Mr Herries was interested in keeping it alive for future generations.

"I played a major role, I admit that, but members in Scouting had also played an important role in that development."

Mr Herries has been a part of Scouts since he joined as an 8-year-old.

All three of his children have been Scouts and he still enjoys getting other children involved in the movement and in the camp.

"Certainly my kids got a huge amount from being involved in the Scouting movement ... and that's why I've been involved and still involved.

"It's not just for Scouts [the camp], it's for all kids or families, church groups, school groups. It's for the whole community."

For more information on the award, visit prideofnzawards.co.nz