Busy Scout leader loves outdoors

Few would dedicate as much time to their community - and in particular young people - as Kevin Randles.

The Marton man has been a Scout leader for more than three decades, is a Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award co-ordinator, the president of the Rangitikei Hockey Association and is involved with mountain safety and the Marton RSA.

In among all that he has to find time for his day job.

The Marton School teacher has been involved with Scouts since joining as an eight-year-old boy.

He's stayed on, later becoming a leader, and leader of the Marton group after moving to Rangitikei then becoming the zone leader.

He is also national director of the scout photography school and former chief instructor.

"I just enjoy working with young people," Mr Randles said.

He spent 20 years in the airforce before re-training as a teacher.

But despite his many hats, he said all of his activities seemed to tie together in one way or another and feed off each other.

"I think the main thing is I enjoy the outdoors."

He admitted it was a busy schedule with evening and weekend volunteering.

"There's not a lot of down time - if you talked to my wife, she'd say I'm never home."

Mr Randles is nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award in the community spirit category.