Beneath these trees lies a story of leadership and legacy. Burgin Field stands as a tribute to Mona Burgin. She was an outstanding woman and a leader in the Girl Guiding movement in New Zealand.
Have you ever driven up West Coast Road and wondered about Burgin Field? The Girl Guide symbol offers a clue. This is more than just a field. It’s a place steeped in history. It is a place honoring a woman who shaped young lives.
Mona Burgin was born on the Isle of Man in 1903. She came to New Zealand when she was six. Mona trained as a teacher. She dedicated over 30 years to Dilworth School. She later became headmistress of Hilltop. This was a private girls’ school. She retired in 1968.
As a teenager Mona became involved in the Peace Scout movement. This was an organization for girls parallel to the Boy Scouts. She started the St Andrew’s troop in Epsom. Mona was there when the Peace Scouts transformed into Girl Guides in 1923. Her troop became the Cavell Company of Guides and Rangers.
Mona was known as Captain to the girls and Moby to her friends. Over the years she earned the highest guiding awards. She traveled the world. She met with guides in other countries. After World War Two she led a team of guides. They worked with young people in camps for displaced people in Europe. This work was instrumental in restarting guiding in Germany.
In the 1950s Mona wrote the first New Zealand handbooks for guides and rangers. They had a local slant. These books significantly influenced how guiding developed in New Zealand. Maori cultural practices were integrated into guide training. Guides visiting Otimai were taught Maori cooking and weaving by Maori tutors.
Mona had a strong sense of duty. She insisted on high standards of work and behavior. She took a genuine and kindly interest in all her pupils. Mona was awarded the Silver Fish in 1945. It is the highest international guiding award. At that time there were around 2500 guides brownies and rangers in New Zealand. In 1959 she was awarded an MBE. This was for her services to youth. Mona passed away at her Howick home in 1985.
Burgin Field is set in ten acres of Waitakere bush. It is available for day hire. It is also available for overnight camping for groups. It includes an outdoor Chapel. Otimai itself was donated by Lucinda Wilson and her family in 1927. Burgin Field was established around this time.
Here at Burgin Field you can find a hidden Brownie Ring and bush walks. There are also outdoor cooking facilities and a toilet block. It is a place for outdoor adventures. This Waitakere experience is unique.
Today Burgin Field stands as a testament to Mona Burgin’s vision. It is a place where young people can learn. They can grow and connect with nature. It is a living legacy of an outstanding woman leader.