It almost seems the job description for scout leader was written for Patrick Rietveld: Patrick is a trained chef, pyrotechnician, gold miner and builder of water wheels. Throw in a stint in Antarctica and his scout group must be one of the luckiest in the country. 

Patrick worked in restaurants in Omarama and Twizel before coming to work at a Wānaka restaurant five years ago. 

Settling here got him thinking about giving back and Scouts was the obvious choice. He made a conscious decision to make time for his volunteer role.

”Scouts have given me so much and I wanted to share this with others. Besides the fun and adventures it’s such a sound framework for life,” Patrick said.

Scouting is in his blood: he grew up in Dunedin with three brothers and a sister who were all involved. He started as a Kea at five-years-old, and carried on to become a Scout and later a Venturer.

”I love that I can remember what I loved doing as a Scout and super charge that with my group,” Patrick said.

A knot tying session leads to making slingshots for a human size game of Angry Birds. Fire making sessions become a lesson in pyrotechnics. 

A trained pyrotechnician, Patrick has been a key player in bringing some of the large fireworks displays to the Central Lakes District. 

”Fireworks have fascinated me from a young age, not just their visual magic but also why and how they work,” he said.

Patrick has attended the International Fireworks Competition in Germany and did a four week ”fireworks pilgrimage” around Japan.   

Patrick with Huw Phillips

Gold panning is his happy place. He loves the thrill of it and the opportunity to escape the intensity of the kitchen.

“There’s also the history. I might be mining for fun, in a place where someone else had to do it for a living.” His aim from the start was to find enough gold for a wedding ring, but he has well and truly exceeded this target. 

The water wheels are “another example of my mind not being able to sit still”. 

“I’d built one for Dad as a young fella and during Covid decided to explore the market. I do the wood grain ones and it’s going really well.”

An upcoming nine month trip to Antarctica will realise a dream Patrick has held since he was 18.

”I’m technically going as a chef but in reality you have to do lots of other things as well. With only 16 of us over winter we will need to be able to turn our hand to anything,” he said,

Patrick is on a continuous journey of upskilling himself and in turn loves to help others reach their potential. Being a scout leader gives him the opportunity to share his experiences with young people and show them they can do things they never dreamed possible. 

He loves working with long time scout leader Huw Phillips and planning ways to make things interesting.

The reactions of the kids tell him he’s making a difference, Patrick says.

“They can go from being distracted to super pumped and really wanting to come back. I also see them developing a mindset of planning and thinking for themselves.” 

Patrick heartily recommends volunteering: “You can have a lot of fun, make incredible long lasting connections and learn a lot about yourself. I’ve learnt that sometimes I just have to shut up and let them work it out for themselves.”

Wānaka Cubs and Scouts meet once a week at the Scout Hall at Eely Point Road,Wānaka. 

Their mission is to contribute to the education of young people through a strong value system expressed while enjoying enriching life experiences and adventures. If you would like to know more contact Huw Phillips ([email protected]).

Volunteer South-Central Lakes (a charitable trust that engages and supports both tūao volunteers and volunteers) can discuss your skills and goals for volunteering and help make the perfect match. See more roles online.

PHOTOS: Supplied