A former youth search and rescue co-ordinator has been jailed for five years and four months for indecencies against boys during a 30-year period.
Barry Were, 61, pleaded guilty to 16 charges when he appeared in the Hamilton District Court.
The charges of indecent assault and indecent acts were against six boys aged between seven and 17 years old and spanned the period from 1983 to earlier this year.
Were, who worked as a software designer, was also a Scout leader before any of the reported offences.
Judge Denise Clark told Were that his behaviour amounted to deliberate and determined grooming of the boys and was predatory and premeditated.
She said it was a significant breach of trust of the victims, their families and the community, and sentenced him to five years and four months' jail.