Be Prepared – Annie Mona Burgin
On my honour I promise that
I will be loyal to God and the King,
I will try to help others at all times
I know the Scout Law and will obey it
🧭🍪
Affectionately known as ‘Moby’ to her friends and ‘Captain’ to her girl guides and rangers, Annie Mona Burgin had a profound influence shaping the New Zealand Girl Guide movement.
Born on the Isle of Man, Mona moved to New Zealand at age six with her mother Henrietta Jane and father the Reverend John Robert Burgin, a dedicated Anglican clergyman who selflessly served as a frontline military chaplain during World War I, ultimately sacrificing his health and life to minister to New Zealand soldiers.
After her father’s appointment to serve in Auckland, Mona attended Melmerly Collegiate School in Parnell, and then the Diocesan High School for Girls. She left at the age of 17 to train as a teacher at Auckland Training College.
It was at this time that Mona’s passion for scouting emerged. She revive the local Girl Peace Scouts in 1921, later transitioning her troop into one of NZ’s first Girl Guide companies.
Mona was much more than a local leader, however. In 1945, just at the end of World War II, she courageously led a Guide International Service team into Germany under the auspices of the United Nations. There, she worked in camps for displaced persons to support youth, organise leadership courses, and help rebuild international connections. For her remarkable service, she was awarded the Silver Fish—the highest international Guiding honour.
Back home, Mona’s influence continued to grow. In the 1950s, she wrote the first New Zealand handbooks for Guides and Rangers, infusing the existing British programs with a distinct Kiwi flavour. In 1959, she was awarded an MBE for her outstanding services to the movement. Her teaching and training methods shaped the movement for generations through the leaders she mentored. (Mona served as Commissioner for Training, Commissioner for Camping, and National Ranger Adviser.)
Image from the Irene Elsie Jarman personal collection.
Informal group of recipients after a medal presentation ceremony. Believed to be in Wellington.
L-R: Flight Sergeant IE Jarman BEM, unknown Royal Red Cross, Annie Mona Burgin (Girl Guides) MBE.
Beyond Guiding, Mona spent decades as a devoted educator, teaching junior boys at Dilworth School for over 30 years before becoming the headmistress of Hilltop School. Remembered for her high standards and kindness, she always encouraged her students to stretch beyond what they thought possible.
Mona never married, and after retirement settled in Howick until her death on 15 June 1985.
GirlGuiding New Zealand Foundation offers a scholarship in Mona’s name. The Mona Burgin Scholarship is given to “enable GirlGuiding New Zealand adult members to take up an opportunity to extend their skills and obtain refreshment of ideas and renewed enthusiasm.”
Anna Mona Burgin
11.03.1903 ~ 15.06.1985
Aged 82
Cremated at Purewa Cemetery
Buried at All Saints, Howick
