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Overview
This Brownie uniform was part of a dramatic change in 1986 when the Girl Guides Association of New Zealand changed its colours from dark blue and gold to aqua, white and blue, with a softer brown for Brownies. Badges were no longer worn on dresses and were attached to a sash instead. The sash would be worn for formal activities, but could be taken off for active games or messy activities.
All the uniforms in the Girl Guide movement became lighter, more casual and flexible. Everyone wore a white blouse with aqua spot for formal occasions. Aqua t-shirts or polo-necked skivvies were worn the rest of the time.
Brownie history
Brownies were established in Britain by Agnes Baden-Powell as a junior branch of the Girl Guide movement which she established in 1909 as a counterpart to her older brother’s (Robert Baden-Powell) scouting movement established in 1907.
In New Zealand, Lieutenant Colonel David Cossgrove set up Scouts for boys in 1907. His youngest daughter asked him for a girls’ equivalent, and so he formed the Girl Peace Scouts’ Association in 1908 (which was independent of the British movement). Younger members (7-10) were called Fairy Scouts. They were renamed Brownies when the Girl Guide movement was formally established in New Zealand in 1923 (which absorbed the Peace Scouts).
Lord Baden-Powell named them 'Brownies' after a jolly Scottish elf or pixie which came out at night to help with house-hold chores. According to folklore, it would become mischievous if neglected. In New Zealand, the Brownie character was blended with aspects of Māori mythology. Brownies were aged 7-12 and grouped in packs of sixes with names such as fairies, gnomes, elves and pixies. They wore brown dresses with yellow ties. Their activities included dancing around a toadstool and learning to be useful helpers, while having fun and a sense of magic on the way.
The uniform changed over time. By 1990, hats were gone. By 1994, Brownies no longer wore brown. Since 2008, girls have worn uniforms consisting of t-shirts, hoodies, track pants and jeans, which more closely resemble their normal clothing.
Today Brownies are aged between 7 and 9 ½. They are encouraged to find their passions and learn more independence. They work towards badges together or independently, from science and technology to creative arts and conservation.