GirlGuiding New Zealand believes that the needs of girls and young women are best met through an organisation catering specifically for girls and led mainly by women.  In a society where most girls and young women experience co-education at school, at home and at work, Guiding offers an alternative - opportunities for a girl to enjoy the friendship of other girls and women, to see that she is valued and to develop confidence.  In Guiding, girls and young women see themselves and their  friends taking responsibility for making things happen.  It is also important for girls to see women as role models in leadership and decision making.  They are able to acquire leadership skills and to become self-reliant.  This development takes place in an atmosphere where there is positive support for what each individual is doing and where there is no discrimination on grounds of gender from either leaders or other members.

from page 15, A Guide to Guiding in New Zealand