A rare and prestigious honour was celebrated for four young Tauranga men who reached the pinnacle achievement in the Boys’ Brigade.

Joshua Brown, Elijah Keam, Dominic Absalom and Matthew Kliskey received the King’s Badge, marking years of dedication, leadership, and service.

They are a part of the Tauranga City and Bethlehem ICONZ groups, which aim to engage boys and young men by moulding them into leaders.

Their King’s Badges were presented at Government House by the Governor-General on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III on December 6.

The internationally recognised badge is awarded through the Duke of Edinburgh awards, a week-long alpine leadership course at Nelson Lakes, various expeditions, community service and other Boys’ Brigade badges.

“What I learned was that you have to take things one step at a time. Don’t be too focused on the outcome, be focused on what you do in the present,” Joshua Brown said.

Brown, 17, is a student at Tauranga Boys’ College, and said he was “quite proud” of himself because he had been working towards the King’s Badge for a long time.

“It’s a pretty systematic process that starts when you’re 13, so a large component of getting it is consistently showing up to the Boys’ Brigade.”

He said there was a lot of character development along the way.

“Some of the main components to get the King’s Badge are what they call DIRT. It’s discipline, integrity, respect and tenacity.

“I know for sure that that’s been instilled within me and their value.”

Brown told NZME receiving the King’s Badge was a testament to all the people who supported him.

“It’s been very, very valuable in developing me as a young man and finding more within myself.”

Leader of the Boys’ Brigade ICONZ group in Tauranga Central, Richard Harkness, said the King’s Badge was the “ultimate” achievement for the young men.

Harkness has known them for more than 10 years, leading them through the Boys’ Brigade since they were 6 or 7 years old.

“It’s a very proud moment, and I’m very excited to see this happen.”

He said the climb to receiving the King’s Badge was like running up a ladder.

Joshua Brown, left, Elijah Keam, Dominic Absalom and Matthew Kliskey were invited by Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale to an afternoon tea in the Mayoral Chambers. Photo / Clare Dowthwaite

“They start at the bottom and work their way through as time goes on, but not all boys make it to the top.”

Harkness said the badge represented those who were able to hang in there, showing commitment to stay the course.

“We hope that they will go and do great things with their lives.”

Elijah Keam, 17, said he felt honoured and proud of his achievement.

“Being awarded the King’s Badge gives me a great sense of accomplishment; it reminds me of how hard I have worked over the past nine years.”

Keam said the expeditions he went on to gain the King’s Badge taught him the importance of perseverance, “and how you can achieve far more than your mind can limit you to”.

The recipients were also invited by Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale to an afternoon tea on December 12 in the mayoral chambers.

Keam said this was a “real surprise” and a great experience.

“It meant a lot to receive encouragement from someone who has achieved such great things in his life.”

In a post to social media, Drysdale said it was an honour to meet the four “remarkable” young men.

“Achieving the King’s Badge is no small feat. It reflects character, tenacity and integrity.”

He congratulated the “young leaders”, their whānau and others who supported them on their journey.

“Keep aiming high – the future is bright.”

Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.