On 19 June, 58 recipients will be presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award (The Award) by Sarah
Hillary at a ceremony in Auckland.
Qualification for a Gold Award indicates a high level of commitment by participants and the Award Ceremony is a formal
and public acknowledgement of this achievement.
Participants gain a wide range of hands-on skills throughout their Award journey which equips them to thrive in our
constantly changing world. The Award requires them to regularly help people in the community, get fitter through any
form of physical exercise, learn a new skill and go on an adventurous journey in the outdoors.
Karen Ross, National Director for the Award, is really looking forward to the ceremony. “We’re delighted that we are
able to gather in Auckland to celebrate the achievement of these young people. It’s been inspiring to see our Award
participants find creative ways of completing their Award, despite the many changes COVID-19 has bought over the past 12
months. Many chose to help the vulnerable in their community during lockdown and forged amazing inter-generational
friendships.”
"We will be taking the opportunity to commemorate our founder, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT, who would have
celebrated his 100th birthday last week on 10 June 2021.
Through the personal leadership and involvement of Prince Philip, the Award has transformed the lives of millions of
young people around the world.
Prince Philip was committed to ensuring the Award is accessible to young people of all backgrounds,” ends Karen.
Every year in Aotearoa, over 8,000 young people register to do the Award. At any one time, there are around 20,000 young
people engaged in the Award, supported by around 500 adult volunteer leaders.
The Award is open to all 14-24 year olds regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, skills and interests
and is the world’s leading youth achievement award.
Comments from recipients:Yunge Yu, Auckland Challenge Inc
Participating in and completing the Award has allowed me to appreciate things in life that I otherwise would never have
experienced. It is through the Award that I went tramping for the first time, which gave me an appreciation towards the
beauty of our natural surroundings. It is also through the Award that I volunteered for the first time, giving me an
appreciation towards giving back to the community that many people just take for granted.Mayna Tse, Glendowie College
This Award taught me resilience, independence and accountability for my own choices. It gave me a chance to serve in the
community, to continue pursuing my interests and it opened my eyes up to the world of adventure. The expeditions I went
on throughout my high school years created lasting memories I will forever cherish.Joseph Frith, Elim Christian College
After completing the award, I feel like I have undertaken opportunities that I never would of before which have
empowered me to grow as a person.
Through the award I have learned a variety of skills and started a multitude of healthy habits which will serve me well
now and in the future.
From the beautiful views along the tracks to the relationships I forged with those around me there has been immense
value in all that I have done and I am so glad I got this opportunity.Eleanor Cato, Pukekohe High School
Whaaia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu me he maunga teitei
|Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.
As the above M?ori proverb explains so well, the journey through The Duke of Edinburgh's Award taught me to strive to
reach my goals and push through the challenges that awaited me. It was an exciting adventure with many learning curves
that I will take through to the rest of my life.