Press Release
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award
Gold Award Ceremony
St Andrew’s College Gymnasium
Christchurch
‘Go for Gold’
So stated Kate Ecroyd of Rangi Ruru Girls’ School. Kate was one of 94 young people representing 30 colleges, schools and
youth organisations who took part in a Ceremony at St Andrew’s College, Christchurch on Monday 2 November where His
Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG KCVO, presented Gold Certificates to Awardees of The Duke of
Edinburgh’s Hillary Award.
His Royal Highness was greeted on his arrival by the St Andrew’s College Pipe Band. The Hon Anne Tolley, Minister of
Education was among the 345 guests.
Five of the recipients were from Ferndale School – a Special Education School – and six were from Elmwood – a Visually
Impaired Resource Centre. Ryan Keen from Elmwood commented about his Award experience “it has no doubt changed who I am,
where I will end up and what I will achieve in future years”.
Andrew Meehan, Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award, welcomed His Royal Highness to New Zealand, wished him
well for his four days in the country and was confident that the existing bonds between His Royal Highness and New
Zealand would be strengthened and enhanced through his visit.
The Ceremony concluded with His Royal Highness mixing and mingling with Awardees, their parents and supporters at a
supper reception.
ENDS