The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award is available to all 14–24 year olds, regardless of their background.
The Award has three levels, each progressively more challenging.
Participants are required to complete four sections at each level: Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey. At Gold level, participants also complete a Residential Project.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award | Hillary Award Aotearoa New Zealand
Te Tohu Aonui a Te Tiuka o Erinipua | Te Paraihe o Hillary Aotearoa New Zealand
Latest Posts
Celebrating the life of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Celebrating the life of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT An inspirational and committed champion of young people worldwide It is with great sadness that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award acknowledges the death of our Founder HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT. Sixty-five years ago, His Royal Highness... Keep Reading
Student Volunteer Week 2021
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants give 32,000 hours of community support Today kicks off the beginning of Student Volunteer Week and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award (The Award) are taking time to acknowledge and celebrate their Award participants who volunteer in communities throughout Aotearoa. National Director Karen... Keep Reading
Duke of Ed congratulates NCEA achievers
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Duke of Ed congratulates NCEA Achievers The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award (The Award) congratulates secondary school students throughout Aotearoa for the NCEA success as highlighted by Education Minister Chris Hipkins last week. National Director of the Award, Karen Ross, says students in Aotearoa made the most of 2020, despite... Keep Reading
Streamlined Award structure at National Office
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Streamlined Award Structure at National Office As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and business continuity in uncertain times, we have appointed two of our staff to new oversight roles: Candice Maritz is now takes up the position of Manager - Finance and Operations Kylie Thorpe steps into the role of Manager -... Keep Reading
My Music Ignites My Soul launches
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
My Music Ignites My Soul Launches In a society that increasingly recognises loneliness as a key factor influencing wellbeing, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award (the Award) and Age Concern are partnering in a programme to bring together youth and seniors of Aotearoa through music. The aim of “My Music Ignites My Soul -... Keep Reading
Award partners with Habitat for Humanity
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award join with Habitat for Humanity to help others Amidst a globally-minded wave of socially conscious young people, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award (the Award) has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to give Award participants an opportunity to make a positive impact in their... Keep Reading
Tauranga student forms friendship over reading for blind
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Tauranga student forms friendship over reading for blind Lauren Scullin and Shirley Macdonald have formed a close friendship from reading Keep Reading
Lumsden sisters keep active during lockdown thanks to the Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Lumsden sisters keep active during lockdown thanks to the Award Lumsden sisters, Cassandra (Gold) and Charlotte (Silver) have been adding a few hours to their Awards while in lockdown. For the Skills section of their Award, they have been creating mandala rocks. Using rocks they found while out walking and test pots from the... Keep Reading
Napier Boys' High School students helping community
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Napier Boys’ High School Duke of Ed participants find new ways of helping community Despite disruptions to the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award caused by Covid-19, participants at Napier Boys’ High School (NBHS) have adapted and are showing strength and resilience during this time. For many, it has meant finding alternative ways... Keep Reading
Duke of Ed participant helping local marae
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Duke of Ed Award participant supporting local Marae during lockdown As we clock up almost six weeks in lockdown, positive stories continue to come in of the amazing activities Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award participants are doing around the country to support their communities. Duke of Ed participant Alex Bengston, who is from... Keep Reading
Duke of Ed students help elderly neighbours
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Blue Mountain College students provide support to their community during COVID Crisis The world might be more worrying and stressful for everyone right now – but there are still pockets of positivity and good news out there to keep us all positive. Duke of Ed participant and Blue Mountains College student Sydney Robertson is... Keep Reading
Words of encouragement from the Governor General
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
New Zealand's Governor General encourages the Award Community New Zealand' Governor General, Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy, sends the Award Community this message of encouragement during this challenging time - Keep Reading
Kākāriki Journey launch
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award focusing on the environment Keep Reading
Youth Hub - Education to Employment
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Education to Employment In October, we officially launched our partnership with Youth Hub - an online network where young people can create a profile, network with others and use their profile to apply for jobs. Our participants can document their Award journey and highlight all the skills and attributes they have gained throug... Keep Reading
First MACPAC Volunteer Award announced
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
First MACPAC Volunteer Award announced Award Leaders are the backbone of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award (the Award) in Aotearoa and are the face of the Award to our participants. We simply couldn’t run the Award without the support of our leaders who so generously give their time to help our rangatahi to achie... Keep Reading