The History of the Award
For over 60 years, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award has inspired generations of rangatahi to challenge themselves, discover their potential and make a difference in their communities. Scroll through the decades as we celebrate the milestones, the stories and the defining moments that have shaped the Award in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Award Timeline
1956
HRH Prince Philip and Kurt Hahn founded the Award.
1960 – 1963
Two organisations, the Boy’s Brigade and the Y.M.C.A. and one boys’ school licensed direct from the United Kingdom to do the Award.
1962
Stuart Hobbs became the first New Zealander to receive the Gold Award (through the UK license).
25 May 1961
A committee for the Award for Girls formed in Christchurch, with Mrs. C. H. Beach and Chairman. A pilot scheme was initiated.
19 July 1963
- The Award in New Zealand is launched and has its first council meeting at Government House, Wellington hosted and chaired by the Governor General Sir Bernard Fergusson with Mr. P. Proctor, C.B.E. as National Co-ordinator.
- The award is for boys 14-19 and girls 14-20.
- The committee for the Girl's Award becomes the Girls' Advisory Sub-Committee of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in New Zealand.
- Brigadier J.R. Page, C.B.E., D.S.O. appointed first General Secretary.
11 August 1964
Michael Menzies of the New Plymouth Scouts is the first young man to complete the Gold Award through the New Zealand scheme.
1 April 1965
Margaret McHugh of the Dunedin Guides is the first young woman to complete the Gold Award through the New Zealand scheme.
29 May 1965
First Gold Award presentation at government House, with Governor-General Sir Bernard Fergusson.
1968
Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
1969
- The age limits for both boys and girls changed to 14-21 years.
- Mr. P.T. Norman appointed National Co-ordinator.
- Brigadier W.R.K. Morrison, D.S.O., O.B.E. appointed General Secretary.
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
1970
- The Girls’ Advisory Committee became the National Advisory Committee.
- Award link between New Zealand and Fiji, and New Zealand and Western Samoa established.
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
- Prince Philip presented with a greyhound, ‘Royal Commission’; he kindly asked that its winnings should be donated to the Award Scheme.
1971
Prince Philip’s greyhound, ‘Royal Commission’ brings in $120.
1972
- Prince Philip’s greyhound, ‘Royal Commission’ brings in $280.
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
1973
- The upper age of participation in the Award extends to 25.
- Prince Philip’s greyhound, ‘Royal Commission’ is withdrawn from racing to mother her puppies, after bringing in $101.
1975
- Moves made to make the Award conditions equal in demand for young men and women by providing the same choices for both sexes.
- Sir Patrick O’Dea K.C.V.O. appointed National Co-ordinator.
1977
Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. Gold presentation on board the ‘Britannia’ in Auckland.
1980
First New Zealand-produced handbooks and record books. Until now these were imported from London.
1981
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Prince of Wales. (April) who presented Gold Awards during the tour
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. (October)
1985
Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
1986
- Colonel James Brown, C.V.O. appointed General Secretary.
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Prince Edward.
1988 – Silver Jubilee Year
HRH Prince Philip establishes a World Fellowship for the Award.
1989
New Zealand Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Foundation established.
1990
- NZ hosted the International Gold Award-holders Training course (IGAT) with 70 participants from 13 countries.
- NZ hosted the Award’s first Pacific Regional Conference with delegates from 5 nations.
- Colin Clere appointed as National Co-ordinator and as new Chair.
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh and HRH the Prince Edward.
1993 – 30th Anniversary
New logo confirmed: A Challenge to Youth – Wero Ki Te Rangatahi
1994
Glenn Duncan is first Executive Director appointed
June 1994
- Link into ‘Internet’ first proposed. (Didn’t happen in the end because sponsorship was declined)
- The Global Bird is introduced.
1995
New look logo introduced.
November 1995
Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
August 1996
First web page developed; launched that October.
1997
- Bryan Johnson appointed Chair of the National Council
- International Forum hosted by New Zealand. Delegates from 50 countries come to Wellington.
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh and HRH the Prince Edward.
27 June 2001
- National Council of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in New Zealand dissolved.
- Reconstituted as Board of Trustees.
- Chair – Bryan Johnson
- Dudley Hewitt appointed Executive Director
13 June 2001
Change from Wero Ki Te Rangatahi to Wero Ki Te Taiohi first discussed.
22 August 2001
Dual branding introduced: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award / The Young New Zealanders’ Challenge.
March 2002
First website launch
2003
- Andrew Meehan Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Guy Ockenden appointed Executive Director
2004
- Kevin Plant appointed Executive Director
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Prince Edward.
20 August 2009
- Launch of name change to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award
- Royal tour: visit of HRH the Prince Edward.
2013
50th Anniversary celebrations
2014
- Online Record Book (ORB) introduced.
- Amanda Lawson from Chilton St James School was the first Gold Award to be approved in the Online record Book, signed off by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
- Chris Luoni appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees
2015
Prue Kelly appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees
2016
Karen Ross appointed National Director
17 May 2017
Moved to international branding.
2018
- Online Record Book Version Two launched – all registrations now on line
- Ken Hames appointed Chair
- Major Award digital transformation commenced through Salesforce
2020
- First Social Analysis Impact Research Report, annually subsequently
- Kākāriki Pathway launched to complete Award activity with an emphasis on environment, sustainability or conservation
- All Award completion certificates and badges issued digitally
- All Award leaders certified and accredited digitally
2022
- Te reo Māori translation of the Award name introduced: Te Tohu Aonui a Te Tiuka o Erinipua | Te Paraihe o Hillary Aotearoa.
- He Aratūtahi Pathway launched to complete the Award activity in te ao and /or tikanga
- New website launched
2023
- Emma Brown appointed National Director
- 60th Anniversary celebrations
- Prince Edward named as the new Duke of Edinburgh
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The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award is an opportunity to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and make a real impact - all while having an unforgettable adventure.
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