Auckland Challenge · Across the Motu

Your Award.
Your way.

Auckland Challenge is Aotearoa’s original Open Award Centre. Whatever your situation, we’ll help you get your Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award done, wherever life takes you.

  • School doesn’t offer it
  • Home school
  • Switching units
  • School leaver
  • Partner school
  • Up to age 25
Start your Award
About the Award
A large group of Auckland Challenge participants and leaders posing together for a group photo

Who we cater for

Open to everyone

As Aotearoa’s original Open Award Centre, anyone who wants to do their Award can do it with us. These are just some of the ways people come to us.

Students whose school doesn’t offer it

Can’t do the Award through your school? Sign up with us instead and we’ll guide you through it.

Home schoolers

Home schoolers can do their Award through us.

Switching from another unit

If your existing Award Unit isn’t working out for you, you can sign up to do your Award with us instead.

School leavers

Still have work left on your Award? Transfer to us once you leave, at no charge, and keep going until you turn 25.

Students at partner schools

We coordinate the Award on behalf of several schools around Auckland.

You.

Whatever your situation, if you want to do your Award, you can do it with us. Talk to us and we’ll work out the best way for you.

Talk to us
Start your Award
  • 25+years of Award delivery
  • Opento anyone who wants to do their Award
  • Until 25to finish your Award

What we offer

Everything you need to get it done

Our role is to guide you through the Award, help you find activities, approve and verify them, mentor you, and sign off your Award. From online training to journeys and Award Leader support, we’re with you the whole way.

The Award

The world’s leading youth development programme, recognised by employers and universities worldwide. Auckland Challenge is Auckland’s Open Award Unit, here for everyone who wants to complete their Award.

About the Award →

Online training

ACORN is our online platform for participants and Award Leaders, with Bronze training, section guides and templates.

Explore ACORN →

Support Hubs

Free one-on-one meetings with an Award Leader, by Teams or phone. Bring your questions, whether you’re just starting or stuck mid-Award.

Book a meeting →

Adventurous Journeys

Join a journey run by one of our Award Recognised providers, or plan your own with a group of friends. Talk to us about how that could work for you.

Explore journeys →

Four challenges. One Award.

  • Skill
  • Physical
  • Service
  • Adventurous Journey

Learn something new, get active, give back and head outdoors. Pick activities you actually enjoy, and we’ll guide you, mentor you and sign off your Award along the way. It’s recognised by employers and universities worldwide.

See what’s involved

Over 18? No problem.

Keep going until you turn 25.

Finished school? Your Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award doesn’t have to stop. We’ll help you get it done, wherever life takes you.

Already started? Bring it with you.

  • Free to transfer
  • Everything you’ve done counts
  • Pick up right where you left off

To transfer, email the National Office and ask for your Award to be moved to Auckland Challenge. Annual management fee applies.

Pricing

What it costs

Award Enrolment

$200*

Everything you need to get started with, and complete your Award, with access to support and resources.

  • Includes Award Registration
  • Exclusive access to Plan Your Own Journey
  • Free access to Online Bronze Training
  • Access to our range of Award Resources
  • Phone, video and email support
  • Access to discounted journeys through our partners
How to enrol

* Plus $30 annual management fee (first year included in your $200 registration).

Transfers

$0*

Transfer your Award to Auckland Challenge so you can keep going if you leave school.

  • Transfer your existing registration
  • Access to Plan Your Own Journey
  • Access to Bronze Online Training
  • Phone, video and email support
  • Access to discounted journeys through our partners
  • Access to our range of Award Resources
Find out more

* Plus $30 annual management fee from your Award start date anniversary.

Award Leaders

Running the Award at your school or group?

We coordinate the Award in partnership with schools and groups around Auckland, and give leaders support and mentoring. If you’re running the Award, or interested in starting*, the Auckland Hub Network offers resources, guidance and a community of experienced leaders.

*You must contact the National Office to begin running the Award.

Award Support Hubs

Support us

We need your help

Like many charities in Aotearoa, we are currently struggling with operating costs. If we have helped you, or someone you know, consider giving us some support. That could be a donation, a referral, or sharing your Award story so we can continue applying for funding. Every little bit helps us keep delivering our mission.

Find out how you can help

Contact

Contact us

We are here to help! With dedicated Award Leaders available whenever you need, you can get the answers you need in a way that suits you.

Adventurous Journeys

For information about the Journey section, please email us.

You can also join one of our partners’ journey options, or see our Adventurous Journeys page.

Award Support

For general Award enquiries please email dofe@aucklandchallenge.org.nz.

You can also give Kathryn, our coordinator, a call on 027 491 6618.

Make a meeting

Admin Support

For finance and admin enquiries please email admin@aucklandchallenge.org.nz.

For IT services and ACORN technical support please email it@aucklandchallenge.org.nz.