Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and The Young New Zealanders’ Challenge?

Absolutely nothing! The Award Programme is an International youth development programme operating in over 107 countries. Most of these countries are developing their own unique name for the Programme and this is what we are doing here in New Zealand. You can use either name to describe the Award.

Is this worth having on my CV?

You bet! Completing your Award shows that you have stickability, commitment, reliability ... the list is endless.

How do I start The Challenge?

You can contact the person who coordinates The Challenge for the group or school that you’re involved with or contact The Challenge office to get started.

I’m not quite 14 can I start The Challenge?

If you are part of a group at school or youth organisation and others are 14 - then you can start as long as you are at least 13-1/2 but you do need to know that you can't qualify for your Bronze Award until you are 14-1/2.
Talk to your coordinator, they will be able to help.

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My son has a physical disability - can he do The Challenge?

Indeed he can - because the targets that he sets will be ones that he can achieve. The activities within the four sections will be ones that are within his capabilities.

My family has moved to a different place - how do I continue with The Challenge?

Contact the National Office and we’ll put you in touch with the group nearest to you.

What will it cost?

The basic cost of each Record Book (at either Bronze, Silver or Gold level) is $20. Some organisations have administrative costs that also need to be paid. There will be other costs along the way eg expedition costs.

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I’m moving overseas can I continue with The Challenge?

Yes - you can. The Award operates in over 107 countries. The National Office can give you the contact information for the country you’re going to.

I’m not good at school work, can I do The Challenge?

Yes you can - The Challenge is for all young people aged between 14 and 25. Remember that the only person you compete with is yourself. You set the goals and you achieve them.

What are the different sections of The Challenge?

Service - where you do something for someone else

Expedition - where you (and at least 3 other people) plan, prepare and participate in a venture of some sort

Skills - where you learn something for yourself

Physical Recreation - where you participate in some form of physical activity

Residential Project (at Gold level only) - where you spend a week away from home in a residential setting, with people who you don’t know all that well doing some shared activity

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Can I do the same activity for each section?

You can if there is the opportunity for you to improve. Having said that we wouldn’t encourage you to do the same thing for each section of your Award all the way through. Why not try something you have never done before?

Can I do skateboarding for my skill?

No - why not use it for your Physical Recreation instead?

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Where can I find more information and advice on planning expeditions?

Try the following websites:

The NZMSC also runs many good courses on mountain and outdoor safety. Click here for further details.

Can I do my practice journey before my expedition training?

The best way to answer this is with another question … “what would you be practising?” You need to complete all your training and then do your practice journey(s) in order to practise what you’ve learnt.

What is more important: hours or months for service?

Both - you are committing yourself to regular service over the time period.

Is information on the programme available in other languages?

Yes. Pamphlets explaining the programme are available in seven languages (English, Maori, Chinese, Tongan, Samoan, Korean and Japanese). You can obtain them from the coordinator of the programme at your school or group or through the National Office in Lower Hutt.

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How long does my practice expedition have to be?

Your practice is to make sure that you are fully prepared for your qualifying trip.  You are there to make sure that you have all the gear you need (while not taking too much) and that you can actually walk for the number of hours each day that you will need to on your qualifier.  For Bronze your practice should be overnight, for Silver and Gold you should be going out for at least 2 nights.  This should be enough for you to work out whether you need to do more training or rethink your gear list.

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