Photos by Linda Robertson.
Former St Hilda's Collegiate School pupil Vanessa Elliott (19) receives her Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award from Governor-General Lieutenant-general Sir Jerry Mateparae, accompanied by his wife Lady Janine Mateparae.
Fifty-five pupils and former pupils from throughout New Zealand received gold awards at the ceremony at Otago Girls' High School in Dunedin on Saturday morning.
In his speech, Sir Jerry highlighted the role of volunteers, including parents and teachers, who helped pupils attain their "momentous" achievement.
Pupils undertake a mix of outdoor activities, and community service, to earn the award.
