Auckland Challenge

20/05/2026

If you are interested in birds or photography- or both- come to Rānui tomorrow for a talk by amazing, Award winning photographer Simon Runting. Might give you some ideas for your skills section! Or your service!

Forest & Bird Waitakere
Waitakere Forest & Bird 2026 lecture series
Thursday 21st May 7.30 pm

Simon Runting – Birds through his lens

Award winning local bird photographer Simon Runting will be doing a talk on his style of photography trying to capture art in nature and birds in action rather than just a bird on a stick. Simon spends most of his time out with a camera in the Auckland area with his favourite subjects being the gannets at Muriwai and the dotterels at Te Henga.

His award winning images have seen him as a finalist in many international competitions, and in 2020 Simon was the winner of the nature section of the Sony 2020 Alpha Awards in addition to numerous NZ Geographic Magazine photography awards.

Whether you're an aspiring or accomplished photographer or just love looking at amazing pictures, this is the talk for you. There will be time afterwards to ask Simon questions over a cup of coffee and to mix and mingle with like minded people. Venue: Ranui Community Centre 474 Swanson Rd, Ranui. Non members welcome,free but koha appreciated to cover hall hire. For further information ph Liz 0274 762732 [email protected]

Image- The bird in the photo I sent is a juvenile black billed gull.

17/05/2026

What looks like a simple certificate…
actually represents hours (and hours!) of work behind the scenes.
Every certificate issued means:
✅ Admin checks completed
✅ Sections verified and signed off
✅ Logs reviewed
✅ Evidence checked
✅ Assessors followed up
✅ Final approvals processed
All so that when a young person finishes their Award, it’s officially recognised — properly, accurately, and with the respect it deserves.
It might be just one piece of paper…
but behind it is a whole system of support, care, and commitment ❤️

📸Phototek

14/05/2026

A SMART goal makes your Award easier — and stronger ✅
When your goal is SMART, it:
✔️ Helps you stay focused on what you’re actually working towards
✔️ Makes logging in ORB quicker and clearer
✔️ Shows your progress properly over time
✔️ Helps your Award get approved smoothly at the end
Before you submit, check your goal clearly shows:
WHAT you’re doing
HOW OFTEN you’ll do it
FOR HOW LONG
A clear SMART goal sets you up for success from the start 💪
Need help? Message us — we’re happy to support you Auckland Challenge

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Amy-Lee on achieving your Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award! This is an amazing achievement and a testament to your hard work and dedication.

We can't wait to see where your journey takes you next,

05/05/2026

A Legacy of Golden Support! ✨🏆
Pure gold energy at the latest Auckland Challenge Gold Award Ceremony! Witnessing this incredible group of young people achieve the pinnacle of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is truly awe-inspiring.

This award isn't just a testament to their unwavering commitment, dedication, and the countless hours they’ve invested. It’s also a powerful symbol of the incredible network that supported them.

Huge congratulations to all these Auckland Challenge participants for reaching the Gold standard and becoming

Which part of your support team was your biggest cheer squad? Let us know! 👇

Photo credit: Phototek

29/04/2026

⚠️ Quick check: Are your Duke of Ed goals SMART? ⚠️

We’re seeing some activities held up because the goals aren’t quite SMART yet — and we want you moving forward, not stuck! 💪
✅ Your goal must be SMART
Please jump into your ORB today and update it if needed.
How to do it (choose one):
🔹 Write one clear paragraph that includes all 5 parts of SMART, or
🔹 Write out S M A R T and complete each section

📌 Important:
If goals aren’t SMART, activities — or even completed Awards — may be sent back for changes.

Need a hand? We’ve got you.
📧 [email protected]
🔗 aucklandchallenge.org.nz/support-hubs
You’ve got this — a SMART goal makes everything smoother 🚀

23/04/2026

Are you baking for your service or skill? Starship could use your help 🌟

Bake to Help Sick Kiwi Kids

04/04/2026

Congratulations to all the amazing Gold awardees! And a special congratulations to Auckland Challenge’s amazing Award Leader Gemma Thompson for so many wonderful years of service!