Mrs Kathryn Wood, of Auckland, MNZM for services to youth and outdoor education
Kathryn Wood began assisting with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award scheme, an internationally recognised youth development awards programme, in 1987. She initially worked as a youth leader, assisting with the Award Scheme at Marist Sisters’ College and the Order of St John. She established Auckland Challenge Inc. (a family-based not-for-profit) after identifying a need for a development programme for young people not associated with other youth organisations or schools, and otherwise unable to participate in the Award Scheme. Mrs Wood has developed ‘Urban Exploration’, a programme for youth with physical or mental disabilities, allowing them to participate in an environment suited to their needs