Raglan local Enfys Hewett is no stranger to commitment, balance, and quiet determination. A student at Diocesan School for Girls in Hamilton, Enfys is currently working towards the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, having already successfully completed both the Bronze and Silver levels.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a globally recognised youth development programme that encourages young people aged 14 to 24 to challenge themselves, develop practical and social skills, and give back to their communities. The Award is built around four key sections: Volunteering, Physical Recreation, Skills, and an Adventurous Journey, with an additional Residential Project required at Gold level. Participants must show sustained commitment over time, learning to manage responsibilities alongside school, work, and personal life.
As part of her Gold Award, Enfys is required to complete at least one hour of volunteer work each week over an extended period. Like many senior students, she found this requirement challenging to fit around the demands of schoolwork, study, ballet training, and other commitments. However, a valuable opportunity presented itself at Raglan’s iHUB, where Enfys now volunteers every Saturday.
Initially supported on shift, Enfys quickly grew in confidence and was soon able to manage on her own for a full Saturday — a significant milestone that speaks to both her capability and the trust placed in her by the iHUB team. Her role involves welcoming locals and visitors alike, answering questions, helping people find their way around Raglan, and assisting customers browsing for unique items in the shop. Sometimes it’s about pointing someone in the right direction, and other times it’s simply about having a friendly chat — all of which contribute to the welcoming atmosphere Raglan is known for.
Through her time at iHUB, Enfys has developed strong people skills and greater confidence in dealing with a wide range of individuals, including both locals and international visitors. She particularly enjoys the social interaction and the variety each shift brings. Her volunteering has a double benefit: supporting the iHUB roster while also equipping her with practical skills that will serve her well in future employment and life beyond school.
Alongside volunteering, the Duke of Edinburgh Award requires participants to commit weekly time to developing a skill and participating in a physical activity. Enfys has chosen to learn knitting as her skill — a practical and creative pursuit — while continuing with ballet as her chosen sport, an activity she has enjoyed and trained in for many years.
One of the greatest challenges, and benefits, of the Duke of Edinburgh Award is the level of dedication it demands. Participants must carefully plan and consistently allocate time and energy across multiple areas of life. For students nearing the end of their schooling, this can be particularly demanding, but it also builds resilience, independence, and strong time-management skills.
Enfys had some familiarity with iHUB before beginning her volunteering, as her family business has a product sold in the shop. The Hewett family produces peanut butter at home in a purpose-built environment that meets Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) requirements. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their use of sterilised, returnable glass jars. The peanut butter sits alongside a range of other high-quality pantry items available at iHUB — perfect as gifts or as delicious additions to everyday meals.
Through her Gold Award journey, Enfys is not only meeting the requirements of an internationally respected programme but also making a meaningful contribution to her local community — a reminder of the positive impact young people can have when given the opportunity.
More information about iHub activities can be found at www.raglanihub.nz or through their Facebook page @raglanihub. The iHub operates seven days a week from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm