The South Pacific Award

The Malek Awards: South Pacific’s greatest hunting journey.

For over forty years, the Malek Awards have been the premier hunting award of the South Pacific. Fifteen species. Two nations. A challenge for those who pursue excellence.

01

Legacy

A South Pacific tradition.
A family legacy.

Founded by Joseph Jan Malek in 1984 to create awareness of hunting and conservation in the South Pacific, fostered by Diane Malek through four decades of careful stewardship; today, Danielle Malek brings the Malek Awards to a new generation of hunters who value the challenge of time spent in wild country and who measure success in ethics and excellence.

02

The Pathway

Start with one species. Build toward a legacy.

Each qualifying species can earn a Malek Medal. Complete the required species within Australia or New Zealand to earn a National Trophy, then complete both countries to pursue the South Pacific Grand Slam.

The Golden Award recognizes hunters who meet the highest fair-chase and free-range standard across all 14 qualifying animals.

I

Malek Medals

Begin with a single species. Formal recognition for fair-chase pursuit (free-range or ranch-style)

II

Malek National Trophies

Complete a national circuit - Australia or New Zealand- 7 of the species available in country (up to 3 ranch-style)

III

Malek Grand Slam and Golden Award

Malek Grand Slam and Golden Award

Hunt all 15 exotic species across Australia and New Zealand (no more than 5 ranch-style). For the Malek Golden Award, hunt 14 species, all free range (no Wapiti needed).

04

Outfitters

Plan with approved outfitters.

Plan with approved outfitters.

Find experienced and accredited outfitters who can help you hunt eligible species and pursue the Malek awards

05

The Game

Fifteen species and countless stories.

This is where interest becomes planning.

Arapawa Ram

Arapawa Ram

Banteng

Boar

Buffalo

Chamois

Chital Deer

Fallow Deer

Fjordland Stag

See all 15 species

06

Wild Country

A pursuit shaped by wild country.

From alpine ridges to red earth, the Malek Award tests hunters across the landscapes, species, and traditions of the South Pacific.

07

Begin

Your journey begins now.

If you have hunted eligible game in Australia or New Zealand, your Malek journey may already be underway.

07

Begin

Your journey begins now.

Your journey begins now.

If you have hunted eligible game in Australia or New Zealand, your Malek journey may already be underway.

The MALEK Dispatch

Field notes from the South Pacific — four times a year.

News on the Malek Awards. No marketing, no third parties.

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The Malek Award.

The Malek Award.

© 2026 The Malek Award Association.

© 2026 The Malek Award Association.

Honoring Fair Chase Since 1984

Honoring Fair Chase Since 1984