Gold-supported Raney-type NiZn coatings were prepared on a thin Ni film-modified copper substrate (Cu/Ni/NiZn-Au). The hydrogen evolution activity, time stability and corrosion behaviour of the electrode was investigated in 1M KOH solution by electrochemical, microscopic and spectroscopic technique. It was found that Au-modified activated coatings exhibits good hydrogen evolution activity, electrochemical and physical stability as well as corrosion resistance. The enhanced hydrogen evolution activity of the Au-modified electrode was related to the larger available surface area and/or a possible synergistic effect between the metals. Copyright (c) 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.