Aotearoa New Zealand’s annual Spirit of Service | Te Hāpai Hāpori Awards recognise public sector excellence, innovation and creativity that make a difference in the lives of New Zealanders.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the awards shone a light on those who went above and beyond to deliver for New Zealanders.
“Congratulations to all the finalists, you’ve each made a meaningful impact by finding smarter, faster or more effective ways to serve Kiwis,” he said.
ANZSOG has been a sponsor since the awards started and our Dean and CEO Caron Beaton-Wells was in Wellington last week to present the winner of the Te Tohu mō te Hiranga o te Mahi Kaupapa Here | Excellence in Public Policy Award.
The Award was won by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, for their pioneering work in "building a more efficient building system” through changing legislation and policy to allow the use of more overseas building products and streamlining consent requirements.
The Ministry was also awarded the Te Tohu a te Pirimia | The Prime Minister’s Award for the overall winner, selected from the winners of all the major awards.
In announcing the winner of the Excellence in Public Policy Award, Professor Beaton-Wells highlighted ANZSOG's commitment to recognising excellence in the public sector, and its importance in cultivating public governance that people trust.
“A key part of public governance is the capability to support ministers to make good decisions. Those decisions must be informed by evidence, which should include the perspectives of people likely to be affected. This requires excellent policy systems and good public service policy capability. Clearly the recipients of tonight’s award are well versed in in this capability...", she said.
New Zealand’s Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche, emphasised how the awards were a reminder of the quality of people in New Zealand’s Public Service.
“We are lucky to have public servants of such calibre – people who bring energy, integrity, and imagination to their work. That is what the spirit of service is about," he said.
- Te Tohu mō ngā Hua E Pai Ake Ana | Better Outcomes Award celebrating the achievement of significant outcomes in areas that matter most for the long-term wellbeing for New Zealanders. Won by Sport New Zealand’s Let’s Go Unpro campaign, an innovative, influencer-led initiative aimed at tackling the decline in physical activity among female rangatahi.
- Te Tohu Auaha Hou | Innovation Award celebrating new approaches or technologies that are creating positive change. Won by AI-Volution, Hutt City Council’s bold leap into digital transformation, embedding GenAI tools to boost agility, reduce inefficiencies, and improve public service. It enables faster, smarter delivery, empowers staff, and sets a replicable benchmark for innovation in local government.
- Te Tohu mō Whai Ratonga Māori Crown Award celebrating outstanding public service contributions to supporting Māori Crown relationships through auahatanga (innovation), whakapūmautanga (durability) and kōwhiringa (opportunities). Won by the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Sustainability Project. Department of Conservation works in partnership with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to balance visitor impact through culturally grounded, sustainable management. Emphasising manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga, the project fosters Māori leadership, protects a taonga, and improves outcomes for whānau and the environment.
- Te Tohu Rāngai Tūmatanui mō te Tumuaki o Te Tau | Public Sector Director of the Year Award celebrating outstanding public sector governance professionals. Won by Erica Seville, a Commissioner and Chair of People, Culture and Governance Committee at the Natural Hazards Commission. Erica fosters a culture of wellbeing, continuous improvement, and accountability at the Natural Hazards Commission. She implemented performance and remuneration frameworks and drives professional development, supporting leadership with integrity and purpose to enhance public service outcomes.
- Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | The Young Leader of the Year Award celebrating inspirational young public sector leaders. Won by Damien Clark, Manager, Community and Economic Development at New Plymouth District Council. Damien’s trust-based leadership drives inclusive community development. From youth advocacy to strategic change, he unites diverse voices, uplifts vulnerable populations, and partners with mana whenua. His humility and purpose-driven service embody the spirit of public leadership that transforms communities from within.
- Te Tohu Oranga Angitū | The Lifetime Achievement Award honours an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to New Zealand or their community and who exemplifies a spirit of service. Won by William (Bill) Bean for his work with Department of Corrections | Ara Poutama Aotearoa.