Aotearoa New Zealand’s Spirit of Service | Te Hāpai Hāpori Awards reward public sector excellence and community impact
Transforming air quality, control of yellow-legged hornets, support for Māori/Crown relationships and developing a national infrastructure plan were all recognised as prime examples of public sector excellence, innovation and creativity at the 2026 Aotearoa New Zealand annual Spirit of Service | Te Hāpai Hāpori Awards held in October.
This year, ANZSOG Dean and CEO Caron Beaton-Wells had the privilege to present the winner of the Te Tohu mō te Hiranga o te Mahi Kaupapa Here | Excellence in Public Policy Award to the National Infrastructure Plan developed by the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission | Te Waihanga.
The same team also ended the night with the Te Tohu a te Pirimia | The Prime Minister’s Award for the same project.
“At a time when governments around the world are confronting complex fiscal, social and environmental challenges, this award is a reminder of the vital contribution that high-quality public policy makes. It demonstrates the power of strategic thinking, collaboration and evidence-based advice to help governments make better decisions and create lasting public value,” Professor Beaton- Wells said.
The National Infrastructure Plan is public policy at its best: offering a 30-year evidence-based, future-focused roadmap designed to deliver better outcomes for generations to come.
Developed over 20 months, the plan draws on new evidence and engagement with government and the public to set out 16 recommendations for improving how infrastructure is planned, funded and maintained.
The plan rests on a purpose-built evidence base covering all regions and 17 infrastructure sectors. It includes the National Infrastructure Pipeline comprising $275 billion of projects, and Forward Guidance, which forecasts long-term investment demands by sector and region.
Prime Minister Rt Hon Chris Luxon said that the Awards recognised the way that the public service solved problems, improved services and made life better for all New Zealanders.
He praised the Infrastructure Commission | Te Waihanga saying that ‘some impacts make an immediate difference, some shape the future of a country’.
“Successive governments have talked about the need for long-term infrastructure planning, and the Infrastructure Commission has made it happen. They worked across the political spectrum to create a 30-year roadmap, which will improve how infrastructure is planned, funded, maintained and insured,” he said.
Professor Beaton-Wells said it was a privilege to present the award and celebrate the people strengthening public sector capability and creating lasting value for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. As part of the evening she also joined a panel discussion for nominees in the Young Leader of the Year category alongside New Zealand Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche.
“The awards recognise the people, teams and initiatives that exemplify the very best of public service, celebrating the commitment, leadership and innovation that help improve outcomes for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, she said.
ANZSOG is a proud sponsor of the awards and has supported the recognition of the outstanding achievements within the Aotearoa New Zealand public service since they began in 2019.
For the full list of Award winners visit the Aotearoa New Zealand Public Service Commission | Te Kawa Mataaho website.