Achieving significant outcomes for New Zealanders

From lifting physical activity rates among young women, to supporting whānau into home ownership, and strengthening Cloud security across the public sector – these are some of the outcomes achieved by the finalists of Te Tohu mō ngā Hua E Pai Ake Ana | Better Outcomes Award at this year’s Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards.

Here we look at the Let’s Go Unpro campaign, OWN IT programme and Microsoft Cloud Software & Services Agreement project and the outcomes they have achieved for the long-term wellbeing for New Zealanders.

Sport New Zealand’s Let’s Go Unpro campaign tackled the decline in physical activity among female rangatahi by addressing barriers like low confidence and fear of judgement.

From 2019 to 2023, the number of young women meeting the WHO physical activity guidelines fell from 54% to 43%, and those active less than 30 minutes per week doubled to 14%. 

Launched in 2024, the campaign featured 15 of Gen Z’s most loved personalities championing fun, judgement-free movement with their friends. 

The campaign exceeded industry benchmarks, reaching over 90% of New Zealand’s 13–17-year-olds and generating more than 20 million views. It also tripled their behaviour change goal, lifting physical activity rates by 9.2% and reversing a long-term decline for the first time.

OWN IT is a transformative affordable housing programme led by Tāmaki Regeneration Company that supports whānau into home ownership through a shared ownership model.

By breaking down long-standing barriers, OWN IT empowers whānau to build intergenerational wealth, housing independence, and creates improved health, education, and social outcomes for the Tāmaki community. 

The team behind OWN IT stand alongside whānau throughout their home ownership journey – offering guidance, tools and pastoral care that is informed by a deep understanding of their needs and experiences.

To date, OWN IT has supported 117 whānau into new homes, proving that shared ownership is a game-changer for whānau facing significant barriers in pursuit of their homeownership goals.

The Microsoft Cloud Software & Services Agreement (MCSSA) project has successfully delivered an innovative all-of-government Cloud contract that strengthens digital security and saves money.

This collaborative cross-agency project is accelerating Cloud adoption across the public sector – driving long-term efficiencies, unlocking innovation, and ensuring all agencies have access to benefits and cost savings. 

Led by Department of Internal Affairs, with support from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), the project has delivered substantial commercial benefits to more than 170 public sector agencies. 

The agreement strengthens Cloud security, resilience, and governance, and is projected to save $200-$250 million over the life of the contract.

Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards recognise initiatives that deliver great outcomes for New Zealand and New Zealanders. Three categories also recognise exceptional individuals. The winners will be announced on Thursday 4 September.

The awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors ANZSOG – The Australia and New Zealand School of Government, DXC Technology Australia and New Zealand, Victoria University of Wellington School of Government, Westpac New Zealand, and Deloitte.

For more information, check out our Spirit of Service Awards page.