Announcing the 2026 Spirit of Service Award winners

Tonight, the 8th annual Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards were held in Wellington. The awards recognise initiatives that deliver great outcomes for New Zealand and exceptional public sector individuals.

Thank you to the generous support of our sponsors ANZSOG – The Australia and New Zealand School of Government, DXC Technology Australia and New Zealand, Westpac New Zealand, and Deloitte.

And a huge congratulations to the winners of this year's awards (drum roll, please)... 

National Infrastructure Plan

Winner of Te Tohu a te Pirimia | Prime Minister’s Award
Winner of Te Tohu mō te Hiranga o te Mahi Kaupapa Here | Excellence in Public Policy Award

The winner of the Prime Minister’s Award and the Excellence in Public Policy Award is the National Infrastructure Plan from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga.

The National Infrastructure Plan provides a 30-year roadmap for meeting New Zealand’s infrastructure needs. It is based on new evidence from all regions and 17 infrastructure sectors, along with input from government and the public. The plan includes 16 recommendations to improve how infrastructure is planned, funded and maintained. 

This work gives New Zealanders the clearest possible picture of our long-term needs, the current state of the infrastructure we depend on, and the path forward.

Yellow-legged hornet response

Winner of Te Tohu Auaha Hou​ | Innovation Award

The Innovation Award winner is the yellow-legged hornet response, Ministry for Primary Industries.

The yellow-legged hornet response has brought together advanced technology, field operations, and community action to tackle a significant biosecurity threat. The response includes AI-enabled cameras, radio tracking technology, and traps and bait stations deployed across Auckland. More than 18,300 public reports and support from more than 430 apiaries have contributed to the effort. 

By combining technology, field delivery, and community participation, the response demonstrates a new approach to biosecurity surveillance and response.

Tākai Here

Winner of Te Tohu mō Whai Ratonga | Māori Crown Award

The winner of Te Tohu mō Whai Ratonga is Tākai Here, Ministry of Social Development; Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o te Ika a Māui; Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira.

Tākai Here brings together the Ministry of Social Development, Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira in a partnership focused on improving outcomes for whānau Māori. 

Through iwi-led initiatives spanning employment, education, health and wellbeing, the partnership has supported more than 542 participants, achieved 462 education and employment outcomes and connected more than 1,000 people to health and social services.

Clean Air Rotorua

Winner of Te Tohu mō ngā Hua E Pai Ake Ana | Better Outcomes Award

The Better Outcomes Award winner is Clean Air Rotorua, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, and National Public Health Service – Bay of Plenty and Lakes.

The Clean Air Rotorua initiative demonstrates the impact of sustained action and partnership. Working together, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, the National Public Health Service and the community have helped Rotorua move from having the worst winter air quality in the North Island to consistently meeting national air quality standards. 

The work is estimated to have halved premature adult deaths linked to wood-smoke pollution over 13 years, highlighting the value of long-term commitment to improving community wellbeing.

Bill Moran MNZM

Winner of Te Tohu Rāngai Tūmatanui mō te Tumuaki o Te Tau | Public Sector Director of the Year Award

The Public Sector Director of the Year recipient is Bill Moran MNZM, Deputy Chair, WorkSafe New Zealand.

As Deputy Chair of WorkSafe New Zealand, Bill Moran MNZM has strengthened board cohesion, sharpened focus on preventing harm, and upheld the importance of trust between regulator, workers, and industry.

Known for his integrity, humility, and sound judgement, Bill consistently acts as a kaitiaki of public institutions, strengthening confidence and delivering outcomes that benefit all New Zealanders.

Luisa (Lu) Avia

Winner of Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | Young Leader of the Year Award

The Young Leader of the Year recipient is Lu Avia, Chief Advisor, Ministry for Pacific Peoples.

As Chief Advisor, Lu leads executive operations, advises Ministers, and works to strengthen organisational performance, with a focus on making things work better for Pacific communities. 

"I think service is the thing that should underpin everything. It’s about being clear on who the work is ultimately for, and letting that shape how you lead, how you make decisions, and how you use whatever influence or position you have."

Raj Rajasekar

Recipient of Te Tohu Oranga Angitū | Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Raj Rajasekar for his work with the Ministry for Primary Industries.

For over five decades, Raj Rajasekar has dedicated his career to serving New Zealand through some of the country's most important international trade, food standards and biosecurity work. Beginning as an Agricultural Economist in 1971, Raj has served through multiple generations of public service organisations, from the Department of Agriculture to the Ministry for Primary Industries, becoming one of New Zealand's most respected voices in international food standards and trade policy.

Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards are our annual awards that recognise initiatives and individuals delivering great outcomes for New Zealand and New Zealanders. The awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors Deloitte, ANZSOG – The Australia and New Zealand School of Government, Westpac New Zealand, and DXC Technology Australia and New Zealand.