Improving access and services through innovation

From preserving our audiovisual heritage, to improving community services, and enhancing the efficiency and security of international parcel and mail processing – these initiatives are using innovative new approaches and technologies to create positive change for New Zealanders.

Here we look at the innovative work behind Utaina, AI-Volution and the Border Clearance Mail Pathway Programme, this year's finalists of Te Tohu Auaha Hou​ | Innovation Award at Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards.

Utaina is a world-leading collaboration between Archives NZ, the National Library, and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision using digital innovation to preserve Aotearoa New Zealand’s audiovisual heritage. 

Over 4 years, Utaina has digitised 400,000 audiovisual items – an achievement that would have taken centuries at a normal scale. It is currently the largest project of its kind globally and was made possible through collaboration across institutions. 

By transforming access to intergenerational knowledge, Utaina enables future-focused engagement with taonga and history. It combines state-of-the-art technology and a strong commitment to cultural preservation and accessibility. 

The audio and video content features New Zealanders from all walks of life, reflecting their identity and connecting them to their past. Without Utaina, this invaluable collection of our audiovisual history would have been inaccessible and lost forever. 

AI-Volution is Hutt City Council’s bold initiative that sets out to prove the public sector can be daring, agile and future-ready – embracing innovative approaches to cost savings while improving community services. 

By embedding generative AI across their operations, the council is delivering faster services and driving better outcomes for the communities they serve. They are also empowering their people through co-designing the tools with them, not for them.

With 15 custom-built AI assistants and 300 licences rolled out, the council is reclaiming at least 44,000 hours annually and saving $900,000. 

This strategic, sector-shaping model offers a blueprint that can be replicated by others in the public sector. 

The Border Clearance Mail Pathway Programme has delivered New Zealand’s first single-location hub for international parcels and mail.

Integrating systems from NZ Post, Ministry of Primary Industries and NZ Customs, the Auckland Processing Centre enhances efficiency, agility and security across international mail and parcel clearance.

With nearly 4km of conveyor belts, 872 parcel chutes and 6 sorters, the centre can process up to 30,000 parcels per hour or 5 million per month (more than double the previous processing capacity).

Sortation/tracking systems are integrated with innovative border technology including pre-screening using advance electronic data and new remote x-ray scanning to enhance border clearance capabilities.

This collaborative project reflects a shared commitment to protecting New Zealand’s environment and communities.

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.