Delivering better outcomes through practical solutions and lasting change

This year's Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards Te Tohu mō ngā Hua E Pai Ake Ana | Better Outcomes Award winner and finalists are improving health, wellbeing and safety through practical, evidence-based approaches. 

From cleaner air in Rotorua to accessible counselling for learners, and innovative road safety measures, these initiatives show how public sector organisations can work with communities to deliver lasting change.

Read more about the winner and finalists below.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, and National Public Health Service – Bay of Plenty and Lakes

The Clean Air Rotorua initiative has helped transform Rotorua’s winter air quality through sustained collaboration between Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, the National Public Health Service and the community.

Once home to the worst winter air quality in the North Island, Rotorua is now consistently meeting national air quality standards thanks to a long-term strategy of education, regulation and practical support.

For decades, smoke from residential wood burners contributed to respiratory illness, reduced quality of life and preventable premature deaths. Through this work, estimated premature adult deaths linked to wood-smoke pollution have halved over 13 years.

This achievement highlights the value of long-term commitment to improving community wellbeing.

Te Tāhuhu o Te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Counselling in Schools is the Ministry of Education's evidence-based counselling and wellbeing support programme, designed to strengthen the wellbeing of learners in targeted primary, intermediate, and small secondary schools.

The programme focuses on communities with high levels of need and limited access to existing wellbeing services. Through partnerships with 52 community providers, Awhi Mai Awhi Atu delivers school-based counselling and wellbeing support where learners spend most of their time, improving access to support for those who may otherwise face barriers to receiving help.

The programme also strengthens connections between schools, whānau, and local support services, creating a coordinated approach to learner wellbeing. In 2025, 76% of participating learners showed improved overall wellbeing and 70% demonstrated increased engagement in learning.

The programme highlights the value of early, accessible, and evidence-based support in helping learners overcome barriers to attendance, participation, wellbeing, and educational success.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Unsafe speed is one of the leading causes of deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads. To help tackle the problem, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has introduced New Zealand's first average speed safety cameras.

Unlike traditional speed cameras, which measure speed at a single point, average speed cameras measure a vehicle's speed between two points, encouraging drivers to maintain a safe speed across an entire stretch of road and helping create lasting behaviour change.

NZTA's approach has always been about improving safety. Camera locations are clearly signposted, communities are informed before cameras are installed, and public awareness campaigns help drivers understand how they work.

Together, these measures are helping more people stick to the speed limit, with compliance reaching more than 99%.

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 and DXC Technology Australia and New Zealand.