On 4 September, the 7th annual Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards were held in Wellington. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of this year's awards.
Te Tohu a te Pirimia Prime Minister’s Award
Te Tohu a te Pirimia | The Prime Minister’s Award for the overall winner is selected from the winners of the Better Outcomes Award, Innovation Award, Whai Ratonga Award and Excellence in Public Policy Award.
Rt Hon Christopher Luxon awarded this year's Prime Minister's Award to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Building System Performance branch for driving an ambitious series of reforms to improve the building regulatory system.
These reforms will contribute to the Government’s objectives by simplifying consent processes, reducing building and material costs, and making it easier and more affordable to build in New Zealand.
The branch has taken an innovative approach by exploring new ways of doing things while navigating complex policy challenges and working closely with councils and the building sector.
Key achievements include legislation to support greater use of overseas building products and Cabinet approval for policy changes to streamline building consent requirements.
Te Tohu mō te Hiranga o te Mahi Kaupapa Here Excellence in Public Policy Award
Te Tohu mō te Hiranga o te Mahi Kaupapa Here | Excellence in Public Policy Award celebrates outstanding public policy development.
Winner
The winner of this year's Excellence in Public Policy Award is the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Building System Performance branch for building a more efficient building system. They are also the winner of this year's Prime Minister's Award.
Finalists
- Here Ora: Preventive measures in a reformed law – Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission
- Leading the way in cat management so biodiversity can thrive – Wellington City Council
Read more about the Excellence in Public Policy winner and finalists here:
Te Tohu mō ngā Hua E Pai Ake Ana Better Outcomes Award
Te Tohu mō ngā Hua E Pai Ake Ana | Better Outcomes Award celebrates the achievement of significant outcomes in areas that matter most for the long-term wellbeing for New Zealanders.
Winner
The winner of this year's Better Outcomes Award is Sport New Zealand’s Let’s Go Unpro campaign, an innovative, influencer-led initiative aimed at tackling the decline in physical activity among female rangatahi. The campaign generated strong engagement, using some of Gen Z’s most loved personalities to champion a fun, non-judgemental approach to movement.
Finalists
- Microsoft Cloud Software & Services Agreement Project – Department of Internal Affairs, Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand and Government Communications and Security Bureau
- OWN IT – driving intergenerational change through housing mobility – Tāmaki Regeneration Company
Read more about the Better Outcomes Award winner and finalists here:
Te Tohu Auaha Hou Innovation Award
Te Tohu Auaha Hou | Innovation Award celebrates new approaches or technologies that are creating positive change.
Winner
The winner of this year's Innovation Award is AI-Volution, Hutt City Council’s bold leap into digital transformation, embedding GenAI tools to boost agility, reduce inefficiencies, and improve public service. It enables faster, smarter delivery, empowers staff, and sets a replicable benchmark for innovation in local government.
Finalists
- Utaina – Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision & Department of Internal Affairs (Archives New Zealand and National Library)
- Border Clearance Mail Pathway Programme – NZ Post, Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Customs Service
Read more about the Innovation Award winner and finalists here:
Te Tohu mō Whai Ratonga Māori Crown Award
Te Tohu mō Whai Ratonga celebrates outstanding public service contributions to supporting Māori Crown relationships through auahatanga (innovation), whakapūmautanga (durability) and kōwhiringa (opportunities).
Winner
The winner of Te Tohu mō Whai Ratonga is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Sustainability Project. Department of Conservation works in partnership with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to balance visitor impact through culturally grounded, sustainable management. Emphasising manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga, the project fosters Māori leadership, protects a taonga, and improves outcomes for whānau and the environment.
Finalists
- Tikanga at the heart of justice reform – Te Kāhui Tātari Ture | Criminal Cases Review Commission
- Kōhanga Reo Kaimahi Pay Scheme – Ministry of Education and Te Kohanga Reo National Trust
Read more about the Whai Ratonga Award winner and finalists here:
Supporting Māori Crown relationships through kōwhiringa, auahatanga and whakapūmautanga
Te Tohu Rāngai Tūmatanui mō te Tumuaki o Te Tau Public Sector Director of the Year Award
Te Tohu Rāngai Tūmatanui mō te Tumuaki o Te Tau | Public Sector Director of the Year Award celebrates outstanding public sector governance professionals.
Winner
The winner of this year's Public Sector Director of the Year Award is Erica Seville, a Commissioner and Chair of People, Culture and Governance Committee at the Natural Hazards Commission. Erica fosters a culture of wellbeing, continuous improvement, and accountability at the Natural Hazards Commission. She implemented performance and remuneration frameworks and drives professional development, supporting leadership with integrity and purpose to enhance public service outcomes.
Read more about Erica and her work here:
Helping organisations make good decisions and serve their communities
Finalists
- Michele Embling – former Chair, External Reporting Board
- Shannon Pakura MNZM – former Chair, Social Workers Registration Board
Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau Young Leader of the Year
Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | The Young Leader of the Year Award celebrates inspirational young public sector leaders.
Winner
The winner of this year's Young Leader of the Year Award is Damien Clark, Manager, Community and Economic Development at New Plymouth District Council. Damien’s trust-based leadership drives inclusive community development. From youth advocacy to strategic change, he unites diverse voices, uplifts vulnerable populations, and partners with mana whenua. His humility and purpose-driven service embody the spirit of public leadership that transforms communities from within.
Read more about Damien and his work here:
Delivering collective action to build a better community in Ngāmotu New Plymouth
Finalists
- Alex Loo – Digital Associate, NZ Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi
- Amy Rice – Programme Director, Development Engagement, Tāmaki Regeneration Company
Te Tohu Oranga Angitū Lifetime Achievement Award
Te Tohu Oranga Angitū | The Lifetime Achievement Award honours an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to New Zealand or their community and who exemplifies a spirit of service.
The recipient of this year's Lifetime Achievement Award is William (Bill) Bean for his work with Department of Corrections | Ara Poutama Aotearoa.
For 46 years, Bill has dedicated his life to empowering people in prison through practical skill-building, mentorship, and heartfelt compassion. After 12 years of service in the Navy, Bill began his journey as a prison officer in 1979. He transitioned into the role of Acting Nursery Instructor at Auckland Prison, and for the past 27 years, he has led the prison’s horticulture programme.
Bill is guided by his belief that "people in prisons are not only nursery workers, growers, labourers, potential horticulturalists/agriculturalists; they are fathers, brothers, husbands, uncles, friends and part of a wider whānau. In helping them towards becoming rehabilitated, we are helping everyone their lives touch."
He has transformed a simple garden into a living classroom and a sanctuary for growth, both personal and botanical. Under his guidance, hundreds of participants have gained qualifications, work ethic, and the confidence to contribute positively to their whānau and communities.
Bill’s mahi has extended far beyond the prison gates through community partnerships, delivering vegetables to those in need.
Despite receiving national recognition for his work, Bill remains humble. He continues to model integrity, empathy, and resilience – values that shape both the garden and the people within it. It is his unwavering belief in redemption, his nurturing spirit, and his commitment to service that make the difference.
As Bill steps into a well-earned retirement, he leaves behind not just a thriving garden, but a legacy of hope.
Ngā kaitautoko Our sponsors
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.
Ngā pae kaiwhakawā Judging panels
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Nga Hoa-Toihau | Co-chairs
Rebecca Kitteridge
Te Pou Turuki mō Te Kawa Mataaho | Deputy Public Service Commissioner Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission
Rebecca is Deputy Public Service Commissioner, working closely with the Public Service Commissioner to provide leadership and oversight of the Public Service. She was previously Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Director-General of Security and Chief Executive, New Zealand Security Intelligence Service.
Thor Gudjonsson
Tumu Whakarae Tuarua, Ratonga Whakamana | Deputy Chief Executive Enabling Services
Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service CommissionThor is Deputy Chief Executive of the Enabling Services group. He was previously the Deputy Commissioner System and Agency Performance, a role that gave him unique oversight of the performance of the Public Service. He has also held a number of Chief Financial Officer roles including the Ministry of Justice and Ministry for Primary Industries.
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Pou Tikanga | Cultural advisor
Rauru Kirikiri
Te Whānau ā Apanui
Kaihautū mō Te Kawa Mataaho | Kaihautū to the Public Service Commissioner
Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service CommissionRauru has a notable background serving iwi, Māori, and New Zealand through his many roles in academia, consultancy, and the Public Service. He specialises in a range of Māori related issues including environmental management, strategic planning, Treaty of Waitangi claims negotiations, policy development, and tertiary education.
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Te Tohu mō ngā Hua e Pai Ake Ana | Better Outcomes Award & Te Tohu mō te Hiranga o te Mahi Kaupapa Here | Excellence in Public Policy Award
Janine Smith
Deputy Chief Executive, Policy
Te Tari o te Pirimia me te Komiti Matua | Department of the Prime Minister and CabinetJanine has extensive experience in environmental policy and partnerships across the public sector. As a member of the DPMC Policy Profession Board, she plays an important role in leading, managing and stewarding policy. She was previously Deputy Secretary, Natural and Built System and Climate Mitigation at Manatū mō te Taiao | Ministry for the Environment.
Warren Fraser
Ngati Raukawa ki te Tonga
Deputy Chief Executive – Policy, Legal and Corporate
Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana: Te Tari WhakatauWarren leads policy, legal, corporate and technical services at Te Tari Whakatau that support the Crown’s efforts to restore Māori Crown relationships and recognise Māori rights and interests through its Treaty settlement and Takutai Moana mahi. His 18 years as an international lawyer and diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade included postings to Ottawa, Brussels and Canberra. A career public servant Warren has also had leadership roles in capital markets policy, Courts policy, and justice services.
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Te Tohu Auaha Hou | Innovation Award & Te Tohu mō Whai Ratonga | Māori Crown Award
Aphra Green
Deputy Chief Executive, Policy, Data and Insights
Social Investment Agency | Toi Hau TāngataAphra leads the Policy, Data and Insights Group at the Social Investment Agency. She has a wealth of experience from the social and justice sectors, particularly from her leadership roles at Oranga Tamariki and the Ministry of Justice. She was awarded the Harkness Fellowship in 2015 and holds a Master of Laws.
Glenn Webber
Kahungunu, Rongomaiwahine
Interim Deputy Director-General, Māori Partnerships and Investment
Ministry for Primary Industries | Manatū Ahu MatuaGlenn has over 25 years’ public service experience, with a focus on Māori development and improving the Māori Crown relationship, including as a Chief Crown Negotiator working with iwi to develop and agree Treaty settlements that address historical grievances. Glenn’s previous roles include Acting Tumu Whakarae, Chief Executive of Te Arawhiti | Office of Māori Crown Relations, Director of Local Government in the Department of Internal Affairs and time at the Australian Departments of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and Resources, Energy and Tourism in Canberra.
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Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | Young Leader of the Year
Renee Conway
Workstream Lead – Complex and Significant Projects
Kāinga Ora | Homes and CommunitiesRenee is a resilient and compassionate young leader who has overcome many obstacles to be where she is today. She leads with strength and community spirit. She is always seeking opportunities to improve the services Oranga Tamariki provides with humility, care and an enormous depth of understanding. In 2024, Renee was a finalist for Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | Young Leader of the Year.
Charlotte Veikune
Social Work Supervisor
Oranga Tamariki | Ministry for ChildrenCharlotte is a talented and dedicated young leader who leads with a steely focus on delivering better outcomes for the people Kāinga Ora serves. In her current role, Charlotte demonstrates an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality social housing solutions for New Zealanders. In 2024, Charlotte was a finalist for Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | Young Leader of the Year
Tayla Yandall
General Manager of Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
Te Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of CorrectionsTayla is a strong, intelligent and empathetic young leader. She started at the Department of Corrections in 2013 and has served in numerous leadership roles since then. She always strives to provide a supportive environment and better pathways for both staff and the people that Corrections supports. In 2024, Tayla’s exceptional leadership saw her awarded Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | Young Leader of the Year Award.
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Te Tohu Rāngai Tūmatanui mō te Tumuaki o Te Tau | Public Sector Director of the Year Award
Kirsten (KP) Patterson MNZM
Chief Executive
Institute of DirectorsKirsten Patterson MNZM (known as KP) is Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors New Zealand and a Chartered Member of the Institute. A qualified lawyer and Distinguished Fellow of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand, she also chairs the Global Network of Directors Institutes and serves on the External Reporting Advisory Panel. KP is a founding member of initiatives including Champions for Change and Women in Sport Aotearoa, reflecting her strong advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and ethical leadership.
Kevin Jenkins
Chair
Iti Kōpara | Public Governance AotearoaKevin Jenkins is Chair of Iti Kōpara | Public Governance Aotearoa and a respected leader in governance across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. With over 30 years of experience and current roles with NZQA, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, WorkSafe, Harrison Grierson, Accessible Properties NZ and the Building Research Associations of NZ, he brings deep expertise in business, innovation, and regulation. A Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, Kevin is known for his strategic leadership and commitment to strengthening governance in Aotearoa.