Spirit of Service Awards 2026

Te Tohu a te Pirimia | The Prime Minister’s Award for the overall winner of the year is selected from the winners of the Better Outcomes Award, Innovation Award, Whai Ratonga Māori Crown Award and Excellence in Public Policy Award.​

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon awarded this year's Prime Minister's Award to the National Infrastructure Plan from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga. The plan offers a 30-year, evidence-based roadmap to improve how infrastructure is planned, funded and maintained, supporting better long-term outcomes for New Zealand.

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 National Infrastructure Plan from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga. They are also the winner of this year's Prime Minister's Award.

Finalists

• Medsafe reduction in medicine approval times, Medsafe (Ministry of Health) – System reform to reduce medicine approval times, enabling faster access to medicines while maintaining rigorous safety and quality standards.
• Customs Goods Fees Review, New Zealand Customs – A reform to introduce a full cost recovery model for border goods services, creating a fairer, more transparent and financially sustainable system that supports efficient trade and the wider economy.

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 Clean Air Rotorua, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, and National Public Health Service – Bay of Plenty and Lakes. This initiative is achieving long-term transformation in air quality by combining regulation, support and community partnerships to reduce pollution and improve public health outcomes.

Finalists

• Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Counselling in Schools, Te Tāhuhu o Te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education – A school-based initiative that provides accessible, evidence-based counselling support to improve learner wellbeing, engagement, and learning outcomes, with a particular focus on schools and communities experiencing higher levels of socio-economic need.
• Average Speed Safety Camera Programme, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi – A programme using new technology and cross‑agency partnerships to improve speed compliance and reduce harm, delivering safer roads for New Zealand communities.

Te Tohu Auaha Hou | Innovation Award celebrates new approaches or technologies that are creating positive change.​

The winner of this year's Innovation Award is the yellow-legged hornet response, Ministry for Primary Industries. Biosecurity New Zealand's response to the incursion of the yellow-legged hornet, using advanced technology, large‑scale field operations and strong community partnerships to protect key industries and strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity resilience.

Finalists

• HealthX programme of AI and digital innovation, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora – A national innovation programme that identifies, validates and scales clinician‑led AI and digital solutions to improve frontline efficiency, workforce wellbeing, and patient outcomes across the health system.
• Using AI agents in Commercial Services, Ministry of Justice – A collaboratively designed initiative to use AI agents to transform contract management, improving efficiency, transparency and stewardship of public funds while supporting better decision‑making.

Te Tohu mō Whai Ratonga celebrates outstanding public service contributions to supporting Māori Crown relationships through auahatanga (innovation), whakapūmautanga (durability) and kōwhiringa (opportunities).​

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. A trust-based, iwi-led collaboration, Tākai Here drives intergenerational change through integrated kaupapa Māori approaches across employment, education, health, and wellbeing, enabling whānau to access opportunities, build capability and thrive.

Finalists

• Temporary Accommodation Service Village at Ōmāhu Marae, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; Te Piringa Hapū; Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated – a collaborative initiative with iwi partners to deliver temporary housing following Cyclone Gabrielle, providing safe, connected accommodation for displaced whānau while supporting long-term community wellbeing and resilience.

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

Finalists

• Evan Davies ONZM, Chair, Tāmaki Regeneration Company.
• Professor Lester Levy CNZM, Former Board Chair and Commissioner, Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora.
  
• Lyn Provost CNZM, Chair, Ministry of Justice Risk and Assurance Committee and Treasury’s Risk and Audit Committee.

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 Luisa (Lu) Avia, Chief Advisor, Ministry for Pacific Peoples. A trusted and influential young leader, Lu operates at the highest levels of government with confidence and humility and creates pathways that empower others across the public service.

Finalists

• Liam Cain, Acting Manager Client Service Delivery, Ministry of Social Development – Liam is an insightful and solutions-focused young leader who drives national service improvements in how senior client needs are understood and met across regions.
• Emily Gardner, Senior Project Manager, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi – Respected for her collaborative leadership and commitment to community, Emily is an exceptional young leader delivering one of Christchurch’s most complex and high-impact transport projects.
• Jasmine Lindsay, Manager Operations and Delivery, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People – Jasmine is an accomplished young leader known for delivering high‑quality outcomes in complex environments, with a strong commitment to removing barriers and enabling meaningful participation for disabled people.

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 Raj Rajasekar for his work with Ministry for Primary Industries. For over five decades, Raj 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.