Meet the finalists of Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards 2026. Winners will be announced at the awards event on 1 October.

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.  

Medsafe (Ministry of Health) reduction in medicine approval times

Ministry of Health’s Medsafe

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.

National Infrastructure Plan

New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga

A plan that 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 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.​ 

Clean Air Rotorua

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

An initiative achieving long-term transformation in air quality by combining regulation, support and community partnerships to reduce pollution and improve public health outcomes.

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

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

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.

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.

 

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).​ 

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.

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

Te Tohu Rāngai Tūmatanui mō te Tumuaki o Te Tau | Public Sector Director of the Year Award celebrates outstanding public sector governance professionals.  

Evan Davies ONZM

Chair, Tāmaki Regeneration Company

Professor Lester Levy CNZM

Former Board Chair and Commissioner, Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora

Bill Moran MNZM

Deputy Chair, WorkSafe New Zealand

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 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.

Luisa (Lu) Avia

Chief Advisor, Ministry for Pacific Peoples

A trusted and influential young leader, Lu Avia operates at the highest levels of government with confidence and humility and creates pathways that empower others across the public service.

Liam Cain

Manager Client Services Operations and National Seniors Lead, Ministry of Social Development

Liam Cain 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 Gardner 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 Lindsay 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 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 is selected by the Public Service Commissioner.

Te Tohu a te Pirimia Prime Minister’s Award

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.​

This award is not open to nominations.

 

Ngā pae kaiwhakawā Judging panels

  • Nga Hoa-Toihau | Co-chairs

    Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae

    Tumu Whakarae mō ngā Taonga | Secretary for Culture and Heritage and Chief Executive
    Manatū Taonga | Ministry for Culture and Heritage

    Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae provides strategic leadership across the culture and heritage sector to achieve strong cultural outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand. With over 15 years’ senior leadership experience, including as Secretary for Pacific Peoples, he brings deep governance expertise and a strong commitment to public service.

     

    Thor Gudjonsson

    Tumu Whakarae Tuarua, Ratonga Whakamana | Deputy Chief Executive Enabling Services 
    Public Service Commission Te Kawa Mataaho

    Thor 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.

     

  • Pou Tikanga | Cultural advisor

    Rauru Kirikiri ONZM

    Rauru Kirikiri standing in front of a tree looking at the camera and smiling

    Te Whānau ā Apanui
    Kaihautū mō Te Kawa Mataaho | Kaihautū to the Public Service Commissioner
    Public Service Commission Te Kawa Mataaho

    Rauru 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.

     

  • Te Tohu Auaha Hou | Innovation 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 Cabinet

    Janine 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.  

    Tracy Voice

    Deputy Chief Executive, Transformation 
    Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development 

    Tracy leads the Ministry of Social Development’s multi‑year transformation programme, focused on designing and delivering services for the future to better support New Zealanders. She has more than 30 years’ senior leadership experience across the public sector, with deep expertise in digital transformation, systems change, and large‑scale programme delivery. Prior to joining MSD, Tracy held senior digital leadership roles in the health and primary industries sectors. 

  • Te Tohu mō ngā Hua e Pai Ake Ana | Better Outcomes Award & Te Tohu mō Whai Ratonga | Māori Crown Award

    Aphra Green

    Deputy Chief Executive, Policy, Data and Insights
    Social Investment Agency | Toi Hau Tāngata

    Aphra leads SIA’s central agency responsibilities and works to influence the public service to adopt social investment approaches. She has a wealth of experience from the social and justice sectors, particularly from her former senior 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 Matua

    Glenn 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.

     

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

    Amy Rice

    General Manager – Social Transformation
    Tāmaki Regeneration

    Amy is an inspiring young leader whose work is transforming how Tāmaki Regeneration delivers employment and training pathways, social procurement initiatives, and affordable housing that support intergenerational wellbeing. She leads a complex socio‑economic development portfolio across employment and housing, including initiatives that support long‑term housing stability. Deeply connected to her community and guided by a strong spirit of service, Amy brings vision and a genuine commitment to helping others thrive. Amy was a 2025 finalist for Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | Young Leader of the Year.

    Alex Loo

    Programme Advisor
    Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency

    Alex is a thoughtful and people-centred public service leader, helping to create a more connected and user-friendly public transport system. She also supports the wider sector as co-chair of Hāpai Public New Professionals, championing collaboration among emerging public servants. Her work reflects a clear commitment to putting people at the centre of transport and public service outcomes. In 2025, she was a finalist for Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | Young Leader of the Year.

    Damien Clark

    Manager, Community and Economic Development
    New Plymouth District Council

    Damien is a trusted community leader known for uniting diverse groups to deliver practical outcomes, from strengthening local food-security networks to leading responses to homelessness. His leadership exemplifies service, innovation and a deep dedication to delivering better outcomes for communities. In 2025, Damien was the recipient of Te Tohu mō te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Tau | Young Leader of the Year Award.

  • 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 Directors

    Kirsten 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 Aotearoa

    Kevin 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.