Announcing the Public Service Day Awards recipients

The awards recognise public servants who exemplify the spirit of service and are making a real difference through their everyday work for New Zealand or New Zealanders. They are held each year on or around Public Service Day which marks the day New Zealand’s first Public Service Act became law on 7 November 1912.

Eight public servants were awarded Te Tohu Ratonga Tūmatanui o Aotearoa New Zealand Public Service Medal and 10 received Te Tohu Amorangi a Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commissioner's Commendation for Excellence. The 18 recipients span 12 agencies and 8 regions from Northland to the West Coast.

In his speech, Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche says what struck him about the recipients is that they come from diverse roles and backgrounds, but they also share a common thread – they are all leaders in their own right.  

“They might not have leadership titles, but each one of them has influenced positive change, through the teams they work with, the communities they serve, or in the impact they make each day. Because leadership isn’t just about the position you hold – it’s about your ability to influence, lead, and inspire.”  

The New Zealand Public Service Medal is part of the New Zealand Royal Honours system and is awarded to public servants who have given service that’s worthy of merit. Medal recipients are people who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to New Zealand and New Zealanders, they are exemplary Public Service employees and bring significant benefit to New Zealand or the Public Service.

Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s New Zealand Public Service Medal:

• Tony Fisher, Pou Whirinaki at Ministry of Justice (Tauranga) 
• Steve Hamilton, Special Adviser, Te Pae ō Te Moana | Pacific Melanesia and Micronesia Division at Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (Wellington)
• Rena Hona, Group Manager, Māori Partnerships and Programmes at Ministry of Social Development (Wellington)
• Patsie Karauria, Principal Advisor at Ministry for the Environment (Wellington)
• Debbie Roxburgh, Facilitator National Capability at Department of Internal Affairs (Whanganui)
• Vicki Soal, Service Owner, Buying Operations, Commercial Services and Strategic Property at Inland Revenue (Wellington)
• Moses Toeke, Dog Handler at Department of Corrections (Waikato)
• John Young, Manager Trade Policy & Economics at Ministry for Primary Industries (Wellington) 

The Public Service Commissioner's Commendation for Excellence is awarded to people in Public Service delivery roles who demonstrate exceptional care and commitment to New Zealanders. They also demonstrate a ‘higher purpose' motivation, the highest standard of integrity, kaitiakitanga and the right attitude.

Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Public Service Commissioner's Commendation for Excellence:

• Chris Barnaby, Assistant Commissioner for Plant Variety Rights at Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Christchurch)
• Shivaun Blair, Senior Business Analyst at Ministry of Social Development (Auckland)
• Lynne Clay, Public Service Veterinarian – Meat Industry at Ministry for Primary Industries (Tauranga)
• Digby Leggett, Business Analyst – Joint Border Analytics Team at NZ Customs Service (Auckland)
• Dr Tess Liew, Community Development Manager Auckland Central and East at Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities (Auckland)
• Jacqui Kime, National Manager of Client Service Integrity at Ministry of Social Development (Canterbury)
• Tina Peel, Lead Service Manager at Department of Corrections (Northland, Auckland)
• Peter Rihia, Ranger Heritage and Visitors at Department of Conservation (Whanganui)
• Bob Schouten, Team Manager Establishments – Nelson at Ministry for Primary Industries (West Coast)
• Eddie Te Huia, Ranger Biodiversity at Department of Conservation (Whanganui)