Te Rā Ratonga Tūmatanui Public Service Day Awards 2022

Cheryl has made a significant positive difference for all New Zealanders through her generosity of spirit and her commitment to wellbeing.  From the beginning of the response to COVID-19, Cheryl has played a key role in leading the all-of-government response effort Through times of uncertainty and change, she has led the DPMC COVID-19 Group with a personable and collaborative approach. For her, no issue is too big to solve. Cheryl always goes above and beyond to provide high quality advice to Ministers and chief executives alike. Her work has enhanced the lives of many and improved the government’s readiness for future responses. Cheryl is truly a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Terry is dedicated to the safety of all New Zealanders. His tireless commitment to lead and support the design and implementation of air border systems allowed our country to reopen safely while protecting us from COVID-19. Terry places people at the heart of his work by providing the best outcomes for border officers, our communities, and reconnecting people with the rest of the world. Customs workers say that Terry’s drive was a key factor in the success of the Reconnecting New Zealanders project and that he is viewed as a role model by many within the organisation. His unwavering desire to help others makes him a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Chris is a trusted leader who exemplifies what it means to be a public servant.  He is dedicated to the bigger picture, and he uplifts those around him. In recent times, he oversaw work that ensured supply chains and supermarkets were able to function during COVID-19. He later stepped in to lead Managed Isolation and Quarantine through its final stages. This has had an undeniable impact on the lives of many. Throughout his work, Chris champions Māori capability development and the importance of Inclusion and Diversity. He lives the ethos of the Public Service and is deeply committed to using his in-depth knowledge and people-centric views to encourage and empower his team. He is a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

John’s spirit of service is demonstrated not only through the outstanding work he delivers, but also through his tremendous character. John’s colleagues say that the phrase ‘Urupare ki nga hiahia hapori’ sums him up – he is responsive to community needs. His experience in managing unprecedented events came to the fore through COVID-19, when he was the Ministry’s go-to person in an emergency. During this time, John initiated a collaboration with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment which developed into the team that supports Afghani refugees as they settle in New Zealand. His resilience in managing tough mahi and his dedication to those who are most vulnerable make him a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Bryan is a public servant who is driven by a spirit of service. With a career of devoted service to the public, both in New Zealand and overseas, his desire is to see others thrive. During the COVID-19 response, Bryan led the Government’s economic response, including Treasury’s economic advice, and the design and delivery of the wage subsidy scheme. This scheme played an extraordinary role in the economic outcomes for individuals, whānau and New Zealand. Throughout times of intense urgency and unpredictability, Bryan remained honest, authentic, and grounded. He continued to provide pragmatic advice, supporting people up, down, across and beyond agency hierarchies. Bryan is highly regarded by people across the Public Service and is a fitting recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Carl is a true public servant who has dedicated his career of more than 35 years to improving the lives of New Zealanders. From frontline to senior leadership roles, his spirit of service to the community has been the driving force. Last year, Carl stepped up to lead the whole-of-government COVID-19 response in implementing the summer readiness programme. His work has made a key contribution to New Zealand’s response to the pandemic and has touched the lives of millions. His colleagues describe him as going above and beyond to deliver results, with a strong sense of determination and integrity. Carl’s outstanding service to the community makes him a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Serena is a genuine leader and inspiring community advocate. Through COVID-19 she mobilised a welfare response that was truly community-led and fit for the needs of vulnerable New Zealanders. Her colleagues say that her vision of self-determining communities led to significant changes in how the Ministry of Social Development engages with community partners. These changes led to more whānau accessing support services to support their wellbeing and resilience. Serena led community engagement under the most difficult of circumstances and through numerous lock downs, advocating for those whose voices are the hardest to hear. She is someone who cares, and she demonstrates that day in, day out. Serena’s outstanding spirit of service makes her a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Annique exemplifies the spirit of service as an advocate and champion of Pacific communities. With a people-centric approach, she has an innate ability to bring government and Pacific communities together. Throughout COVID-19, Annique went above and beyond to ensure all communications were accessible for the diverse Pacific communities around New Zealand. Her Pacific values are embedded in the way she led and contributed to the Ministry’s successful pandemic response. This built a trusted source of health information that made a difference to the lives of many. Building this trust was both critical and challenging, and it speaks to Annique’s integrity, dedication, and compassion. Her outstanding commitment to the community makes her a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Michael’s leadership and commitment to wellbeing is the embodiment of the spirit of service. During the response to COVID-19, his leadership enabled critical health and disability services to continue. Michael led the development of the new digital systems that allowed New Zealand to respond effectively to the pandemic. Colleagues say the impact that Michael has had on the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders cannot be overstated. He never loses sight of his people and is highly invested in their wellbeing, constantly stepping up in moments of need. Michael’s outstanding dedication to the people of New Zealand makes him a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Kelly is a selfless and courageous leader, committed to protecting our most vulnerable. From the onset of COVID-19, Kelly formed strong networks across Government and put processes in place to ensure Māori communities received funding, social services, food, and medical care. She wove the voices of Māori into the design of key initiatives and stayed connected to them through every decision.  Kelly is driven by a genuine sense of care, kindness, and humility. Even when balancing huge commitments, she prioritises the wellbeing of her team and goes above and beyond to uplift those she serves. Kelly is a fitting recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Mārama is an inspiring wāhine toa devoted to improving the lives of New Zealanders. Throughout each wave of COVID-19, she and her team were tireless in delivering support for the community, going the extra mile to reach all corners of New Zealand. She did all this on top of leading the Ministry’s work with iwi leaders and continuing with business as usual. Mārama really ‘gets’ the spirit of service and lives it. Her relentless positivity and unwavering focus on helping people make her a true exemplar of public service. Her colleagues say she is at her best in a crisis and that her genius lies in uniting people from all walks of life. Mārama’s absolute commitment and outstanding leadership make her a fitting recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Ruth models the highest standards of the Public Service and has made a significant positive impact to the lives of New Zealanders. As a leader of the COVID-19 Response Group, she oversaw many Cabinet papers, briefings, strategic frameworks, and more. Through a period of complex challenges and time pressures, Ruth’s ability to connect with people right across the public sector ensured her policy advice remained robust and nuanced. This collaborative approach, underpinned by her strong desire to provide the best possible service, enabled her to manage a multitude of often competing cross-agency demands.  Everything she does is done with care, humility, and an innate spirit of service and Ruth is a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Tuaopepe truly lives the Samoan proverb ‘O le ala o le pule o le Tautua’, ‘The path to leadership is through service’. As Deputy Secretary for Regional Partnerships, he was actively involved in the response to COVID-19, using his and his teams connections with Pacific community leaders, clinicians, and providers to provide wrap-around information and support to Pacific communities in need. With his leadership, his teams stayed engaged with Pacific communities across Aotearoa, ensuring the government heard their voices and addressed their needs. He is described as someone who leads with compassion, confidence, and humility. Tuaopepe never loses sight of his own people and maintains alofa and fealofani in his practice. He is a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Sue is driven by a vision of connected and empowered communities. She has been critical to the success of the Ministry of Health COVID-19 response, leading work that has been vital to the safety of New Zealanders. This has included contract tracing, procurement of supplies, testing and vaccination, often working seven days a week to ensure the response was successful. Sue has always stepped up to take on challenging work, even acting as chief executive of the Ministry of Health during the initial stages of the COVID-19 response. She kept her community safe and served New Zealanders with humility, dedication, and outstanding resilience. Sue’s extraordinary service makes her a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Jessica is driven by a spirit of service to create better outcomes for New Zealanders. On secondment from the Crown Law Office to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in the COVID-19 Response Group, she played a pivotal role in providing legal advice across complex and challenging policy settings. Jess has a wealth of experience in public law coupled with an unwavering dedication to her mahi. Jess's methodical, determined approach, and ability to overcome any hurdle that comes her way are some of her most valued strengths. She worked tirelessly through the response to COVID-19 to ensure New Zealanders were kept safe and healthy, making Jess a fitting recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Andy epitomises humility and the importance of working together for the greater good.  As Deputy Secretary he oversaw the establishment of the Firm Support directorate, providing time critical support to large and small companies directly impacted by COVID-19. During a time of immense pressure, he helped the NZ Debt Management and Export credit teams, ensuring New Zealand was resilient and recovered quickly from the pandemic. He became a trusted advisor with critical insight for many with his open and curious approach. No matter the circumstance, Andy always remained calm and reassuring. His intellectual and personal support during this time was invaluable for those around him. He is a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Steve is a leader who can always be relied upon. In his role as Director COVID-19, he led the design, development, and implementation of the Ministry for Primary Industries’ response function. By helping businesses navigate exemptions, Steve ensured that our key primary industry sectors were well supported through the pandemic. Using his previous experience and strong relationships across agencies, he identified key people, systems, policies, and procedures to respond to this dynamic situation. Steve became a central, trusted coordination point for the Ministry for Primary Industries with his unflappable nature and exemplary communication skills. He is described by colleagues as a go-to problem solver, with a unique brand of strategic pragmatism and good humour. Steve's exceptional resilience and spirit of service makes him a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Shayne is an empowering leader who has made a positive difference in health technology. With experience across the Public Service, he has become a trusted ally for many. During the response to COVID-19 he was instrumental across many critical areas including initial efforts to secure medical supplies through to digital solutions including the Covid Tracer App, the National Contact Tracing Solution, Border Management and Workforce testing registers, patient management and immunisation. Throughout times of immense pressure, he navigated challenges with a clear vision and focus on strong collaboration. Shayne has been a brave catalyst for change and his spirit of service is evident to all those who work alongside him. He is a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Rose is an authentic leader who champions the voice of Pacific communities. During COVID-19, Rose and her team ensured Pacific families were well equipped with the skills and tools to support their children’s learning. This response was agile and innovative, creating a digitally-enabled, culturally-safe space for Pacific people to build confidence in the education system. No matter what setting she is in, Rose builds true partnerships built on trust, humility, and reciprocity. Her team commend her innate intelligence, sense of humour and drive to make a real difference in people's lives. Rose is a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Keiran leads with empathy, fairness, and fearlessness. As leader of the Treasury’s Welfare and Oranga Tamariki team, she has been instrumental in key COVID-19 response programmes, including the wage subsidy, leave subsidy and other income support measures that aided vulnerable New Zealanders. She has been a crucial thought leader in how these schemes are designed, delivered, monitored and evaluated, using connections across the public service to achieve this. Keiran continues to provide guidance at pace across significant policies and is pragmatic in her advice to Ministers and stakeholders. Despite her busy schedule, she actively creates an inclusive workplace and supports her team to reach their development goals. Keiran’s commitment to making a real difference makes her a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Jean lives the values of the Public Service every single day. During COVID-19, he led Treasury’s policy advice and worked tirelessly to design and implement key business support initiatives. He delivered viable and ongoing solutions for businesses and industries and had a positive impact on the lives of New Zealanders. He became a highly trusted advisor to Ministers, senior leaders, and fellow colleagues with a clear ability to deliver services in a collaborative and effective way. No challenge is too big for him, and he thrives in navigating complex situations. Jean is humble about his own achievements and always puts the members of his team first. They describe him as kind, fun and passionate. Jean is a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Ellen exemplifies what it means to be a public servant.  Throughout the pandemic, she inspired collaboration and brought people together. From the start, she saw the significant risks that lockdowns brought to learners, putting in action steps to reduce the harm for children and young people. Through very challenging circumstances, Ellen motivated her team to serve New Zealand’s most vulnerable learners and to overcome any challenges that got in their way. Together they helped deliver learning packs, organised educational broadcasts and connected children’s homes with internet access to enable learning to continue at home. Ellen is someone who cares deeply, and this shines through her work. Her incredible commitment to her community makes her a fitting recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Andy’s spirit of service is evident in the way he builds relationships and brings everyone together to serve the community. His extraordinary ability to connect with others and put them at ease ensured MIQ’s vast network was all on the same page and could continue to keep New Zealand safe from COVID-19. Andy is a true leader and team player. His colleagues say he always looks to shoulder as much of the burden as possible, while readily acknowledging the achievements and efforts of his team. Andy deeply values his connection with iwi, and iwi partners noted his exemplary leadership and true sense of partnership. He is not motivated by thanks or acknowledgement. His humility, devotion, energy, and enthusiasm make Andy a fitting recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Tina is an exemplary leader who is making a difference to the lives of New Zealanders.  As lead of Government Health and Safety, she worked tirelessly at the forefront of MPI’s COVID-19 response. With an innate ability to connect people, Tina led her team to provide timely and practical support and guidance to cabinet, senior leaders and 40 agencies across the public sector. Through a time of uncertainty, this guidance and practical resources helped people with their health, safety, and overall wellbeing during the pandemic. Tina is generous with her time and shares her knowledge freely, whether it be through forums or everyday conversations. Her bold leadership has improved outcomes for all New Zealanders making her a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Heather demonstrates a passion for others in everything she does. She led the communications and public engagement for New Zealand's COVID-19 Response including the Unite Against COVID-19 campaign and associated strategy, media, channels, content, and engagement. With her skill, patience, and perseverance, she has guided her team through challenging and ambiguous times. The communications campaign played a significant role in New Zealand’s response to COVID-19 and has been recognised globally for its clarity and success. This could not have been done without Heather's immense dedication, clear-minded approach and ability to uplift those working alongside her. With her outstanding sense of humility and strong desire to serve others, she is a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Viv would describe his outstanding contribution to Aotearoa through the whakatauki “Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.” My achievement is not mine alone, but it is contribution of many.  His spirit of service has shone through in his career, particularly during the COVID-19 response, where he was instrumental in the establishment of the wage subsidy, led the Care in the Community response and drove MSD’s employment response that supported record numbers of people into employment over this unprecedented time. He believes that there is no better way to care than to help someone who genuinely needs it.  Viv’s incredible spirit of service makes him a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.     

Jenna is an active public service leader with strong connections to her community and played an instrumental role in setting up and supporting the National Emergency Management Agency’s COVID-19 welfare response. She has a natural ability to build strong relationships and worked closely with communities to get the job done. With experience across central and local government, she is a thought leader in finding comprehensive solutions. Jenna is a humble leader who does not seek the spotlight and is absolutely committed to the welfare of others, and getting the job done. She is a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Geoff has had a long career dedicated to serving New Zealanders. He is highly regarded for his policy development and leadership. During COVID-19, Geoff played a key role in the All-of-Government effort and in Te Puni Kōkiri’s pandemic response. He continually advocates for durable, whānau-centred policy and that one size does not fit all in addressing issues of equity. He is commended by his colleagues for his ability to articulate policy issues, recognise implications and to engage with Māori communities. His collaborative and comprehensive approach ensures Ministers are well informed in their decisions. Geoff is described as caring, highly engaged and someone who shares expertise for the betterment of others. He is a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal. 

Grace is a natural leader with a strong drive for change. She has a deep commitment to the wellbeing of Māori whānau and communities, ensuring this is prioritised in all government decisions. During COVID-19, Grace took on a leadership role to ensure Māori and Pacific communities had access to the essential services, vaccinations and care they required. Her actions made a truly tangible difference for New Zealanders, and she never lost sight of the bigger picture. She is described by her team as eloquent, inspiring, collaborative and someone who ensures ‘things get done’. Grace is a role model who does not seek recognition for her outstanding mahi, making her a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Rob lives and breathes the spirit of service. He has worked tirelessly to ensure New Zealand’s maritime border is kept safe from COVID-19. Rob shows a true devotion to serving New Zealanders and is known for going the extra mile to build relationships with people through his collaborative and authentic approach. The trust he builds with people has been the key to his success. He is able to focus everybody on the task at hand and is a cool head in incredibly challenging times. Rob went above and beyond to protect the people of New Zealand in unprecedented circumstances and is a fitting recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Suzanne demonstrates the spirit of service, day in and day out.  She is passionate about helping others, especially our most vulnerable. During COVID-19, Suzanne brought people together, leading the establishment of a remote multi-agency contact centre from scratch. She also played a critical role in providing timely information to businesses, operationalising the Business Travel Register and delivery of Rapid Antigen Testing kits across New Zealand. This ensured that critical services were available to the public in one of New Zealand’s greatest times of need. Suzanne is often the first person to put up her hand when help is needed, making her a fitting recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Paul is a reflective and courageous leader who has a desire for public policy to serve all New Zealanders. Paul’s dedication is motivated by his commitment to ensuring that all people thrive and prosper. Through his long and varied public service career, he has overseen significant changes such as the creation of the NZ Space Agency, major reforms in Immigration, development in the NZ Income Insurance Scheme and beyond. Paul was vital to the COVID-19 response, dedicated to guiding, crafting, and implementing policy settings that aided movement of critical workers and the continuation of essential services. He believes in fairness and balance and ensures staff wellbeing is prioritised. Paul is always willing to go the extra mile for others, making him a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Shelley is an inspiring public service leader and role model. Her work has been instrumental in supporting the transport system to function during COVID-19. Never deterred by obstacles, Shelley’s deep understanding of the transport system supported the Ministry to provide ongoing, quick-fire, credible, and responsive advice to decision-makers. Her work supported the continuation of transport connectivity for the public and supply chains and therefore the wellbeing of all New Zealanders. She has been described by many as empathetic, agile, and committed to a truly ‘whole of government’ approach.  Shelley creates a positive and supportive work environment for her team during difficult times and is always driven by a spirit of service, making her a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

John’s work has been recognised globally for the impact it has had on so many lives. He was a key figure in developing New Zealand’s COVID-19 communications strategy, including the Unite Against COVID branding, the alert level framework, and the ‘team of five million’ campaign. John has an ability to tap into the hearts and minds of New Zealanders, encouraging a true team effort of care and support. His colleagues note his infectious enthusiasm and passion for his work. Many New Zealanders are alive, well, and working today in no small part due to John’s dedication. His incredible work and commitment to the safety of all of our people make him a fitting recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Stephen is committed to serving New Zealand and protecting its border. His colleagues describe him as relentless in his efforts to ensure our maritime border was kept safe from COVID-19 – and as someone who always puts the safety of others first. Stephen is a people person above all. He held responsibilities from Northland to Bluff and was known to make himself personally available to all, even in the busiest of times. This quality also allowed Stephen to build a close and high-functioning team which protected communities around the country. His absolute dedication to all New Zealanders makes him a deserving recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Dr Humphrey Pullon is one of New Zealand’s most influential and inspiring blood cancer doctors. He continually provides world-class care and influences national health policy decisions. Those who have worked with him celebrate his drive and ingenuity in improving outcomes for those impacted by cancer. Dr Pullon provides sound, frank, and considered advice that is patient-centred and equity-focused. Working across the Public Service, he is a champion for better health services for Māori and youth. It is clear that serving others is a key element to Humphrey’s life, making him a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Mike has been a steadfast leader through turbulent times and a pillar of strength for conservation in New Zealand. He supported countless families in response to the Cave Creek tragedy of 1995, building their trust with clear communications and a focus on strong health and safety practices for the future. Mike has been a driving force for Predator Free NZ and has strengthened the health of the Crown relationships with Iwi partners. Mike is highly regarded across the Public Service and has served as a mentor and guide for others. Everything he does is with a spirit of service to others, making him a fitting recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Tania is an influential leader committed to serving New Zealand and Pacific communities.  From the onset of the COVID-19 response, Tania became highly trusted and valued by ministers and chief executives.  Her visible and hands-on guidance ensured leaders were supported and that the Public Service continued to deliver key services to New Zealanders.  Tania also played a vital role in providing strategic support to the All of Government response, establishing cross-system assurance and a ‘big picture’ view for Ministers and Public Sector leaders.  Her spirit of service shines through in her unwavering and humble leadership.  Throughout challenging times, meeting the needs of others remains at the heart of everything Tania does.  Tania’s galvanising leadership makes her a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal. 

Gail’s commitment to serving with genuine care and manaakitanga is inspiring. Throughout her time at the Ministry of Social Development, she has aided thousands to gain sustainable employment and supported whānau through COVID-19 lockdowns. In Gail’s presence, clients know they will be treated with dignity and aroha. They know they will leave with the tools to overcome any personal obstacle. To quote her colleagues, Gail is a role model, a confidante and most importantly, a friend. The way she shares her wisdom and empowers others makes her a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Shelley is an active and responsive leader, devoted to making New Zealand a safer place for all. She always leads by example. Shelley has been instrumental in developing family and sexual violence programmes through the training of staff and the creation of resources for communities. Her mahi has increased whānau engagement with safety programmes and the overall responsiveness of the Courts. In her personal time, she works to connect with the communities she serves by learning te reo Māori and tikanga. Shelley’s drive for true collaboration and equitable outcomes are second to none, making her a deserving recipient of this commendation.

Fraser’s top priority is the health and wellbeing of others. Regardless of circumstances, in a crisis Fraser will be on-site, ready to support families with his pragmatic and approachable manner. He consistently demonstrates exceptional customer service and commitment to the wellbeing of Kāinga Ora tenants and communities. Fraser is a go-to person when it comes to understanding and navigating the social housing system, always willing to answer questions and provide support. As a true champion of improving homes and lives of others, Fraser is a fitting recipient of this commendation.

Michael consistently goes above and beyond to keep New Zealand safe. He has held several leadership roles and is entrusted with Immigration NZs most difficult and sensitive decisions. In recent times he has assisted Immigration New Zealand to successfully navigate crises in Afghanistan, Ukraine and helped operationalise border and visa settings to connect New Zealand with the world. It is always Michael’s top priority to support migrants and his colleagues. Michael is admired for his humility, expertise, and calm approach under fire. His mentorship has helped countless people develop into senior positions across the sector. Michael is a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Wayne works with enthusiasm and unflagging commitment to meet the needs of his community. Working alongside businesses in his region, he has aided them to retain staff, gain investment and provide long-term sustainable economic security. He has an absolute dedication to conservation and takes a collaborative approach to his work. He has provided training and upskilling for local people, creating profound and far-reaching impacts for businesses in South Westland.  Wayne’s work has earned him the trust and respect of the communities he serves and the people he works with. He embodies the public service values of being responsive and respectful. He is a deserving recipient of this commendation.

Juanita is described as a beacon of positivity, motivated to serve and enhance the lives of others. She has an unwavering commitment to the needs of the people she serves. This commitment is evident most in the deep feelings of respect and care people come away with after their interactions with Juanita. She is a holder of the history, stories and the legacy of her organisation and shares her rich knowledge and learnings through mentoring those she works with. Juanita is someone who never tires of uplifting and inspiring those around her, and this makes her a fitting recipient of this commendation.

A genuine ‘people person’, Beverley has touched the lives of many. She can connect with clients from all walks of life and circumstances. She is attentive to their specific and often complex needs, working to find a solution that works for them. Having lived and worked in the community for years, she is well known and loved by locals. Beverley’s team admires her ability to make everyone feel welcome, whether she is helping a client or decorating the office to celebrate a special occasion. Beverley is a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Nicky is an exceptional and talented leader who truly believes in the work of the Public Service. She is sought for her excellent judgement and advice, and she always makes time to support colleagues no matter the call on her time or workload. Nicky rises to all challenges with a witty, practical and ‘can do’ approach. She consistently goes the extra mile to deliver a huge output and outstanding quality of work. Nicky is truly one of a kind. She is a generous person with a big heart, committed to helping people bring their best selves to work. Nicky is a deserving recipient of this commendation.

Maggie is a natural when it comes to building authentic connections. She finds true joy in helping her community. During the COVID-19 anti-mandate protests, she ensured protestors received justice support, while protecting those around them. She stayed engaged with Police throughout, to continuously improve the response.
Maggie never gives up on her people, she listens to understand and searches for individualised solutions. Her teammates value her calm approach in even the most stressful of circumstances. Maggie’s embodiment of the spirit of service makes her a fitting recipient of this commendation.

Described as a one-woman powerhouse, Keriana holds clients' needs at the centre of decisions. During COVID-19 she helped operationalise the wage and leave subsidies, serving as a key integrator with Inland Revenue and the Treasury. Keriana is an unwavering advocate for frontline staff, ensuring they have efficient systems and processes in place. No matter how busy she is, Keriana makes time to connect the right people and agencies for the best outcomes. Those around her are inspired by her adaptability, empathy, and boundless sense of humour. Keriana is a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Fraser is a highly trusted public servant who has dedicated his life to serving others. In recent times, he has been at the forefront of innovative co-design of court buildings. This has ensured new buildings are responsive to community needs and provide a safe space for services. Amidst the pandemic, he supported courts to continue operating, keeping staff safe across the country. His deep respect for Te Tiriti and the aspirations of Iwi have been a strong theme within his work. Fraser has a way of putting others at ease, and he always acts with heart, honesty, and genuine care.  Fraser’s strong spirit of service makes him a deserving recipient of this commendation.

Caroline is a stand-out policy leader who shows courage in her work. She has been instrumental in policy and law advice surrounding significant sensitive topics, with an ongoing commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi.  Caroline's colleagues applaud her stewardship and ability to stay focused on the bigger picture. In response to COVID-19, she was seconded to the Ministry of Health Vaccination Programme where she supported the flow of information to Ministers, and governance arrangements. Time and time again, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to free and frank advice and has built trust in the Public Service. This makes Caroline a fitting recipient of this commendation.

Megan is a genuine and inclusive leader who puts the needs of others at the center of everything she does. Her work at the Maritime border during COVID-19 demonstrated her resilience, agility, and commitment to keeping Customs officers and the New Zealand public safe. She was responsible for real-time complex responses at the border on a scale never seen before, to allow the safe arrival of vessels, their crew and cargo. Megan took on these challenges and worked collaboratively across the system to achieve the best outcomes possible. Megan’s extraordinary dedication to protecting others makes her a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Denise has an unwavering desire to achieve better outcomes for New Zealanders by connecting agencies across the sector. She always keeps people at the heart of everything she does. Denise’s work on the design and implementation of the ‘Reconnecting New Zealanders’ initiative was instrumental to enabling the New Zealand borders to reopen safely, all the while keeping people protected from COVID-19. She is able to calmly and purposefully navigate even the most ambiguous and challenging of working environments. Denise manages stakeholder connections with empathy and the highest level of commitment. She is a deserving recipient of this commendation.

Neisha devotes significant time, energy, and heart to everything she does. As a Kaiahuru Hauora specialising in Family Harm, she uses her strong cross-agency relationships to connect whānau with the services they need to be safe, stable and independent.  Neisha’s innate care and empathy have helped people through the darkest of times. Her advocacy for wellbeing and people-centred approaches have created transformational change in how Kāinga Ora operates. Neisha is a well-loved, respected, and trusted mentor throughout her organisation and New Zealand. She is a fitting recipient of this commendation.

Moana is a heart-centered leader who draws strength from her Pacific community.  Throughout her varied career, she has helped to progress ‘Te Ao Mārama/Enlightened Justice for all’ kaupapa, the vision for the District Court of New Zealand. Through strong collaboration, Moana has played a lead role in lifting court performance, increasing positive engagement, and making justice accessible for South Auckland communities. Moana is a proactive coach and mentor for many within her ministry. She takes great pride in serving others and carries on her family’s legacy of ‘giving for the sake of giving’. She is a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Kara’s signature style is putting people at the forefront of her work. Through unprecedented times, she led her policy team to ensure delivery of prompt and effective managed isolation and quarantine management. Kara’s collaborative leadership supported her team to deliver and ensured that trusted relationships were built across agencies. Despite ongoing challenges and tight timeframes, she remained open, inclusive and someone who could be depended on. Kara is not one to seek the limelight for her contribution. However, she has continued to make personal sacrifices to support New Zealanders. It is this attitude of humility which makes Kara a very worthy recipient of this commendation.

Throughout Allan’s career, he has been committed to delivering better health outcomes for New Zealanders. As a leader, researcher, and co-founder of the New Zealand Health Design Council, his focus has been on community-based health approaches.  Allan has built a legacy of purpose-designed health facilities.  He possesses a strong moral code of fairness, and he always advocates for equitable opportunities for all. His work has had local, regional, and international impact. Allan opens doors for people from all walks of life. With his quiet humility, integrity, and empowerment of others, he is a fitting recipient of this commendation.

Bruce is a shining example of someone driven by a spirit of service to the community. His expertise helps government agencies deliver safe modern workplaces for their people. He has been in the background through New Zealand’s significant natural disasters, ensuring people are kept safe. From supporting the government property response to the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes, to using his networks to support agencies in their response to COVID-19. Bruce shares his knowledge freely, makes time to mentor staff and advocate to enact change across the system. He is a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Astrid is an outstanding leader and natural motivator, who inspires staff, stakeholders, and organisations to work together for the greater good of New Zealand. As Director of the National Immunisation Programme, she gained enormous respect for her calm, logical, collaborative, and people-centric approach. This was critical to building public trust and confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine. She takes great pride in her work and brings her team along with her to be the best they can be. Astrid is celebrated for her extraordinary contribution to serving the public under exceptional circumstances. She is a deserving recipient of this commendation.

Scott strives to make a difference every day. During the 2017 and 2020 General Elections, he managed an important end-to-end process for staff, ensuring support for the outgoing and incoming governments of the day. Throughout COVID-19 he provided staff with individualised advice regarding travel and work overseas. No matter how busy he is, Scott gives each person his undivided attention, sharing his knowledge freely along the way. His character and approach to work exemplifies a public servant who always strives to make a difference to the lives of others. This makes Scott a fitting recipient of this commendation.

June always seeks to serve others with humility and grace. She is an inspiration to those she meets. During the lengthy COVID-19 lockdowns in Auckland and Northland, June’s leadership, compassion, and interpersonal qualities shone through. She coordinated vaccination and testing events, liaised with health services, and worked with determination to ensure translations were available to those who needed them. She recognises what a privilege it is to share her skills and experience in the work she does with the people she serves. June is an exceptional example of what it means to be of service to the communities of New Zealand and is a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Dave is a humble, down-to-earth leader who has dedicated his life to New Zealand’s horticulture and primary industries. He has been a driving force in enabling a primary sector that is safe, trusted, and innovative. Countless extra hours have gone into research and guidance that protects consumers and the environment from the harmful impacts of pesticides. Despite being renowned internationally for his expertise, Dave remains very modest about his achievements. To him, there is nothing more satisfying than supporting new public servants in the industry. Colleagues value his wisdom, mentorship, and genuine passion for his work. Dave is a deserving recipient of this commendation.

Rachael truly keeps people’s safety and wellbeing at the heart of everything she does. She has been a strong pillar of support to all Customs Service staff, ensuring they stay connected throughout the pandemic. During COVID-19, Rachael was instrumental in the design of policies and procedures for the use of Personal Protective Equipment and protocols. She also established a staff wellbeing measurement and triage system for managers to best support their people. Rachael is commended for her agility, commitment, and passion for serving others. She is a fitting recipient of this commendation.

Helen is a highly trusted, committed, and positive public servant. She thrives on tackling complex challenges ‘head on’ and is deeply motivated to make a difference in the lives of others. Helen is highly regarded across the public sector for her expertise in HR practices and relationship management. A true ‘people person’, she is dedicated to creating positive outcomes for employees, sharing her knowledge to raise capability and ‘mucking in’ whenever needed. She does this with humility and an extraordinary spirit of service, making her a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Wayne dedicated over 40 years serving New Zealanders. He was passionate and committed to providing the most exemplary service. He always helped customers navigate challenges with his customary calm, honest and approachable manner. Wayne was a highly respected and loved member of Inland Revenue’s Palmerston North office whānau. He was known for his vibrancy, extraordinary level of support, humour, and his exceptional spirit of service Wayne passed away earlier this year. The legacy he leaves behind, his passion and dedication, make him a deserving recipient of this commendation.

Kitty and Summer are a dynamic duo committed to equitable health outcomes. Together they led the Counties Manukau COVID-19 Vaccination Programme to protect the diverse communities of South Auckland. Seeing that the ‘one size fits all’ approach did not meet the needs of Māori and Pacific whānau, they turned to community leaders for their kaitiakitanga. Kitty and Summer’s drive for community-based solutions gave rise to the ‘Heroes in the Street’ campaign and increased participation using a ‘trusted faces in trusted places’ model.

Kitty is admired for her unwavering passion, advocacy, and perseverance. She can see the bigger picture and bring together the right people to get the job done.

Summer is described as a creative and committed wahine toa. Whether working with the community or advocating to senior leaders, she is not afraid to roll her sleeves up and get involved.

Together they are unstoppable leaders driven by their love for their people. Kitty and Summer are very worthy recipients of this commendation.

Josef epitomises the public service values of being respectful and responsive in everything he does. Under exceptionally challenging circumstances, he served as a calm, problem-solving interface between MIQ, stakeholders and the public. Josef makes it his mission to ensure that individuals’ needs are met on a case-by-case basis. He always advocates on people’s behalf with courage and a determination to provide exceptional care for those in distress, using the mantra of ‘how can we assist’. Although Josef never seeks praise, he is often recognised by members of the public and other stakeholders for his outstanding care and commitment, making him a fitting recipient of this commendation.

Monaecious goes the extra mile every day to help her clients and support Pacific communities. Her warm and gentle approach allows her to connect with people from all walks of life. Monaecious has played a key role in Dunedin’s social and economic development, establishing Dunedin Youth Link, and the region’s first-ever Pacific Strategy. She has helped countless people through challenging circumstances, assisting them into stable employment, housing and beyond. Monaecious has done so in a quiet, unassuming manner, never seeking praise for her work. Everything she does is for the betterment of her client’s lives making her a worthy recipient for this commendation.

Ken displays the highest standards of integrity and kaitiakitanga. In his time working across different agencies, he has led and delivered new and improved services that support communities. Ken established the Residential Advisory Service and has worked in a challenging disaster recovery environment, helping people who have gone through significant and often traumatic life events. He navigates stakeholder relationships with a calm and assured manner, committed to finding the best way forward. Ken’s spirit of service is evident in the way he uplifts those around him, making him a deserving recipient of this commendation.

For nearly two decades, Jo-Ann has embodied the whakatauki ‘he tangata, he tangata, he tangata’, It is the people, it is the people, it is the people. In her time at WorkSafe, she was a driver of frontline education and dealt with health and safety within high-risk sectors. As soon as COVID-19 hit, she accepted a new challenge at the Ministry of Health. Using her health and safety expertise, she helped keep border workers safe and ensured the integrity of vaccination and testing regimes. Described as someone with a genuine openness to the needs of others, high integrity, and deep care for her mahi, Jo-Ann is a fitting recipient of this commendation.

Lydia is driven to create transformational change for communities.  For over 40 years, she has fought to address system-wide health inequities for Māori whānau. Her mahi has created tangible improvements in Lake District cancer care, ensuring it is high quality, timely and responsive. Lydia has also been instrumental in forming partnerships to establish Māori based health programmes and cancer awareness materials for the public. Despite her outstanding achievements, Lydia remains modest, always making time for others and giving a helping hand. Her team describe her as a person with an exceptional care and commitment to New Zealanders. Lydia is a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Serving as a frontline guardian of New Zealanders’ precious taonga, their data, Ria puts people, communities, and relationships at the heart of data collection. Ria seamlessly builds relationships with people that are mana-enhancing and guides her team to do the same. Ria’s commitment to service is highlighted through the COVID response. Ria was instrumental in support of the contact tracing phone lines, pulling together staff and resources within 24 hours to get teams up and running. Ria is in her element when she is helping others and supporting staff. Everything she does is done with kindness, care, and positivity. Ria is a deserving recipient of this commendation.

Kim has a strong desire to achieve the best possible outcomes for both her colleagues at the New Zealand Customs Service and for the New Zealand public. Her positive and can-do attitude have helped to navigate complex situations in an ever-changing working environment, particularly during the initial COVID-19 response. During the pandemic, Kim provided critical support at Auckland International Airport, working collaboratively to ensure the protection of passengers and border staff. She constantly demonstrates flexibility and creativity in her work, keeping safety at the forefront and treating everyone with the utmost respect and dignity. Kim is a fitting recipient of this commendation.

Jon is a true example of being motivated by something bigger than oneself. Seeing gaps in services for Māori and Pacific communities, he set out to be a catalyst for positive change. His leadership has driven transformational policy for Pacific communities in areas of housing, immigration, health, employment, and justice. Jon is widely recognised as a thought-leader across the Public Service, with an ability to connect multiple agencies towards a common goal. Colleagues acknowledge his willingness to share, ongoing support and drive to improve Pacific outcomes. Jon is a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Paula is a leader you can depend on. She truly dedicated herself to the Customs response to COVID-19 and was instrumental in its success. She made an outstanding contribution to ensuring that Air Border Order policy settings would lead to the best possible outcomes for keeping New Zealand safe. To ensure the success of this work, she committed huge amounts of her time to this. Paula is a key expert in critical areas and contributed largely to wider policies led by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Ministry of Health. Paula’s spirit of service makes her a deserving recipient of this commendation.

Andrea epitomises the spirit of service in everything she does. She leads events for diverse audiences, ensuring every person in the room feels welcome and valued. Her passion, agility and attention to detail ensure the delivery of impeccable events. Despite challenges such as COVID-19, Andrea will always find a way to execute the event without sacrificing the integrity of the occasion. Her colleagues respect and admire her ability to balance huge commitments. Andrea’s collaborative approach has led to the development of strong, long-lasting relationships across the sector. Anyone who has attended an event hosted by Andrea leaves feeling inspired and proud. She is a fitting recipient of this commendation.

Richard is a trusted and reliable leader. With a strong ability to problem solve, he has led courts across the regions, continually advocating for staff wellbeing and positive community outcomes. Richard served as the Essential Services Lead in the COVID-19 response and supported the sentencing following the Christchurch Terrorist attack. He also advocates for Court Victim Advisors at a senior level, supporting their crucial role in the court system. Richard’s team members know they can go to him for his extensive knowledge, level-headed approach and most importantly, his empathy. His actions are underpinned by his spirit of service, making him a worthy recipient of this commendation.

Eina is a person of huge integrity and intelligence. She always provides honest and high-quality policy advice, often under challenging circumstances. During the pandemic, she worked long hours to aid delivery of the Wage Subsidy and Resurgence Support Payments.  In her day-to-day role she leads improvements to the Working for Families credit system with the goal of improving whānau economic and social wellbeing. A trusted advisor to Minsters and colleagues alike, Eina provides policy that is clear, pragmatic and will stand the test of time. She does so with a warm smile and a strong duty of care to New Zealanders. Eina is a deserving recipient of this commendation.

For decades, Craig has been at the forefront of public service analytics and data infrastructure. He has informed decision makers about some of our toughest issues such as mental health, social justice, and wellbeing. During COVID-19, he used his passion for data to understand vaccination uptake in disabled communities. This was groundbreaking and provided rich insight into the needs of 1.2 million people across New Zealand.  Never afraid to question the status quo, Craig is motivated to find innovative, cutting-edge solutions. Most importantly he seeks solutions that elevate the voices of marginalised groups and instill meaningful, long-lasting change. Craig is a fitting recipient of this commendation.