Public Service Day Awards 2024

Tony, aka ‘Papa T’, is a humble and understated, yet inspirational leader at the Ministry of Justice. He has been responsible for the successful delivery of a wide range of groundbreaking initiatives that benefit the lives of people in the justice system. These include Te Kooti Rangatahi, Te Whaiao Outcomes Framework, Whakaorangia te Mana Tangata and Te Ao Mārama programme. The strength of his relationships and skill in engaging with local communities and iwi strengthen the Ministry’s Māori Crown Relationship and ensure better outcomes for all New Zealanders.  

Rena’s inclusive, thoughtful leadership and her infectious energy have won the respect and trust of the many partners and stakeholders she works closely with. She’s a quiet, tenacious leader who never shies away from the toughest jobs. Rena has led significant initiatives throughout her career to improve the wellbeing and quality of life for Māori, examples include Te Pae Tata, E Tū Whānau and the Tuhoe Head Funding Agreement. Delivering outcomes and getting results for people and communities is at the heart of Rena’s service. 

Patsie has a remarkable talent for identifying and nurturing individuals, with a drive to lift the performance of the public service to deliver for Māori communities. In her numerous leadership roles across central government, Patsie has been instrumental in implementing initiatives such as bilingual qualifications, the Māori Potential Approach, Cadetships and other workforce development programmes, as well as numerous rangatahi and whānau-focused programmes to increase educational attainment. These all reflect her relentless drive to foster cultural change and shift focus towards the inherent potential within Māori communities. 

It is Debbie’s steadfast belief in access to information and education as a fundamental right that has driven her five decades of support for schools to create environments where reading is a cornerstone of knowledge. This motivation has fuelled her tireless efforts to innovate, adapt and advocate for equitable access to libraries for generations of New Zealand school children across more than 400 school communities. She is admired across these communities, who in their words, describe her as a ‘treasure’, a ‘legend’ and a ‘lifeline’.

Vicki has played a critical role in Inland Revenue’s digital transformation as the link between internal customers, suppliers, business customers and delivery teams. She is a highly regarded thought leader across the Public Service, with her relentless focus on digital transformation and improving the experience of users. Her foresight and proactive nature have future proofed systems, for example Inland Revenue’s purchasing system and the e-Invoicing system. Vicki is a high performing trailblazer, always dedicated to improving outcomes for stakeholders and New Zealanders.  

The sacrifices Moses made in the early years of establishing the Corrections dog unit were significant. Almost 35 years later, he continues to bring the same passion and perseverance to his work. The unit makes prisons and communities safer by deterring and disrupting contraband coming into prisons and the detector dogs (like Kolby) are some of Correction’s best-known employees.  As mentor and kaumatua to many, he is a steward of knowledge and expertise and a steady pulse in a team that has grown to 15 handlers and 26 dogs.

John’s expertise and skill in trade negotiations and policy have been at the heart of outcomes worth billions to the New Zealand economy. He has had a pivotal role in delivering trade agreements with the EU, UK, Trans-Pacific Partnership and post-Brexit arrangements. The strength of his analysis and expertise has strengthened New Zealand’s international reputation. Many people he has mentored over the years now occupy key roles across the Public Service. Humble to a fault, he continues to put outcomes for New Zealand at the forefront of his service.

Chris’s world-leading contribution to plant variety protection in New Zealand is a result of his incredible passion for the industry, and commitment to serving our country. The economic benefits to New Zealand of plant variety rights protection are significant and a credit to Chris’ strong advocacy. He is enormously respected in this field, and he shares his knowledge and time selflessly. It is widely recognised that New Zealand’s international reputation in plant breeder rights management is largely due to Chris’ dedication, expertise and service ethic.  

Lynne’s knowledgeable leadership and informed decisions have advanced operational and processing standards in New Zealand’s meat sector. She joined the Ministry for Primary Industries as a veterinarian over four decades ago. Since then, she has blazed a trail for women in this traditionally male-dominated area – earning immense respect and recognition over the years. Her outstanding advocacy for ensuring national and international meat industry standards has been instrumental in ensuring New Zealand’s world-class food safety reputation. Known for her humility and generosity, Lynne inspires all and is an exemplary model of public service. 

Jacqui has successfully led some of the Ministry of Social Development’s most complex organisational fraud investigations and she is highly sought after for her specialist knowledge of fraud investigation practice. Leading through some of the biggest challenges faced by Canterbury communities, such as the Canterbury earthquakes, the 2019 mosque attacks and the COVID-19 response is a testament to her expertise, courage and strong ability to deliver. Jacqui leads with humility, integrity and genuine care for people which inspires great respect from those she serves.  

Digby’s analytical expertise, creative problem-solving and support for customers have had a measurable impact within New Zealand Customs Service as well as the broader community. His technical knowledge is instrumental in advancing the delivery of the Joint Border Analytics group by protecting the New Zealand border from threats and facilitating legitimate travel and trade. In this way, his work directly contributes to delivering considerable benefit to New Zealand and New Zealand’s reputation. He is selflessly dedicated to solving problems, fostering inclusiveness and advancing the professional skills of others. 

Tess is an inspirational and energetic leader who demonstrates an infectious generosity of spirit in how she connects with others. Community development really is a part of who Tess is and this connection is evident in the way she serves with deep understanding of culture and people. Her passion for social justice and equity has seen her elevate and celebrate voices, stories and successes of diverse groups. She supports thriving and connected communities, always seeking to empower others and grow leadership. Tess has helped countless Kāinga Ora customers realise their aspirations.

Tina’s leadership and passion have resulted in an enduring Corrections’ Community Work Strategy in her regions and across New Zealand. This programme ensures people in the Corrections system have brighter prospects and better futures when they are released back into their communities.  Always one to leap into action when things need to get done, she inspires her team to be the best they can be with composure and dedicated leadership. Tina’s vision has driven meaningful outcomes and supported connection to whenua, whānau, life skills and health services for the people she serves.

Through his dedicated years of service, Peter has continuously gone above and beyond. He actively contributes to various conservation initiatives, such as habitat restoration projects, endangered species protection, and wildlife monitoring. He has not only influenced the preservation of our natural treasures but has also inspired others to take part in safeguarding the environment. Through his active engagement with iwi, the Department of Conservation has been able to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into conservation planning. Peter is a champion for a holistic, inclusive and sustainable approach to protecting the environment.  

Bob has made a significant contribution to the New Zealand agriculture, seafood and red meat sectors through his generosity of time and expertise. Over nearly five decades of public service, Bob has always gone above and beyond for the businesses that rely on regulatory compliance for market access. This has played a key role in protecting New Zealand’s reputation in overseas markets. He always demonstrates exceptional commitment and care for everyone he works with, and he maintains a clear focus on the needs of others to ensure all are valued.  

Eddie has demonstrated unwavering commitment to conservation and the communities he serves. His leadership and extensive knowledge have had a significant influence on the Department of Conservation’s management of the 200,000-hectare Whanganui river region.  He actively involves local people in biodiversity conservation efforts, organising educational programmes, workshops and community events to raise awareness and foster a sense of ownership and stewardship among the residents. Considered a legendary stalwart within the Department, Eddie represents a generation of people who have played a pivotal role in shaping conservation in New Zealand.