Winners of 2012 Public Sector Excellence Awards announced

A collaborative programme that resolved more than 1000 historic abuse claims has won the Prime Minister's Supreme Award at the 2012 IPANZ Gen-i Public Sector Excellence Awards.

The Resolving Historic Claims of Child Abuse and Neglect initiative, run between the Ministry of Social Development, Department of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Education, resolved more than 1000 cases of historic abuse within a decade, saving the taxpayer millions of dollars and achieving swift results for those affected.

“This exceptional initiative demonstrated outstanding innovation and vision in its approach and achieved excellent results for all involved," said IPANZ President Len Cook.

"The agencies involved showed an absolute commitment to resolving a highly sensitive and challenging issue in a way that provided the best result for claimants and the government."

The initiative set up the Confidential Listening and Assistance Service (CLAS) to listen to more than 1000 claimants, connecting them to support services and referring them on to the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry of Education where appropriate.

The initiative also won the Excellence Award for Working Together for Better Services

The Prime Minister’s Award for Public Sector Excellence recognises an initiative that has demonstrated excellence in both what it has achieved and how it has achieved it.

Held jointly between IPANZ and Gen-i, the annual awards recognise and reward outstanding performances and achievements in the New Zealand public sector.

"These awards provide an opportunity for us to recognise the highest achievements of our profession and highlight to the public and community leaders the vital contribution the public sector makes to the well-being of New Zealanders," Mr Cook said.

"They showcase the diversity of endeavours, the spirit of innovation, and, most importantly, they define expectations for future performance."

Chris Quin, acting CEO of Telecom New Zealand, parent company of awards sponsor, Gen-i, congratulated the winners, adding their achievements demonstrate that innovation and a commitment to excellence is thriving in the public sector.

“It is a privilege to once again honour the best talent in the New Zealand public sector,” said Mr Quin.

“The IPANZ Gen-i Public Sector Excellence Awards attracted 71 entries this year – the highest number since the awards were launched in 2008. This is undeniable proof that the New Zealand public sector continues to embrace innovative ideas and demonstrate real leadership.”

Mr Quin added such leadership is exemplified by the Ministry of Social Development, Department of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Education for the collaborative efforts behind their joint initiative which won the Prime Minister's Supreme Award.

“This year’s Supreme Award celebrates successful collaboration between a number of key public sector agencies to deliver great outcomes for New Zealanders. Such a commitment to working collaboratively to achieve shared results is essential to ensuring the public sector meets the needs of citizens more efficiently.”

The Public Sector Excellence Awards recognise and reward outstanding performances and work achievements of organisations and project teams in the New Zealand public sector. The Awards showcase the significant contribution of the wider public sector to meeting the needs of New Zealand and New Zealanders.

Winners were announced at an awards dinner held at Wellington’s TSB Arena.

2012 Award winners:

Highly Commended

Report on United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – Ministry of Social Development

Special Recognition

Reforming Greater Wellington's Water Supply Business – Greater Wellington Regional Council

New Professional of the Year

Geoff Cooper – Auckland Council

Crown - Māori Relationships (jointly won)

Te Upoko Taiao - a partnership for resource management in the Wellington Region – Greater Wellington Regional Council

Māori Pacific Ethnic Wardens – New Zealand Police

Improving Performance through Leadership Excellence

Leading from where you stand – Statistics New Zealand

Improving Public Value through Business Transformation

Blood is a gift – Auckland District Health Board

Networked Government

Earthquake Employment Support – Ministry of Social Development

Public Sector Communications

Smokefree Prisons – Department of Corrections

Recognising Ethnic Diversity

Māori Pacific and Ethnic Services Cultural Response Team – New Zealand Police

Working Together for Better Services

Resolving historic claims of child abuse and neglect – Ministry of Social Development,  Department of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Education

State Services Commissioner Award for Excellence in responding to the Canterbury Earthquakes

Māori Pacific and Ethnic Services Cultural Response Team – New Zealand Police

Supreme Winner

Resolving historic claims of child abuse and neglect – Ministry of Social Development, Department of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Education