Calling for Entries to Recognise Public Sector Stars

Nominations are now open for the 2010 IPANZ Gen-i Public Sector Excellence Awards

16 November 2009, Wellington: The Institute of Public Administration New Zealand (IPANZ) Gen-i Public Sector Excellence Awards are now open for nominations for the 2010 awards.

Launched by IPANZ and Gen-i in 2007, the highly contestable awards celebrate excellence within the public sector from central and local government agencies and highlight initiatives making a positive difference to communities.

This year, a new award category has been added bringing the total number of award categories to six. The ‘Talent2 Award for Excellence in Public Sector Communications’ recognises innovative public sector communications strategies that have significantly increased public awareness of a government objective.

Ross Tanner, President of IPANZ, says the awards are part of IPANZ’s commitment to promoting continuous improvements in public administration and increasing public understanding of the work undertaken in the public sector.

“We believe that to encourage excellence in the public sector, it is appropriate that we recognise our ‘stars’. Recognising achievement is not only a well deserved reward for excellent work that makes a difference to our country, but it also serves as a strong motivator for public servants for the future”, says Mr Tanner.

Chris Quin CEO of Gen-i, the primary sponsor of the awards since their inception, says Gen-i is looking forward to seeing this year’s nominations and encourages organisations to put forward nominations for 2010.

“The awards have become the benchmark for recognising truly excellent results that demonstrate a clear spirit of service within the public sector.”

“At Gen-i, we see great examples of how technology drives innovation and improvements in service within the public sector all the time. By taking the time to recognise excellence in the public sector, we help to continually raise the level of service that contributes to the wellbeing of New Zealanders,” says Quin.

The 2008 and 2009 awards attracted a high calibre of entries and recognised a number of public sector stars including last years’ Prime Minister’s award winners, the New Zealand Police and Porirua City Council for their ‘Safer Porirua’ project.

Public sector organisations can also nominate projects for the Awards in the following categories: Developing Capability; Managerial Leadership; Crown-Maori relationships; Joined-up Government; and Working Together. The IPANZ Supreme Award will be presented for outstanding achievement and sustained commitment to excellence.

An independent judging panel will look at excellence in terms of vision, innovation and results.

Entries for the Awards close on 1 February 2010 and winners will be announced at a ceremony attended by the Prime Minister in June 2010. For more information and to submit an application, go to www.ipanzawards.org.nz.

The State Services Commission, Treasury, Leadership Development Centre, Te Puni Kokiri, Talent2, Microsoft and Russell McVeagh are also supporting the Awards.

ENDS

© Scoop Media