Public sector innovation again celebrated

17 July 2005

Public sector innovation again celebrated

Examples of creativity and innovation in the public sector are once again being sought with the calling for entries in the 2005 BearingPoint Innovation Awards.

The annual awards aim to recognise and promote world-class innovation in services to the public, services to Maori, technological innovation and organisational management in the public sector. The awards are jointly sponsored by BearingPoint and the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand (IPANZ).

BearingPoint Managing Director Judy Maller says the awards aim to encourage and share best practice in innovation across the public sector (Public Service, Local Government, and State Sector).

“The Awards are designed to highlight innovative approaches, endeavours and methodologies in a sector that is by its nature risk averse and subject to public scrutiny.

“We want to recognise and reward excellence and also increase the profile of innovation in government reform with the hope that it might stimulate new thinking in public sector organisations that will achieve real organisational or community benefits.” Applications are submitted via an online application form available on the official website www.innovationawards.co.nz . The closing date for entries is 19 August 2005 and finalists will be announced at a function in October.

The awards themselves will be presented at a ceremony in Wellington on 1 November.

IPANZ President Christine Goodman says recognising public sector innovation helps to ensure the sector remains as forward-thinking and open to new ideas as the rest of the economy.

“The awards not only celebrate innovation, but also help to share and promote new ideas.

“There are some fantastic things happening out there, and we want to recognise and increase awareness of them. That awareness in turn helps to increase trust and confidence in the public sector. It also supports recruitment as people are attracted to an environment where fresh ideas and innovation are valued.”

Judy Maller says there has been a steady increase in interest and applications since the Awards began in 1999, and they hope to see an even bigger increase this year.

“We invite all public sector organisations with programmes, policies or projects that have helped improve or achieve or promote innovation and excellence to enter the Awards. Their achievements deserve to be shared and celebrated.”

Organisations can enter in the following categories:

Public Service Local Government State Sector Innovation in Services to Maori Innovation in Technology Innovation and Management

As well as six category winners, a Supreme Award winner will also be chosen.

Amongst last year’s winners were the Climate Change Office’s Projects to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Auckland Regional Council’s text message information service for Auckland train commuters, and Smash Palace, a joint programme between Creative New Zealand and the Ministry of Research Science and Technology.

ENDS

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