IPANZ Excellence Awards finalists named

The finalists for the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand (IPANZ) Gen-i Public Sector Excellence Awards have been revealed.

The awards were launched by IPANZ and Gen-i in 2007 and they aim to celebrate excellence within the public sector from central and local government agencies. They also highlight initiatives that make a difference to local communities.

Len Cook, President of IPANZ, said, “Innovation is vital for the public sector and these awards inspire the continued challenge to old ways, which is demanded by our evolving social fabric, emerging technologies and governmental change. Driving responsiveness and innovation in the public sector is essential, not only for the effectiveness of the public sector but for our place in the world.”

The confirmed list of finalists are:

The Treasury Award for Improving Public Value through Business Transformation   Ministry of Social Development for the Food without Stigma – the Work and Income Payment Card projectCounties Manukau District Health Board for the Six Hours Can be Ours initiativeLand Information New Zealand for the Landonline 100% Electronic Lodgement project The Russell McVeagh Award for Working Together for Better Services Ashburton District Council for the Ashburton District Social Wellbeing Strategy projectMinistry of Social Development for the Settling In (Migrants and Refugee) projectDepartment of Conservation and Horizons Regional Council for the Kia Wharite projects HIGHLY COMMENDEDNew Zealand Police and Te Puni Kokiri for Ma-ori Wardens Project The Te Puni K?kiri Award for Crown – M?ori Relationships Taupo District Council for the Joint Management AgreementDepartment of Conservation for Te Pukenga AtawhaiOpotiki District Council for the Opotiki Harbour Development project The Microsoft Award for Networked Government   New Zealand Customs Service for the SmartGate ServiceDepartment of Conservation for Online CoursesNew Zealand Police, New Zealand Fire Service Commission and St John Emergency Communications for the InterCAD project The Talent2 Award for Public Sector Communications Ministry of Health for the Swine Flu Public Information Management programmeMinistry of Social Development for the Campaign for Action on Family ViolenceNew Zealand Transport Agency for the Waterview Connection Community Engagement The State Services Commission and the Leadership Development Centre Award for Improving Performance through Leadership Excellence   New Zealand Customs Services for the Customs Integrated Development FrameworkMinistry of Social Development for the Ministry of Social Development Leadership Cascade

The winners and the Prime Minister’s Award for Public Service Excellence will be announced by the Prime Minister in Wellington on June 18th.