Published date: 26 November 2021

The Aviation Security Service (AvSec) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have been recognised for their ongoing work in support of the All of Government response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Public Service Commission ‘Spirit of Service Awards’ winners have just been announced and Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern revealed the winners of the Prime Minister’s Award at a ‘virtual’ ceremony. Her award is selected from the winners of the Better Outcomes, Service Excellence, Māori Crown Relationships and Leadership in Governance categories. This award has been presented for the first time to joint winners of the Better Outcomes Category. The awards began in 2019.

The two winners of the PM’s award this year are:

The health sector response to COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Border Response.

CAA Director and CEO Keith Manch said “For our part both AvSec and CAA play and important and ongoing role in New Zealand’s overall border response to COVID-19.”  

The Public Service Commission (PSC) says that the border response work :

“…truly exemplifies a unified Public Service. Tens of thousands of public servants across multiple agencies went above and beyond the expectations of their everyday roles to stand up the border response and keep New Zealanders safe.”

The PSC also says the overall health sector response to the COVID-19 pandemic delivered exceptional outcomes for New Zealanders under extraordinarily challenging circumstances.

“One of the new Covid responsibilities we have undertaken is in the support of Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) facilities. This has seen 549 staff from 8 of our work sites working away from their normal roles in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.” He said.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to our dedicated staff for the outstanding work they do keeping our skies and airports safe and secure with the added complexity of combating a global pandemic.” Mr. Manch said.

 

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