Honouring lifetime achievement and emerging leadership at the Spirit of Service Awards
PSA members Paul “Woody” Woodgate and Renee Conway have been celebrated for their dedication and service, each being recognised at the recent Spirit of Service awards host by Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Paul Woodgate, Antarctica New Zealand
For over 40 years, Paul “Woody” Woodgate has been the steadfast link between New Zealand and Antarctica. As the Logistics Manager for Antarctica New Zealand, Paul has managed the movement to and from the remote continent of everything from scientific equipment to bulldozers, to dignitaries such as Sir Edmund Hillary, Princess Anne and Lorde.
Known for his humble approach and a heart of gold, Paul greets everyone with genuine care, personally seeing off visitors and reassuring their loved ones of their safe arrival.
Beginning his career as a State Service cadet, Paul’s expertise has made him a cornerstone of Antarctic operations. His contributions were recognised with an MNZM in 2012, and even Antarctica’s landscape honours him with Woodgate Crest, named in his legacy.
Paul’s unwavering commitment to the people he serves has earned him this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a well-deserved recognition of his remarkable career.
Young Leader of the Year Finalist – Renee Conway, Oranga Tamariki
Renee Conway, Social Work Supervisor at Oranga Tamariki, is a rising star in New Zealand’s public service, dedicated to making a meaningful difference for tamariki and whānau.
Renee’s journey from being a tamaiti in care to a leadership role has given her a unique perspective, fueling her drive to create positive change. In her role, she empowers her team to deliver vital interventions and support to families, shaping brighter futures for children across Aotearoa.
Renee finds purpose in guiding her team’s growth, and she’s passionate about witnessing the transformative changes her team helps to bring about for families.
Her advice to young public servants is clear: embrace the organisation’s values, build strong community networks, and prioritise self-care.
Alarm at further NZDF cuts
The PSA is alarmed that the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is looking to make further cuts to the critical civilian workforce in order to slash $50m from its wage bill.
NZDF has told staff across its military and civilian workforce that it wants to cut $50m through its Workforce Savings Programme in the 2025/26 financial year as part of plans to tackle a $360m blowout in spending.
Further cuts to civilian staff put New Zealand’s national security at risk as well as our ability to respond to disasters at home and in the Pacific – the Government is making an irresponsible and dangerous choice.
The civilian workforce is cut to the bone after a damaging round of voluntary redundancies and NZDF refusing to fill important roles when civilian personnel leave.
The announcement of further cuts to NZDA staff comes as PSA members who are civilian workers escalated industrial action to get NZDF to budge from a zero-pay rise offered during negotiations for a new collective agreement.
The industrial action triggered a rare use of powers by the Minister of Defence to approve military personnel undertaking the work of striking civilian workers, a power not used since 2001.
This extraordinary step proves that the military can’t operate without civilian personnel, which is why the original zero-pay offer was so insulting.
Our Ferries for Future campaign
In early November PSA members joined more than 100 people who rallied at Parliament to urge the Government to invest in publicly owned, rail-capable ferries.
As one of its first actions the coalition government cancelled the purchase of new Cook Strait ferries and associated port redevelopment without having an alternative replacement plan.
New, greener, inter-island passenger and freight transport is a vital piece of public infrastructure. The PSA is concerned at the year-long pause in this project and reports that consideration is being given to privatisation.
Marlene Pitman Award recipient – Monique Goodhew
The 2024 Marlene Pitman Award recipient is Dunedin City Council Hinonga Mangai Māori Monique Goodhew (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou).
The award recognises outstanding service by a Māori delegate. Marlene was nominated by her colleague policy analyst Dr. Lou Kawene and the award was announced at this year’s Hui Taumata.
Dr. Kawene says that Monique’s leadership as the Hinonga Māngai Māori and Sector Māngai for the Local Government Sector has been instrumental in advocating for Māori in local government. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to empower Māori within our community and workplaces.
Congratulations Monique, this is well deserved. He wahine toa koe!
New president – Virgil Iraia
Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina would like to congratulate Virgil Iraia on becoming the new President of the PSA. We are very proud of you Virgil and wish you every success in your new role.
We will be right behind you. Kia kaha kia koe.
“Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua. Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.”