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PM hosts School of Government annual prize-giving event

The School of Government was honored to have Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern host their prize-giving and anniversary event at Parliament's Banquet Hall last week.

VIPs and guests at the School of Government 2017 prize giving and fifteenth anniversary – Pictured from left (seated): Elizabeth Scrivener, Kara Brown, Professor Ian Williamson, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Professor Grant Guilford, Catherine Cotter, Luke Searle; (standing): Rodney Bentham, Sarah Hames, Danielle Petrie-Deely, Hoa Viet Dao, Tane Leong.
Pictured from left (seated): Elizabeth Scrivener, Kara Brown, Professor Ian Williamson, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Professor Grant Guilford, Catherine Cotter, Luke Searle; (standing): Rodney Bentham, Sarah Hames, Danielle Petrie-Deely, Hoa Viet Dao, Tane Leong.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Commerce Professor Ian Williamson, and Head of School Professor Girol Karacaoglu were among the esteemed guests and friends gathered to celebrate the prize-winners and the School's successful year.

Nine prizes were awarded, acknowledging the achievements of students who had shown academic excellence and a high commitment to their studies.

The Vice-Chancellor told the prizewinners on the night: "While these prizes acknowledge your individual academic achievements, they also celebrate your commitment to your studies while balancing life's other responsibilities, and your ability to open your mind to new ideas—your creative capital."

Professor Guilford also noted it was 15 years since the School was established and, significantly, that it has retained its status as the only School of Government in the country.

This year has been a busy and productive one for the School. One highlight of the year was achieving an accreditation by the Network of Schools of Public Policy Affairs and Administration, which is the global standard in public service education.

The School of Government is now the first school in the southern hemisphere to hold the accreditation for its Master in Public Policy and Master in Public Management courses. The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged the achievement as one "that confirms the School’s global reputation for excellence".

The celebration also acknowledged new and retiring staff, in particular Professor Claudia Scott who has marked over 35 years with the School. She has been a leader in local government strategic planning, health, and arts policy for many years.

2017 School of Government prizewinners

  • Elizabeth Scrivener: Prime Minister's Prize in Public Policy
  • Rodney Bentham: Prime Minister's Prize in Public Management
  • Sarah Hames: Institute of Public Administration New Zealand Prize in Public Administration
  • Kara Brown: Local Government New Zealand Prize in Public Policy
  • Danielle Petrie-Deely: New Zealand Society Of Local Government Managers Prize in Public Policy
  • Luke Searle: Seamus Hogan Prize in Public Economics
  • Hoa Viet Dao: Laurie Cameron Scholarship
  • Tane Leong: Bernard Galvin Prize
  • Catherine Cotter: Holmes Prize