New Horizons For Women Trust (Inc.)
2001 Community Trust of the Year
Women Public Servants To Benefit From $12,000 Study Award
26 April 2002
Applications for a $12,000 study award are now being sought from women public servants. The award, known as the Ria
McBride Public Service Management Award, is sponsored by the State Services Commission and administered by the New
Horizons for Women Trust. This is the third year the award has been offered.
In calling for applications, State Services Commissioner Michael Wintringham today said the award was designed to help
Public Service women advance to higher levels of management.
"The Award complements the Commission's initiatives on senior leadership and management development. These initiatives
are designed to improve the quality and diversity of New Zealand's future Public Service leaders," said Mr Wintringham.
Last year's winner, Deidre Butler of the Ministry of Health, will leave next month for England, where she will attend
Oxford University's Strategic Leadership Programme. The 2000 winner, Sharon Nelson-Kelly from Child Youth and Family,
used her award to study for a Graduate Certificate in Management at the Mount Eliza Business School in Melbourne.
Mr Wintringham says it is fitting the award commemorates the life and work of Ria McBride, a long-term public servant
and campaigner for women's rights, who died in January 1999.
"Miss McBride had a remarkable Public Service career. She began her career as a typist in the 1930s but was forced to
end her university studies when dwindling family funds were dedicated to her brother's education. She later returned to
university and graduated after part-time study. She became the first woman to be appointed Chief Clerk of the Public
Service Commission (which preceded the State Services Commission)."
This year's Ria McBride Public Service Management Award winner will receive her award on 30 September at a ceremony in
Government House, Wellington. The New Horizons for Women Trust, under whose auspices the public service award is given,
is a charitable trust that gives several second-chance education awards annually, along with awards for research on
women's issues.
Applications for the Public Service award close on 31 July 2002. Details are available from the State Services
Commission's website www.ssc.govt.nz or from human resource contacts in core Public Service agencies. Information on
this award, or the other awards offered by the New Horizons for Women Trust, can also be obtained from the Trust at
www.Rorohiko.net.nz/Horizons or at P O Box 12 498, Wellington.
ENDS