Two scientists are among the 10 New Zealanders who have received Te Tohu Ratonga Tūmatanui o Aotearoa | The New Zealand Public Service Medal for meritorious service in the Public Service.

They are

• Dr Gerald Rys, Principal Science Advisor, Ministry for Primary Industries; and
• Dr Prue Williams, General Manager, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

The medal, established by Queen Elizabeth II, was awarded to recipients by Dame Cindy Kiro, the Governor-General, and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson.

Public Service Commissioner Peter Hughes said public servants every day make a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders.

“It has been another challenging year for the Public Service amid the COVID-19 outbreak, and I am proud of the work of all public servants,” he said.

“The Public Service Day Awards honour public servants who go above and beyond what is expected to deliver for New Zealanders and show outstanding spirit of service.”

The medals and commendations are awarded each year on or near to Public Service Day, November 7.

The citations say:

Dr Gerald Rys –  

Gerald works with an unassuming dedication to New Zealand and its people. He is generous in sharing his knowledge and time, through formally and informally mentoring other staff, acting as a supervisor for masters and PhD students, and providing advice and guidance to others. He has had a significant impact on the way a generation of science and policy experts view New Zealand. He is honest, enthusiastic, and resilient in his work. Gerald has an untiring commitment to addressing climate change and achieving sustainable land management, with what’s best for New Zealand and New Zealanders always at the forefront of his mind. Gerald is a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Dr Prue Williams –  

Prue has dedicated her life to serving the people of New Zealand with empathy and respect – and her calmness and tenacity in the face of adversity is legendary. Prue is a strong advocate for the difference that research can make to the lives of all New Zealanders, and she is known as a person who cares deeply about the people she works with. Prue quietly and humbly serves as a role model for women in science, fostering an empowering work environment and encouraging her teams to lead in their own right. She demonstrates her commitment to the spirit of service in all she does. Prue is a worthy recipient of the New Zealand Public Service Medal.

Source:  Public Service Commission