The goal of the Ria McBride Award is to help women who have demonstrated potential advance to higher levels of responsibility in the Public Service. The winner of Award will receive funding of $15,000 towards studying for a recognised and reputable higher qualification, in order to assist with their development towards a senior management position in the Public Service.
The award honours Ria McBride - the first woman appointed Chief Clerk of the Public Service Commission (which preceded the current State Services Commission). Ria McBride worked for the Public Service Commission from 1946 to 1960. She then became the first non-Maori to be appointed to the Maori Welfare Division of the Maori Affairs Department, serving as Administration Officer there from 1960 to 1967, when she became head of the Housing Division. Upon her 'retirement' in 1970, she pursued equal employment opportunities for women, as a founder member of the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women. In this role she helped set up the Accident Compensation Commission. From 1978 to 1980 she was one of the first full-time human rights commissioners.
Criteria:
Applicants must:
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be employed in a Public Service department (as listed in the First Schedule of the State Sector Act 1988),
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show potential to move into senior management,
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be a resident of New Zealand, and
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have the support of their department's chief executive, as evidenced by a letter of recommendation.
It is also preferable that applications:
The New Horizons for Women Trust particularly encourages applications from Māori and Pacific women, women with disabilities, and those pursuing second-chance education.
Past winners of the award:
2012 - Joanne Lawrence
2011 - Suzy Roxborogh
2010 - Elizabeth Innes
2009 Jo Ann Field
2008 Natasha Mackie
2007 Lucy Liang
2006 Rangimei Warren
2005 ‘Ofa Ketu’u
2004 Mahina Wehipeihana
2003 Leanne Gibson
2002 Iria Pene
2001 Deirdre Butler
2000 Sharon Nelson-Kelly (inaugural winner)
