MSD’s Love Better campaign wins big at Spirit of Service Awards

AUCKLAND, Today: Last week, Wellington hosted the Spirit of Service Awards, Te Hāpai Hapori, where competition was fierce with entries from across the public service.

We’re incredibly proud that the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) was recognised for their work on the Love Better campaign, winning the Te Tohu Auaha Hou​ | Innovation Award.

“The winner of this year’s Innovation Award is Love Better, a primary prevention campaign by Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development (MSD) aimed at fostering safe and positive relationships amongst young people,” said the Public Service Commission.

The Spirit of Service Awards only present six awards each year, spanning all areas of government, including marketing, service delivery, infrastructure, and technology.

“The winner of this year’s Innovation Award is Love Better, a primary prevention campaign by Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development (MSD) aimed at fostering safe and positive relationships amongst young people.” – Public Service Commission

Te Tohu Auaha Hou | Innovation Award honours new approaches or technologies that bring positive change.

Heather Baggott, Acting Public Service Commissioner, said, “What’s special about the Public Service is that it’s often not about individual achievements – it’s about what we achieve together. This sense of community, of shared purpose, means we can tackle the toughest challenges and lift each other up along the way.”

Steve Dimakis, Managing Director OMD Wellington, expressed his excitement: “So many people across MSD, Clemenger, OMD, FUSE and wider agency villages have worked on Love Better over the last two years. An amazing effort and congratulations to all involved.”

Jake Firman, Head of Strategy OMD Wellington, added, “The MSD team dedicate themselves to real change, day in day out. Bigs ups to their bravery and innovation.”