Diane Fenika’s understanding that building enduring relationships with communities relies on earning trust and respect is a rare find.
For Di (pictured), every day brings new opportunities to do this in her work with South Island Pacific communities.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) valued Director, Regional Partnerships Southern consistently demonstrates an exceptional spirit of service to her community.
As a result, Di has been awarded the New Zealand Public Service Medal at this year’s Public Service Day Awards, held on November 4, at Parliament, and attended by her family, friends and colleagues.
Di has 19 years of proud service in the public sector and has gathered skills which draw on her ability to enable dynamic conversations in a way that reflects the many different perspectives Pacific communities have to share – people’s stories, experiences and views.
She works tirelessly to make sure these stories are heard and seen in the design and implementation of community programmes affecting Pacific people.
Passionate about her work, Di enjoys supporting the development of young Pacific leaders, where she is known for creating a safe space for Pacific voices to be nurtured and heard.
Held by the State Services Commission, the Public Service Day Awards, are an opportunity to reflect on the ideal of public service.
Every day around the country public servants such as Di and her team are doing great work to make a difference for New Zealand and New Zealanders.
The Public Service Medal recognises public servants who have given meritorious service, and the Commendation for Frontline Excellence celebrates those who exemplify a spirit of service to the community.
This year’s Public Service Day, which acknowledges and celebrates the cornerstone of New Zealand’s system of government, will be held on November 7.