The Ria McBride Public Service Award is sponsored by Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission and is administered by the Leadership Development Centre (LDC).

The award: One award of up to $15,000 to pursue tertiary study.

Key dates: 
Applications open 1 April and close on 31 May 2024. Late applications or supporting documents will not be accepted. 
The recipient of the 2024 Award will be advised in June 2024.

About Ria McBride

The Ria McBride Public Service Award honours the first woman appointed Chief Clerk of the Public Service Commission. Ria McBride worked for the Public Service Commission from 1946 to 1960 overcoming prejudice and obstacles as a woman in a then male domain. She was the first non-Māori to be appointed to the Māori Welfare Division of the Māori Affairs Department, serving as Administration Officer from 1960 to 1967, when she became head of the Housing Division.

Upon her ‘retirement’ in 1970, Ria McBride 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.

About the Award

The aim of the award is to help women currently working in the New Zealand Public Service to progress their career aspirations through tertiary academic study. The spirit of the award is to support women who demonstrate personal fortitude and leadership potential, and who generally haven’t had the opportunity or means to pursue or complete tertiary study. This lack of formal qualifications may have prevented such applicants from progressing their leadership contribution to the Public Service.

Award funding

The recipient of the 2024 Ria McBride Award will receive funding up to $15,000 for study purposes to use over a five-year period.

The funds are be used to pursue study which supports the recipient’s potential to progress professionally and make a leadership contribution within the Public Service. The recipient is expected to pursue study leading to a recognized and reputable qualification, as appropriate to their circumstances.

The recipient may use the award for either a brief period of intensive study, or over an extended period provided she remains employed by a core NZ Government department or departmental agency.

The funds may be used for study fees and to cover study-related expenses such as:

• transport costs
• costs associated with disabilities
• childcare
• experiential

Who can apply

The Ria McBride Award is open to women who are current employees of a core New Zealand Government department or departmental agency (as listed  in the first two categories of agencies on the Te Kawa Mataaho website)

An applicant must be a woman, a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand and be currently living in New Zealand.

The spirit of the award is to help women who demonstrate personal fortitude and leadership potential, who generally haven’t had the opportunity or means to pursue or complete tertiary study.

• Māori and Pacific women and women with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Women pursuing a second chance at completing formal education are encouraged to apply.

Previous winners of a Ria McBride Award are not eligible to apply.

How to apply

Interested applicants who meet all of the eligibility criteria for the award should download and complete the application form:

Application form [PDF, 1071 KB] 

Completed applications and supporting documents must be received by the LDC before 5pm, 31 May 2024.

Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application before the end of June 2024.

Applications can be emailed to LDCProgrammes@ldc.govt.nz or by post to:

Ria McBride Award
Leadership Development Centre
Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission
PO Box 329
Wellington 6140

If posting an application, notify us by email and we would recommend that you track your post.

Supporting documents

In addition to the completed application form, applicants must provide:

• a copy of a New Zealand birth certificate or current passport
• a copy of an up-to-date CV
• a letter from their agency’s Chief Executive or a senior leader supporting their application and study plans
• contact details for two referees.

More information about these supporting documents is available on the Ria McBride Award application form.

Selection process

Applicants will be assessed on:

• the quality of their application
• their potential to honour the legacy of Ria McBride
• evidence of leadership potential and commitment to making a leadership contribution to the New Zealand Public Service
• return on investment for the New Zealand Public Service.

Queries/questions

If you have any questions about this Award and/or your eligibility to apply, email: lynn.evans@ldc.govt.nz