The Campaign against Family Violence, initiated and managed by the Families Commission and the Social Development Ministry, has won the Supreme Award of the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand Gen-i Public Sector Excellence Awards.
The Award was presented at a ceremony held in Wellington on June 18.
The Commission’s It’s Not OK’ Campaign for Action on Family Violence was adjudged the best under the ‘Public Sector Communications’ category and the overall ‘Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Service.’
The Supreme Award was given to the best entry out of the winning entries in all categories.
The Awards were launched in 2008 to recognise and reward the contributions made by public sector organisation in meeting the needs of New Zealanders.
Families Commission Chief Executive Paul Curry said the Award was an endorsement of the success of the campaign against family violence.
“It gave people the language and confidence to mobilise for change. It’s Not OK is now part of the Kiwi vernacular and people understand that it is OK to ask for help,” he said.
He said the Award highlighted the success of the long-term programme of the Commission to change attitudes and behaviours.
It uses a diverse range of mediums to get deliver the message.
“These range from the highly visible It’s Not OK television advertising series and supporting sports teams to build a violence-free culture to arranging for the inclusion of anti-violence messages in popular television programmes and working with a variety of agencies and communities to support anti-violence initiatives,” Mr Curry said.
He said violence was one of the most serious family and community issues in New Zealand and that the Award would inspire people helping to tackle the problem.
“One in five people who recalled the campaign took some action as a result, and six out of ten say they have influenced someone else’s behaviour. This is significant change, but does not mean we can rest on our laurels.
“Family violence has once again been identified as the single most important social issue for New Zealanders. A recent survey showed 86% of respondents would like to see increased effort put into reducing family violence,” Mr Curry said.
According to him, the next phase of the It’s Not OK campaign will emphasise on giving and receiving help with the phrase It’s OK to ask for help.
Photo: Health Minister Tony Ryall with Nick Farland (Families Commission) and Gayle Surgenor (Social Development Ministry) at the Awards Ceremony.
