Mana Ake - Stronger for Tomorrow has been selected as a finalist for the Spirit of Service awards in the Better Outcomes Award / Te Tohu mō ngā Hua E Pai Ake Ana.

Members of the Mana Ake Service Level Alliance presented to a judging panel in Wellington in July. They were one of only 19 shortlisted, from 84 entries across five award categories.

On the State Services Commission's website Peter Hughes, Head of State Services, said: "The Spirit of Service Awards are an opportunity to celebrate outstanding public services and public sector initiatives delivering great outcomes for New Zealanders.

"The judges were extremely impressed with the quality of entries, which demonstrated not only public sector excellence but also a spirit of service to the community."

Mana Ake is making a real difference for students and their whānau, teachers, principals and all those who work with primary and intermediate school-age children in Canterbury. Hear what they have to say about Mana Ake in this video.  

See a list of finalists here. Winners will be announced Thursday 12 September.