Dr. Bidrose Honored with Public Sector Leadership Award in Auckland

Dr. Bidrose, the former chief executive of the Dunedin City Council (DCC), received the prestigious Public Sector Leadership Award at the 2025 Robert Walters New Zealand Leadership Awards held in Auckland last week. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to public service and leadership within the sector.

During the awards ceremony, Dr. Bidrose expressed her gratitude, describing the experience as “incredibly humbling.” She noted the importance of being recognized amid challenging times for the public sector. “I’ve worked with so many great leaders in the public sector, and to be singled out—especially at the moment when public sector’s having a bit of a tough time—I just feel really honoured,” she stated.

Support from Colleagues and a Commitment to Public Service

Dr. Bidrose revealed that her staff had nominated her for the award without her knowledge, which added to her surprise and appreciation. Now based in Wellington, she expressed how touched she was by the outpouring of support and congratulations from colleagues and friends in Dunedin. “It was so easy to take pot shots at government when times were tough,” she reflected. “But it’s amazing people, almost without exception, working on wicked problems that are hard to solve, and I’ve loved my public sector career.”

Her remarks underscore the dedication and resilience of those working in public service, particularly during difficult periods. Dr. Bidrose’s commitment to addressing complex societal issues exemplifies the leadership that the award seeks to highlight.

The recognition at the Robert Walters New Zealand Leadership Awards not only affirms Dr. Bidrose’s achievements but also serves as inspiration for current and future leaders in the public sector to strive for excellence in their roles.