The Ministry of Health's Data and Digital directorate has been recognised for its contribution to New Zealand’s COVID19 response, winning two awards at the New Zealand Excellence in IT Awards last Friday evening.

The directorate took home awards in the ‘Digital Health’ and ‘Govtech’ categories, recognising the essential role technology played in New Zealand’s COVID-19 response, and the leadership shown by the Ministry.

Shayne Hunter, Deputy Director General, Data and Digital, described the win as a fantastic achievement.

"The award represents many long hours of work by all our Data and Digital teams, in partnership with many people across the Ministry, the health and disability sector, our industry and central agency partners, and the privacy commission.

"In the face of unprecedented pressures, we have been able to lead the development of tools, systems, and services to help keep all people in New Zealand safe and well during the pandemic.

"It was a thrill and an honour to accept this award on behalf of the many people involved, especially the Data and Digital team who have worked tirelessly since March 2020 and continue to do so," Shayne said.

Here at NZHIT we congratulate the team for their tireless work in helping keep New Zealanders safe during the pandemic.

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