Valuing outstanding achievement among those organisations who serve the district through publicly-funded activities or who are primarily volunteer staffed and whose aim is to serve the needs of the community as a not for profit organisation. Note: These organisations are noted by the absence of private sector capital except donations.

"The Ministry is all about helping to build successful individuals, and in turn building strong, healthy families and communities.
MSD tackles some of the big issues in society, like family violence and youth offending.

We’re working towards this through providing:

• care and protection of vulnerable children and young people
• employment, income support and superannuation services
• funding to community service providers
• social policy and advice to government
• student allowances and loans.

Our work touches the lives of more than one million New Zealanders.This is not work we do alone.  We work closely with other government agencies, non-government organisations, advisory and industry groups, and communities and iwi. 
Together we aim to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of New Zealanders."