The Public Service Commission has congratulated Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) staffer, Taila Emerson, who has been named as the recipient of the 2026 Ria McBride Public Service Award.
Ms Emerson (pictured) says she will use the award to complete a Bachelor of Finance and Business Analytics
“I am incredibly honoured to be selected as this year’s recipient of the Ria McBride Scholarship. The receipt of this scholarship is both a privilege, and an encouragement from my hoa mahi and community to begin the next chapter of my journey through studying a Bachelor of Finance and Business Analytics,” she said.
“After entering the workforce at a younger age to support my whānau, I built my career through practical experiences and am now fortunate enough to be in a position where I can continue to work while undertaking my degree, and this scholarship is invaluable in helping me achieve this goal.
“Education creates opportunities, not only for our personal growth, but also to make meaningful differences in the lives of our hapori and our loved ones. I will aim to use the knowledge and skills I gain through these studies to continue to contribute to the Public Service and give back to my community through thoughtful actions and future leadership.”
The Ria McBride Public Service Award grants up to $15,000 towards tertiary study to a woman currently working in the Public Service to progress their career aspirations through tertiary academic study. The spirit of the award is to support women who demonstrate personal fortitude and leadership potential, and who generally haven’t had the opportunity or means to pursue or complete tertiary study.
The award honours the extraordinary legacy of Ria McBride, the first woman appointed Chief Clerk of the Public Service Commission, overcoming prejudice and obstacles as a woman in a then male domain. She pursued equal employment opportunities for women throughout her Public Service career and into her retirement.
