NZLA Citation of Merit Policy

The NZLA Citation of Merit is the highest national award conferred on an NZLA member.

To recognise and honour those who have made an outstanding contribution to NZLA and literacy at national level.

To be eligible for the award the nominee should have:

1. At local council level (met all of these criteria):

Demonstrated outstanding service as a member for at least ten years.
Have been an office holder on the local council committee for at least five years.
Taken a leadership role in organising council events and promotion of literacy.
Led a significant new initiative for their local council.
Presented on at least three occasions, one of which was a national event.
Taken a lead role in organising a national conference/symposium.

2. NZLA and International (and met at least three of the following):

Represented their local council as delegate to Annual Meeting on more than one occasion
Have been an office holder of the NZLA executive
Have had a significant role in organising NZLA activities or events
Have been a key participant in national and/or international projects, research, or activities
Represented NZLA on national or international committees or special task forces (for example IDOC)
Presented at national and/or international conferences on at least three occasions
Have published articles in Literacy Forum NZ Te Kōrero Pānui Tuhituhi o Aotearoa
Hold a high national and/or international profile in literacy

The secretary will seek nominations and ensure that local councils are aware of the process and the nomination criteria (see above)
Local councils should forward detailed supporting information, including the full name of the nominee(s) to the president of NZLA six weeks prior to Annual Meeting.
The nominating council will maintain confidentiality until the executive decision is announced.
Once the NZLA Executive has made a decision, delegates will be informed in confidence at the next Annual Meeting.
The president will inform the successful nominee(s) of the intention to present the citation as part of the opening of the next NZLA event. This should be in sufficient time for the person to accept and be prepared to reply.
The secretary will prepare the citation and arrange for it to be signed and dated by the president before it is framed.
A copy of the citation, and a photograph of the recipient/presentation if available will be published in Literacy Forum NZ Te Kōrero Pānui Tuhituhi o Aotearoa.
The name(s) of the recipient(s), photograph, council and citation will be included in the history of NZLA on the NZLA Website.
The executive is not obliged to award citations.