The Otago Branch of the NZRA has pleasure in presenting this Citation of Merit Nomination for Sheena Hervey. As a teacher and literacy leader, Sheena has demonstrated outstanding service to the New Zealand Reading Association both at a local and national level. Our recommendation for an NZRA Citation of Merit is based on Sheena's valuable contribution to literacy within New Zealand, and a wider international context.

Over a period of twenty years Sheena Hervey has served in executive positions as President of NZRA (Otago) and NZRA National President. In her capacity as a Reading Adviser: Consultant for the Ministry of Education; Head of the English Department at the Dunedin College of Education; and more recently as the Director of Primary Programmes Dunedin College of Education; Sheena has demonstrated a proven commitment to literacy promotion.

Within the Otago/Southland region she is recognised as a literacy leader who has been an acknowledged 'drawcard' for workshops, symposia, and conferences. Some of her significant contributions to public events are listed below.

2002 Lifting literacy in Low Decile Schools: Sharing the successful story Qf Wymondley Road School. NZRA Conference Christchurch.

2000 Who said there was no Phonics in Whole Language? Collaborative Research Report IRA World Congress Auckland.

1999 Where to next in literacy? Workshop presentation, NZRA Conference Dunedin.

Ivlember of Debate Panel NZRA Conference Dunedin.

Boys will be Boys. Opening keynote address Resource Teachers of Reading, National Conference Dunedin.

1998 Unpacking the Handbook. NZATE/NZRA Plenary Wellington.                     

1996 A Trendy Wendy Woolly Jumper Person 's Method of Teaching English. Plenary NZATE National Conference Christchurch.

Exploring Language. Language in Primary Schools National Conference Hamilton.

A New Look at Oral Language. Plenary British Council NZATE Summer School Series

Exploring Written Language. Plenary NZATE/NZRA Auckland.

Blending the Best of the Old with the New. Plenary NZRA Manawatu.

1994 Not Grammar Again! National Principals' Conference NZPF Dunedin.

1993 Where to now in Writing? Sole speaker to 750 teachers Lower Hutt Town Hall.

Sheena has willingly given her time to share her professional knowledge with colleagues. In recognition of her expertise in the field of literacy, the Otago NZRA Council promoted Sheena for nomination at a national level. From 1991-1993 Sheena served as National Secretary/Treasurer and from 1997-1998 as National President of the New Zealand Reading Association. Her highly regarded national profile led to secondment into the Ministry of Education where she made significant contributions to the following Ministry publications.

New Zealand Ministry of Education. (1997). Reading for Life. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

New Zealand Ministry of Education. (1996). Exploring Language: A Handbook for Teachers. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

New Zealand Ministry of Education. (1996). Getting the Message. Video ETV Wellinéton, New Zealand: Copland Production.

New Zealand Ministry of Education. (1996). The Learner as a Reader: Developing Reading Programmes. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.

New Zealand Ministry of Education. (1992). Using the Computer in the Writing Process. Wellington, New Zealand.

Other publications include a variety of articles in Reading Forum, Good Teacher, and a chapter Putting Writing Where It Belongs, in Ward, (1992). Readings About Writing. Waikato, New Zealand: Dunmore Press.

Sheena's depth of literacy knowledge and her professional status have contributed to her success as an international literacy consultant. Currently she is employed in New York where she has consolidated her reputation for promoting effective literacy programmes. In so doing, she is showcasing New Zealand pedagogical practice. Sheena's creative energy is ably demonstrated in the variety of activities with which she has been involved. Her willing participation in adult writing workshops; in-service seminars; staff meetings in schools: school workshops with children; motivation of student teachers: and membership of international committees associated with literacy such as the Oceania Committee, all signal Sheena's high level of commitment to the promotion of literacy and exchange of ideas. Sheena has demonstrated an ability to both inspire and empower teachers. It is the belief of the members of this council that she has enhanced the professional development of literacy educators in Otago and beyond. She enjoys the high regard of her colleagues and we believe the Citation of Merit would be a worthy acknowledgement of her outstanding contribution to literacy in New Zealand.