It was probably apt that IT specialist Jason Simons should learn of winning an award via Twitter.
That's how it happened for the Wanganui District Council information services manager, awarded the excellence in leadership trophy at the Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM) annual conference held in Auckland last month.
He has been in IT for about 20 years and the last five of those with the district council. He oversees a team that looks after IT issues, business analysis, mapping, records and archives.
In announcing Mr Simons the winner, an ALGIM spokesperson said the award recognised the person who had demonstrated outstanding leadership in local government information and communication technologies (ICT). Staff at the council described him as a supportive leader and a calming influence, who is magnanimous, open and creative in his leadership style.
"This particular award aims to recognise local government ICT professionals and that people are an important asset in adding value to an organisation.
"The nomination received could not praise the winner of this award enough and he was a clear winner for this award," the spokesperson said.
Other awards were given out for project management, excellence in innovation and collaboration.
ALGIM represents the ICT sector within New Zealand's city, district and regional councils.
Mr Simons said "I didn't even know I had been nominated".
He had been at the conference to make a presentation on a Monday and then came home. The awards were handed out the following night.
"I only found out about it on Twitter but I'm humbled."