Tōfā soifua (Farewell) to EEO Commissioner / Human Rights Commissioner
Tōfā soifua (Farewell) to EEO Commissioner / Human Rights Commissioner [and opportunity for PNZ members to support a briefing for incoming Human Rights Commissioners]
This week, a party was held in honour of Dr. Saunoamaali'i Karanina Sumeo, thanking her for her enormous contribution over the past three and a half years during her tenure as EEO Commissioner, acting Race Relations Commissioner, and acting Chief Commissioner. Dr. Sumeo was recognised not only for her work advocating on important human rights issues for women and vulnerable people in Aotearoa (such as pay equity, migrant workers under the RSE scheme, prison conditions for Māori and Pasifika women, in international forums, business and human rights, and online safety) but also for her work as a caring, intelligent, diligent and humble leader. Speakers noted how she has been an inspiration for her family, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of working with her. “Ole ala ile pule ole tautua – the path to leadership is through service”.
Dr. Sumeo has one last official external engagement before finishing. She is succeeded in this role by Dr Gail Pachecho - who will be starting in a couple of weeks. The other new Human Rights Commissioners include:
Dr Stephen Rainbow – Chief Human Rights Commissioner
Dr Melissa Derby – Race Relations Commissioner.
You can read more information about the new Commissioners here and here. The incoming Commissioners will join existing Disability Rights Commissioner, Prudence Walker, and Rongomau Taketake (Indigenous Rights Governance Partner) Dayle Takitimu.
PNZ will be writing a letter welcoming the new Commissioners and setting out some of the key challenges and opportunities for philanthropy to support human rights in Aotearoa. If PNZ members have case studies or issues that they would like to raise as part of this process, please contact Eva at eva@philanthropy.org.nz.