Dame Susan Devoy new Race Relations Commissioner

Justice Minister Judith Collins is pleased to announce the appointment of Dame Susan Devoy DNZM, CBE as the new Race Relations Commissioner.

“Dame Susan is a proud New Zealander who is highly motivated to contribute positively to New Zealand society.

“Her communication and relationship management skills, coupled with experience working with diverse groups, are key areas of strength.

“Dame Susan has sound governance experience and mature judgement. I am confident she will be a sensible and intelligent voice for race relations issues,” Ms Collins said.

Dame Susan has been appointed for five-year term and takes up her new role on 1 April 2013.

Dame Susan replaces Mr Joris de Bres who recently concluded his second term in the office. Ms Collins also acknowledges the contribution of Mr de Bres to race relations issues over the past decade.

The Race Relations Commissioner is a member of the Human Rights Commission. The Commission is an independent Crown entity which works with government and civil society to promote respect for human rights, encourage harmonious race relations and equal employment opportunities, and to resolve complaints about discrimination and related issues.

Biography

Dame Susan Devoy DNZM, CBE is a former world squash champion and is currently the Director of Women Walking Ltd. She is also a former board member of the Sustainability Council of New Zealand and a member and former Chair of the Halberg Trust.

From 2000 to 2003 she was the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of Sport Bay of Plenty. Dame Susan served as a board member of the Auckland District Health Board (2000-2003). She is a trustee of TECT (Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust) and the Chairperson of the BNZ partners, Bay of Plenty.