For immediate Release – September 17th 2015
ITANZ announces a new patron: Rosslyn Noonan
The Intersex Trust of Aotearoa (ITANZ) was honoured at their most recent Annual General Meeting to announce their newest
patron Rosslyn Noonan.
The previous patron of ITANZ was Sir Paul Reeves from 1998 – 2011. Sir Paul Reeves is not well known for being the
patron of ITANZ but his understanding and passion for the kaupapa of ITANZ is deeply acknowledged by ITANZ. Finding a
replacement for such a wise and spirited patron has been difficult.
The newly appointed patron Rosslyn Noonan has supported the rights of Intersex people since her work with the Human
Rights Commission, leading New Zealand’s first enquiry into the rights or Transgender people. Rosslyn was one of the key
figures in ensuring that the rights of people with Intersex/DSD status were acknowledged alongside the HRCs work with
the Transgender community.
Both the board and Executive Director Mani Bruce Mitchell are honoured to have Rosslyn agree to the appointment. Rosslyn
will be a key mentor in the work the trust is doing to improve the rights and equity issues for Intersex/DSD status
people in Aotearoa. Rosslyn shares her vision of what ITANZ can offer in the sharing of resources and knowledge that
ITANZ offers. Rosslyn statesX “... (ITANZ) has immense value, to build a broader movement for systemic change, there
must be an organisational base, otherwise intersex people will be left on the margins as others move forward” Rosslyn
also statesX “In the intersex community there are people who have got the courage to allow their stories to be told and
at the end of the day those (stories) are what will make a difference”
Considering the legacy of Sir Paul Reeves and the inspiring lectures that abound in his honour, the most recent
featuring Helen Clark, who spoke of the promise and challenge of 2015, you can see the contribution Sir Paul’s memory
offers ITANZ and its newest Patron. The intersex/DSD community of Aotearoa may be small but it has a global whanau and
will grow to meet the promise and challenges that these citizens face in Aotearoa today. We honour the wealth of wisdom
and knowledge that our new patron, Rosslyn Noonan, will contribute to ITANZ.
In honouring our past, we acknowledge our future.
Please check out the website www.ianz.org.nz to see a video introducing Rosslyn Noonan.