Hon Ruth Dyson
Minister for Social Development & Employment

5 August 2008 Media Statement

Appointments to Families Commission Announced

I am pleased to announce the appointments for the Families Commission said Social Development Minister Ruth Dyson.

The Families Commission, established in 2004, provides a voice for New Zealand families and whānau. The Commission speaks out for all families to promote a better understanding of family issues and needs.

"I have appointed four commissioners, including Dr Jan Pryor as Chief Commissioner replacing current chief commissioner Rajen Prasad. Dr Prasad did not seek reappointment, said Ruth Dyson.

The four appointments are:

• Dr Jan PRYOR as Chief Commissioner (3 year appointment).

• Ms Sandra ALOFIVAE who has been reappointed as a Commissioner (two year appointment).

• Mr Gregory FORTUIN who has been appointed as a Commissioner (three year appointment).

• Mr Kim WORKMAN who has been appointed as a Commissioner (three year appointment).

"I'd like to thank Rajen Prasad for his service. Rajen has given the Commission a very solid base from which to grow and I welcome the new commissioners who will continue this important work. The Commission is a strong advocate and provides a valuable voice for all families," said Ruth Dyson.

ENDS

Families Commissioners: biographical information

Dr Jan Pryor (Chief Commissioner)
Dr Pryor is presently the Director at the Roy McKenzie Centre for the Study of Families at Victoria University and a Family Psychology professor. In these roles she’s gained extensive experience working with families in both an academic teaching and research level. She previously was a specialist report writer for the Family Court in Auckland for 10 years. Dr Pryor has an extensive background in researching, and has had numerous papers and books published. She’s involved in and a member of the following: National Council on family Relations (USA), NZ Psychological Society, and Wesley Community Action.

Sandra Alofivae
Ms Alofivae has been a Families Commissioner since July 2004. When not working as a Families Commissioner she runs her own legal practice specialising in family law. She has regularly acted in Court as advocate/counsel for children. She is active within the Pacific community and volunteer sector and has served as a Ministerial appointee on the Community and Voluntary Sector Working Party.

Kim Workman
Mr Workman retired as the National Director of the Prison Fellowship New Zealand at the end of June. He’s previously held management and staff positions at the Prison Fellowship New Zealand, Kim Workman and Associates Ltd, Ministry of Health, Department of Justice, Department of Maori Affairs, State Services Commission, Office of the Ombudsman, and New Zealand Police. Mr Workman has an active voluntary and community commitment, serving on the following boards/committees: Prison Fellowship New Zealand, Mental Health Foundation, various Maori Land Trusts and Te Roopu Huihuinga Hauora Inc (Maori health development organisation).

Gregory Fortuin
Mr Fortuin is currently a professional company director and mediator. He has a wide breadth of community experience in both the public and private sectors. Previous roles have included: Race Relations Conciliator for New Zealand, Director of the New Zealand Post Ltd, Founding Director Kiwibank, and Chair of the Youth Suicide Awareness Trust. His experience covers a broad range of areas from business and management, to governance and family, as well as extensive work in the community involving many cultural groups

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