The Human Rights Commission pays tribute to outgoing Human Rights Commissioners
The Human Rights Commission has paid tribute to three outgoing commissioners: Disability Rights Commissioner Paul
Gibson; Indigenous Rights Commissioner Karen Johansen and Human Rights Commissioner Richard Tankersley, whose terms
serving on the commission ended at the weekend.
“We are indebted to those who advocate on all our behalf and all New Zealanders have benefited from the advocacy,
determination and passion of my three former colleagues,” said Chief Human Rights Commissioner David Rutherford.
“Karen’s work championing indigenous rights here in Aotearoa and at the United Nations; Paul’s continued calls for
justice for disabled and vulnerable New Zealanders abused in state care; and Richard’s voice on behalf of LGBTQI Kiwis
helped strengthen human rights for everyday New Zealanders.”
This week the Commission welcomed champion athlete, senior public servant and disability advocate Paula Tesoriero to the
role of Disability Rights Commissioner.