The Human Rights Commission is New Zealand’s national human rights institution (NHRI). It is an independent Crown entity responsible for promoting and encouraging the protection of human rights and harmonious relations between all people in New Zealand. Our work is guided by strategic priorities and supported by our planning and evaluation frameworks. We focus on some of the most egregious human rights issues and challenges facing New Zealanders today and all our work has a measurable and strategic line of sight that links projects to organisational outcomes. The Board of the Commission determines the strategic direction and general activities of the Commission consistent with the Human Rights Act 1993 and the Crown Entities Act 2004. The Commission is accredited with ‘A’ status by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. This status is the highest recognition of independence that an NHRI can achieve and provides the Commission with speaking rights at relevant UN Human Rights Council and committee sessions. This means we operate in accordance with the principles relating to the Status of National Institutions, commonly known as the Paris Principles. These principles set out the minimum international standards for NHRIs to be considered credible and operating independently. The Office of Human Rights Proceedings (OHRP) is part of the Commission. The Director of Human Rights Proceedings independently provides legal representation under the Human Rights Act 1993 and brings proceedings under the Privacy Act 1993. Nature and scope of the Commission’s functions The Commission’s primary functions, as set out in section 5(1) of the Human Rights Act 1993, are to: a advocate and promote respect for, and an understanding and appreciation of, human rights in New Zealand society; and b encourage the maintenance and development of harmonious relations between individuals and among the diverse groups in New Zealand society; and c promote racial equality and cultural diversity; and d promote equal employment opportunities (including pay equity); and e promote and protect the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities. Section 5(2) of the Human Rights Act 1993 lists the detailed functions of the Commission. In addition to the Act, important human rights 12 Human Rights Commission