Foreword from the Chief Commissioner I am delighted to present the Strategic Plan Mahere Rautaki 2021-2025. As a nation, we make a strong commitment to fairness and egalitarianism. This is laudable. However, it is not always supported by tangible action in some of the areas that make a huge difference in people’s day-to-day lives. The same is true for the Commission. We have been strong on non-discrimination and civil and political rights, and we should continue to do this. We must also make a paradigm shift to uphold the Indigenous rights of tangata whenua in Aotearoa. We must do more to realise workers’ rights, such as the right to a fair wage. Also, we must do more to realise people’s social rights, such as the rights to a decent home, access to healthcare and education. These human rights are part of the international code that successive governments have both shaped and signed up to. Our message is that human rights can empower and dignify individuals, whānau, hapū, iwi and communities, and they can also help governments to deliver fair and robust policies. 6 | Strategic Plan 2021-2025 In Strategic Plan Mahere Rautaki 2021-2025, we are setting an ambitious new agenda – both for ourselves and for the country. While we can learn a great deal from what has already been done overseas, in some cases, our context is unique, and this needs to be reflected in our approach. We want to work with duty-bearers – government and business – to make real positive change. We are committed to walking our talk, solidifying, and activating our commitment to be a Tiriti-based organisation and a human rights exemplar. All government organisations are obliged to be led by Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This means acknowledging tino rangatiratanga as a form of authority alongside kāwanatanga. We may not always get it right, but we will learn, improve, and strive to demonstrate that this foundational approach can make a real difference.