Te Amokapua’s Foreword
I address you with great pride and a profound
sense of responsibility. Our journey throughout
2023 brought remarkable achievements,
unwavering commitment, and a resounding
affirmation of our core mission: to protect and
promote the human rights of all individuals
within Aotearoa New Zealand.
Reflecting on the Year 2023: A
commitment to an equitable Aotearoa
This year, we continued to respond to the
pressing needs of our community by completing
5730 human rights enquiries and complaints.
Our commitment to resolving these issues
efficiently and justly resulted in more than 91
percent of discrimination complaints resolved
within 12 months, easing the burdens of those
who sought our assistance.
Furthermore, we conducted around 150
mediations, providing a platform for
constructive dialogues and resolutions. In
educating communities on how to assert their
rights, we empowered individuals across the
country to stand up for justice and equality.
Our dedication extended to analysing and
providing recommendations on legislation that
impacts human rights. By supporting strategic
human rights cases in the courts, we actively
championed the cause of justice.
Collaboration has always been at the
heart of our work. In partnership with tino
rangatiratanga partners and civil society, we
worked tirelessly to enhance Te Tiriti o Waitangi,
human rights, and inclusive communities. This
collaborative spirit is the cornerstone of building
a more equitable Aotearoa.
The Government’s global responsibility as
signatory to international treaties was reinforced
as we reported on a range of international treaty
bodies, advancing our nation's compliance with
its international obligations.
Paul Hunt (Te Amokapua | Chief Commissioner)
Navigating the intricate web of Official
Information Act (OIA) requests, we provided
transparency and accountability, responding
to 109 OIA requests, further reinforcing our
commitment to openness in governance.
Through our monitoring mechanisms and
commentary in the media, we held our
government, corporations, and other decision
makers accountable for their actions, promoting
ethical practices and advancing human rights.
As we move forward, the year 2024 promises
to be pivotal. We will take our seat at GANHRI’s
Subcommittee on Accreditation table,
contributing to the global strengthening of
human rights and representing New Zealand's
commitment to this noble cause on the
international stage.
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