From the Tatau-Uruora, Chief Executive I am humbled in presenting the Annual Report of Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission for 2023. This report is a testament to our enduring commitment to advancing human rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, fostering inclusivity, and driving meaningful change in Aotearoa. As I assumed the role of Tatau-Uruora Kāwanatanga Leader Chief Executive earlier this year, I was reminded of the Commission’s extraordinarily rich history and culture of respecting human rights. Yet, there remains much work to be done. The recognition and protection of human rights, especially in legislation and our constitution, need greater rigour. We cannot afford to be complacent, for without diligence, human rights can be rolled back. In practice, civil rights such as freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention are wellunderstood, but workers’, social, and cultural rights, like the rights to housing and healthcare, require deeper acknowledgment. We must employ a rights-based lens to address these challenges and ensure everyone can access these fundamental rights. At Te Kāhui Tika Tangata we are taking significant strides toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Our new shared leadership model, which includes the role of Tatau-Urutahi Tino Rangatiratanga Leader, underscores our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This innovative approach promotes equality for Indigenous peoples and aligns with Aotearoa's obligations under relevant international treaties and legislation. The journey towards becoming a Tiriti-based organisation, embedding all articles of Te Tiriti in our daily operations, is vital. It demonstrates our commitment to Te Tiriti, recognising tino rangatiratanga alongside kāwanatanga. Both Meg de Ronde (Tatau-Uruora Kāwanatanga Leader | Chief Executive) Tatau-Urutahi and Tatau-Uruora leaders will shoulder the responsibility for shaping the organisation's strategy, culture, and outcomes. Throughout 2023 we also continued to advocate for human rights through legal interventions and submissions. Our involvement in significant court cases, such as Gordon v Attorney-General, Attorney-General v Fleming, Smith v Fonterra, and others, has allowed us to shape critical legal discussions and decisions on human rights. 5