Media Release: concerns with Goldsmith’s appointment of the Chief Commissioner and Race Relations Commissioner

Media Release: National Iwi Chairs Forum are concerned with Goldsmith’s appointment of the Chief Commissioner and Race Relations Commissioner

The National Iwi Chairs are deeply concerned about the recent appointments of Stephen Rainbow as Chief Commissioner and the Race Relations Commissioner to the Human Rights Commission, by Minister Goldsmith.

In the wake of Stephen Rainbow’s appointment as Chief Commissioner, Minister Goldsmith expressed confidence in Mr. Rainbow, stating, “As Human Rights Commissioner, he’ll be very careful how he manages these things, I'm sure.” This statement, however, does little to ease our concerns. Dame Naida Glavish shared, “Since these appointments were announced, I have received too many calls from individuals deeply troubled by these decisions.

The Iwi Chairs will be closely monitoring how the obligations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are upheld, how Māori rights are protected, and ultimately, whether these newly appointed commissioners will genuinely advocate for Aotearoa New Zealand, or be swayed by the current coalition government.”

Click here to read the full statement.