'Vital role' in new shared leadership

Julia Amua Whaipooti

THE Human Rights Commission has appointed Julia Amua Whaipooti (Ngāti Porou) in the newly established position of tatau urutahi/shared leader.

The position is a crucial part of the commission’s commitment to fostering a treaty-based partnership, working alongside tatau uruora (shared leader/chief executive) Meg de Ronde.

The leadership model reflects the commission’s dedication to honouring the partnership inherent in Te Tiriti o Waitangi between tino rangatiratanga (self-determination of Maori) and kawanatanga (government).

In a statement announcing the appointment, the commission says Whaipooti “brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of human rights issues and Te Tiriti o Waitangi to this vital role within the commission’s new shared leadership team”.

“This is about walking the talk and showing that the commission can be accountable to the provisions of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which means specifically to tangata whenua and as a national human rights institution serving all people in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says rongomau taketake indigenous rights partner Claire Charters.

“Julia Amua Whaipooti’s appointment is a testament to her outstanding contributions and advocacy for human rights, particularly in relation to the rights of Māori and other marginalised communities,” said Ms de Ronde. “I really look forward to walking this journey towards a rights-respecting Aotearoa with her.”

Former lawyer Whaipooti is a highly respected advocate, community leader and change maker. She has broad public sector experience, currently as director of engagement on the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and previously with the Office of the Children’s Commissioner and on Te Uepu Hapai i te ora - Safe and Effective Justice Advisory Group.

“I am looking forward to continuing the important work of the commission to uphold the mana and status of human rights in Aotearoa,” said Whaipooti.

The commission says Whaipooti’s appointment will strengthen the organisation’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights for all, and that her leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing the commission’s vision where everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand can live a life of dignity.

Whaipooti will start in the role at the end of January.

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission is independent of the Government.

It offered the following —

■ Tatau urutahi can translate as the door/doorway entered together, partnership. This was the understanding of tangata whenua when signing Te Tiriti o Waitangi and was further described by Manuhuia Bennett when presenting the Te Roroa Report to the Waitangi Tribunal in 1992 as, “the promise of two peoples to take the best possible care of each other”. This is the tino rangatiratanga sphere.

■ Tatau uruora can translate as door/doorway of promoting and protecting. As a national human rights institution, Te Kahui Tika Tangata has clear responsibilities to work in collaboration with indigenous communities to address the pressing human rights issues facing them. This is the kawanatanga sphere.