Human Rights Commission mourns the passing of Dr Merimeri Penfold
The passing of Dr Merimeri Penfold is being mourned by New Zealand’s Human Rights Commission.

“Academic, iconic New Zealander and wahine toa, Merimeri was an unforgettable person who has left an unforgettable legacy in her wake,” said Chief Commissioner David Rutherford.

“We always knew how honoured and lucky we were to have her leadership and knowledge during her term as a Human Rights Commissioner.”

Renown for championing te reo Māori throughout her life, Merimeri was also a composer of waiata, a poet and a rangatira in her own right.

“Merimeri was passionate about the Treaty of Waitangi and adamant that the mana of the Treaty must be the focus of our human rights work in this area. The New Zealand Human Rights Commission remains indebted to this incredible woman’s drive, focus and mana.”

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