30/08/02
Commission Welcomes New Race Relations Commissioner

Chief Human Rights Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan welcomed today’s appointment of a new Race Relations Commissioner.

“On behalf of the Commission, I want to convey both congratulations and greetings to the new Race Relations Commissioner, Joris de Bres.”

“Mr de Bres takes on his new role at a time when there are significant human rights and race relations challenges facing New Zealanders. However, recent changes to the country’s human rights framework mean that there is a good base to build on and exciting work ahead,” said Ms Noonan.

“The Commission is looking forward to working with Mr de Bres to continue maintaining and developing harmonious relationships between the diverse groups in New Zealand society”.

Ms Noonan expressed her appreciation of departing Race Relations Commissioner Gregory Fortuin’s contributions to New Zealand’s new human rights environment and said that she was grateful for his expressions of support for the future.
Mr de Bres’s appointment is for five years. He will begin work at the Commission on the 23rd September.

Joris de Bres is a long-time campaigner on race relations issues. Mr de Bres is a former Secretary/Organiser for the Citizen’s Association for Racial Equality and has worked extensively with issues relating to Maori, the Treaty of Waitangi, migrants and racial equality. He has held a large number of senior management roles; the most recent being General Manager, External Relations for the Department of Conservation.

ENDS

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