Human Rights Commission welcomes new Disability Rights Commissioner

31 July 2017: The Human Rights Commission has today welcomed new Disability Rights Commissioner, Paula Tesoriero.

Chief Commissioner David Rutherford says the Commission is delighted to have Ms Tesoriero on board and is looking forward to her making her mark within the disability rights area, as well as broader Commission work.

“We are really excited to have Paula join our team. With her wealth of experience, enthusiasm and passion for delivering better outcomes for disabled New Zealanders, I am positive that she will be an integral part of our work going forward,” Mr Rutherford says.

Paula joins the Commission from her previous role as the General Manager of Systems and Partnerships for Stats NZ. She has an array of experience in the New Zealand public sector and has served on the Boards of Sports Wellington, the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, Paralympics New Zealand and the New Zealand Artificial Limb Board.

She is also a member of the New Zealand Sports Disputes tribunal and a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

“An important part of the role as Disability Rights Commissioner is to shine a light on issues and realities faced by some of New Zealand’s most marginalised communities. Making people aware of their stories, situations and issues, sharing them and driving forward positive change,” Mr Rutherford says.

“Former Disability Rights Commissioner Paul Gibson did this incredibly well in his time at the Commission, most recently on the State Care Abuse issue. I’m sure Paula will continue that great work and make her own mark on this important portfolio.”

Ms Tesoriero is looking forward to engaging with the disabled community as well as being a champion for their rights.

“I’m really looking forward to helping to make a difference in the lives of New Zealanders. We have achieved a lot but when it comes to protecting and strengthening human rights we can always do more.”

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