29994 (2023). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice

29994 (2023). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice: In appointing a Chief Human Rights Commissioner, will the Minister look to appoint someone with knowledge of, or experience in The Treaty of Waitangi and rights of indigenous peoples, and if not, why not?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: Yes. I refer the Member to section 11(1)(a)(iii) of the Human Rights Act 1993 which states that: "in recommending persons for appointment as Commissioners or alternate Commissioners, the Minister must have regard to the need for Commissioners and alternate Commissioners appointed to have among them— (a) knowledge of, or experience in,— (iii) the Treaty of Waitangi and rights of indigenous peoples."