Meeting Request: Transparency and Leadership Accountability at the Human Rights Commission

Tēnā koutou katoa, Ms Northover, Commissioners Walker and Pacheco,

I hope this message finds you both well.

I’m writing to formally request a meeting with you to discuss a number of serious concerns relating to the current direction, leadership capacity, and transparency practices of the Human Rights Commission.

I have held back from engaging with the Commission fully until after my hearing on Monday in the High Court - I felt this was the appropriate course of action. 

It is the strong and informed view of Rights Aotearoa that neither the current Chief Human Rights Commissioner nor the current Race Relations Commissioner possesses the depth of knowledge, public credibility, or legal and strategic acumen required to discharge the responsibilities of their offices effectively. We have formed this view based on extensive analysis of public statements, documented engagements, and a troubling absence of leadership on pressing human rights matters.

Given the gravity of these concerns, I formally request a 90 minute meeting with you to discuss the following:

• A comprehensive framework for radical transparency within the Commission — including public disclosure of key decisions, institutional priorities, etc;
• The role of the Commission in safeguarding credibility and independence amidst growing public distrust;
• How Rights Aotearoa and civil society partners can contribute to an external accountability framework that ensures Commissioners are subject to meaningful scrutiny and measurable performance standards.

I believe the Commission is capable of playing a vital and transformative role in the defence of universal human rights in Aotearoa — but this requires institutional courage, qualified leadership, and an unflinching commitment to public trust.

Please let me know your availability in the coming fortnight.

Ngā mihi nui,

Paul Thistoll

CEO