Meng Foon to be commissioner
Retiring Gisborne mayor Meng Foon has been appointed the new Race Relations Commissioner more than a year after Dame Susan Devoy left the role.
Foon will take up his new appointment on August 26 and will be responsible for leading the work of the Human Rights Commission in promoting positive race relations.
He is fluent in te reo Ma¯ori, Cantonese and English and is understood to be the only New Zealand mayor fluent in te reo.
Foon was first elected as a councillor for the Gisborne district in 1995, before being elected mayor in 2001 – a role he held for 18 years.
In an interview with RNZ yesterday, Foon said he hoped to ‘‘showcase New Zealand as a great country to live".
‘‘I want to continue the good work of the past commissioners … and continue to enhance harmonious relations right throughout New Zealand.’’
He said there were a wide range of multifaceted issues and solutions that needed to be implemented.
Raising the average salaries of those in need, enhancing education levels, providing affordable housing and matters regarding state care were particular issues that required attention, Foon said.
‘‘Hopefully we can actually support our communities to be better prepared for their futures in New Zealand.’’
Justice Minister Andrew Little congratulated Foon on his appointment.
‘‘This is an exciting appointment to a role that presents enormous challenges but tremendous possibilities.
‘‘[Foon] has an outstanding record as a relationship builder and walks comfortably in the Pa¯keha¯ world, the Ma¯ori world, the Chinese community and other communities making up New Zealand.’’