Thu 1 Jan 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Dr Huhana Hickey (picture thanks to Andrea) UPDATED: Auckland disability advocate Dr Huhana Hickey is to be made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Perhaps best-known as “Dr Hu”, Hickey is to receive the award for services to people with disabilities. The passionate human rights advocate is a researcher, part-time lecturer, social justice lawyer, activist writer, artist and mum. She has thanked all those who have congratulated her, and says she is truly honoured. “But I did not achieve this alone. My darling wife Sophie Tauhara plays a big part in the support of me, without her support I would not achieve half of what I have.” Dr Hickey is also expressing thanks to her sons and wider family, and the many people who work so hard alongside her. “I am just so grateful for everyone and all of my friends and whanau acknowledging this award, but the greatest award is to see change and growth in recognising the rights of our whānau hauā.” Dr Hickey was the first Māori woman, second Māori person and first disabled person to get a PhD in law from Waikato University. She is now a research fellow in Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research at AUT University, and also sits on the NZ Human Rights Review Tribunal as well as the UNITEC ethics committee and is the Chair of the Auckland Council Disability Strategic Advisory Panel. Her work with the United Nations Adhoc group prior to the signing of the UNCRPD has led to indigenous people with disabilities being included within the preamble of the convention. Among those who have congratulated her is Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox. “I am delighted to see the award of MNZM given to Dr Huhana Hickey honouring her for her passionate advocacy in the disability sector,” she says.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 1st January 2015 - 8:50am