Wed 17 Sep 2008 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Longtime gay equality advocate and social worker Richard Tankersley will now work part-time as a Human Rights Commissioner. Advocate: Richard Tankersley Christchurch-based Tankersley, who is of Ngai Tahu descent, is currently a team leader at Glanelg Children's Health Camp. In 2005/06 he was a project worker with the Alcohol Drug Association of New Zealand, and prior to that was Assistant Regional Manager with the Chair Electoral Office. He has been a board member of NZ AIDS Foundation, and in 2004 addressed a select committee hearing on the Civil Union Bill, telling his personal story of growing up in a Catholic family and feeling unable to admit he was gay. He told the committee that having a legal framework for same-sex couples would let gay youth know there was a pathway for them. Associate Justice Minister Lianne Dalziel has confirmed Tankersley's appointment to the Human Rights Commission. Chief Commissioner Rosslyn Noonan said "Richard is a valuable addition to the Commission. He brings new perspectives and experience and I am sure will ensure that issues important to the South Island are brought to the table." Only eight positions make up the Human Rights Commission team – a full-time Chief Commissioner, a full-time Race Relations Commissioner, a full-time Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, and up to five part-time Commissioners.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 17th September 2008 - 10:32am