Pasifika youth advocate Josiah Tualamali’i has been appointed as a commissioner to the new board of the Children and Young People’s Commission.
The board also includes Donna Matahaere-Atariki, Dr Julie Wharewera-Mika, and Ronelle Baker. Ms Matahaere-Atariki will succeed Dr Clare Achmad as Deputy Chair when she vacates the position on 31 October.
The new commission took effect from the 1st of July 2023
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni says, “We want Aotearoa New Zealand to be the best place in the world to be a child. The new Children and Young People’s Commission delivers on that by ensuring children in state care are well served and cared for by the system.”
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan says, “I welcome the start of the Commission and the leadership that will be provided by its newly appointed Board, who have the flexibility, diversity and mana to genuinely speak for our children and young people.”
Josiah who is a health and social justice advocate is the founder of the Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation Council. He was also a member of the New Zealand government’s inquiry into mental health and addiction.
The Board of the Children and Young People’s Commission will consist of a Chair, who will be a full-time Chief Children’s Commissioner, and up-to five part-time Board members, also known as Commissioners.
