The High Court has ruled that the appointments of Human Rights Commissioner Stephen Rainbow and Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby were made unlawfully by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, after finding key legal requirements were not properly applied.
The decision followed a challenge by human rights advocate Paul Thistoll, with the Court upholding arguments that the minister used the wrong legal test and failed to consider mandatory statutory factors.
Justice David Gendall found both appointees were added to shortlists after ministerial intervention and were not recommended by the independent assessment panel, which raised concerns about their depth of experience. The ruling comes amid earlier political controversy over the commissioners’ public views, though the Court did not rule the appointments unreasonable.
Goldsmith said he is seeking advice and considering an appeal, arguing the findings were ‘narrow’ and largely ‘technical’. While neither commissioner will be removed, the judgment highlights the need for lawful, transparent appointment processes to senior public roles.
Image credit: Feyza Yildirim
Just the normaL…. we have to choose between ZIONISTS or Trans Socialists.
Can’t have the third option – No Trans & No Zion.
Goldsmichdt is the real pronounciation isn’t it??
Also from what we hear Coster, Adern are family from the even bigger “Family” including PM Key…. if you know what I mean??
They are all on the team – YOU arn’t… let that sink in.
If it is wrong,then change it, don’t just leave it?
I think they are getting rid of the human rights commission not sure about race relations. Hopefully Goodsnith goes he has bot done what he was put there for. Sort out the waitangi tribunal that needs to go to. Tax payers are paying these govt departments, and they are useless.
Our human rights were cancelled in 2020 when the government locked us down, ruined our businesses and tried to force us to all take an experimental injection.
And race relations in this country have never been worse. They will continue to deteriorate as Africans and middle easterners (who care nothing about treaties between Māori and pakeha) keep flooding in by the thousands every year and bringing their African and middle eastern behaviours with them.
NIETHER of these government positions are of any value to anyone. Cut it all, fire everybody – all they do is keep making everything worse
favourism, old-boys-club, corruption, blackmail, greed, …