Mana Mokopuna acknowledges the leadership and legacy of Dr Claire Achmad

Mana Mokopuna today acknowledges the significant contribution of outgoing Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, whose term ends on 31 July 2026.

Appointed as Chief Children’s Commissioner in 2023, and subsequently serving as New Zealand’s sole Children’s Commissioner from 2025, Dr Achmad has been a steadfast and independent advocate for the rights, interests, and wellbeing of the 1.2 million mokopuna of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Throughout her tenure, Dr Achmad has championed children’s rights and strengthened the visibility of their voices in public life. Her leadership has helped drive greater accountability for the state care system, including advocating for the implementation of recommendations arising from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, and highlighting the ongoing experiences of children and young people in care today.

She has also been a fearless public advocate on a wide range of issues that matter most to mokopuna. Throughout her term, Dr Achmad has spoken out consistently on child poverty, maltreatment, barriers to education, mokopuna mental health and the need for all government decisions to centre children's rights and wellbeing.

Dr Achmad has been recognised for her commitment to engaging directly with thousands of children and young people from communities across the country and ensuring their experiences, aspirations, and concerns are heard by those in positions of power. She has consistently prioritised listening to mokopuna, bringing their voices into national conversations, supporting them to know their rights and be advocates in their own lives, and pushing for decisions that better reflect their realities.

Mana Mokopuna – Children’s Commissioner Executive Director Sonya Marshall says Dr Achmad’s leadership has made a lasting contribution to both the organisation and the children and young people it exists to serve.

"Claire has held the independent advocacy space for mokopuna with integrity, courage, and deep commitment," she says.

"She has never lost sight of who this role is for. Through her leadership, she has ensured that the voices of children and young people are heard where decisions are being made, particularly those whose experiences are too often overlooked or ignored.

"We thank Claire wholeheartedly for her service, and acknowledge her significant leadership stewarding our organisation through significant change. She leaves us in a strong, stable position to continue advocating for the rights of all children and young people."

Mana Mokopuna confirms that its legislative mandate under the Children’s Commissioner Act 2022 remains unchanged. The organisation is preparing for a structured transition to the new Commissioner on 01 August that will ensure its critical monitoring, advocacy, and relationship functions continue uninterrupted in support of mokopuna across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Media enquiries:

Melissa Wastney

029 909 2715