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About the Commissioner
Dr Cindy Kiro
Children's Commissioner
Dr Cynthia (Cindy) Kiro is New Zealand's Children's Commissioner. Dr Kiro was appointed by the Governor-General to the position on 1 September 2003.
Dr Kiro has a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Policy. She has previously worked in the areas of public health and advocacy for children and young people as a social worker, researcher, and manager. Before being appointed as Children's Commissioner, Dr Kiro was an Associate Professor and Director of Waiora Centre for Public Health Research at Massey University.
Dr Kiro is a member of the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families which was established in 2005, and continues to focus on addressing key issues such as violence against children and child poverty. She has consistently been a strong advocate for promoting children's rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCROC) and has spoken to experts in the field of children's welfare both nationally and internationally. Dr Kiro was a participant in the World Study on Violence Against Children.
Dr Kiro has a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of children and young people in New Zealand. She is committed to contributing to good policy and practice, and creating and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders. She continues to work to bring together a cohesive and effective children's movement in New Zealand, recognising the contributions of non-governmental and community organisations, iwi, Maori and Pasifika organisations, young people's networks, and government agencies. Dr Kiro's vision is to ensure the rights of every child and young person in New Zealand are recognised and each enjoys good health, education, safety, and economic wellbeing.
Dr Kiro has two adult sons and a grandson, and is of Ngapuhi descent.