Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the appointment of Louisa Wall for a newly created diplomatic role as Ambassador for Gender Equality in the Pacific Region.
Louise Wall announced her resignation last month after 14 years in Parliament.
Minister Mahuta says, “Aotearoa New Zealand is committed to lifting our engagement with our Pacific partners on gender equality.
Our Pacific resilience strategy reinforces our commitment to support increased representation of women in leadership, politics and decision-making, and to support partners in achieving sustainable development goals.”
The Ambassador for Gender Equality (Pacific)/Tuia Tāngata will establish new partnerships and programmes that support the full and effective participation by women and LGBTQiA+, and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life in the Pacific.
The former MP for Manurewa is well known for her strong advocacy work in the House and making history introducing and getting passed her bill for equality around same-sex marriage, her work to close loopholes against revenge porn offenders, and introducing safe zones around abortion clinics – to name a few.
Minister Mahuta says, “I know she will make an invaluable contribution combining her subject matter knowledge, international connections and understanding of parliamentary law making process.”
Ms Wall is set to take on the role in May.
Image credit: NZ Labour Party