New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO
Te Kōmihana Matua o Aotearoa mō UNESCO
Appointed and funded by the New Zealand Government, the National Commission represents UNESCO; manages relationships with key stakeholders; and coordinates advice to the organisation on future programmes. The National Commission works to promote UNESCO’s vision, goals and programmes within New Zealand and the Pacific. Five sub commissions focused upon UNESCO’s key programme areas provide advice to the National Commission. Members: Bryan Gould (Chair), Dr Edna Tait, Rosemary Du Plessis, Dr Andrew Matthews, Keri Kaa, Paul Smith.
Vision
“Action for peace and social justice through education, the natural, social and human sciences, culture, communications and information.”
Mission Statement
“To fulfil New Zealand’s obligations as a Member State, to contribute to the development of UNESCO programmes and strategic priorities, to represent and promote New Zealand’s interests and, within the context of the Asia and Pacific region, to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.”
Values
The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO is committed to:
- The Treaty of Waitangi;
- A diverse multicultural society;
- Peace;
- Social justice and the reduction of inequalities;
- Ethical behaviour;
- Engaging young people; and
- Gender equity.
Members
Chair - Bryan Gould
After a career as an Oxford law don, a Foreign Office diplomat, a television presenter and in the British Parliament, Mr Gould held the position of Vice Chancellor of Waikato University for ten years until he stood down in 2004. A director of Television New Zealand, he also chairs the Foundation of Research, Science and Technology and the National Centre for Tertiary Teaching Excellence. In 2005 Mr Gould was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and in 2006 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Waikato. Mr Gould sits on all five NZ National Commission for UNESCO sub commissions.
Education - Dr Edna Tait
A lifelong passion for education as a student, teacher, principal and lecturer has seen Edna Tait head the UNESCO Office for the Pacific in Samoa and the Post Primary Teachers Association in New Zealand. She is a current member of the Tertiary Education Commission and holds a Doctor of Education from Massey University. Dr Tait chairs the Education Sub Commission.
Social Science - Rosemary Du Plessis
An Associate Professor in Sociology at Canterbury University, Rosemary Du Plessis has long term interests in gender, family, work and embodiment. Between 2003 and 2005 she led the Constructive Conversations / Korero Whakaaetanga research programme which focused on the social, ethical, cultural and spiritual implications of genetic testing and biobanking. She is currently theme editor for Te Ara: The Online Encyclopaedia of New Zealand where she is editing entries on “Social Connections”. Ms Du Plessis chairs the Social Science Sub Commission.
Natural Science - Dr Andrew Matthews
A commitment to help find a more sustainable use of resources, especially given the challenges posed by climate change has been a focus for Dr Matthews whose career includes research for the DSIR and NIWA in New Zealand and extended periods based in Germany, France and Japan. He also serves on several international commissions and steering groups supporting research agendas to address global environmental change. Dr Matthews chairs the Natural Science Sub Commission.
Culture - Keri Kaa
Long-time educationalist and culture expert, Keri Kaa (of the Ngati Porou and Ngati Kahungunu tribes) is a former lecturer at Wellington College of Education. An author and respected elder, Ms Kaa is a trustee of the National Library of New Zealand (Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa) and a board member for Gisborne’s Tairawhiti Museum. She is also a member of the Ministry of Culture and Heritage’s Māori reference group and a former Te Waka Toi board member. Ms Kaa chairs the Culture Sub Commission.
Communications - Paul Smith
Paul Smith is the immediate past President of the New Zealand Society of Authors and has written several best-selling social histories. A veteran journalist and media specialist, he has reported for major newspapers in New Zealand and overseas and has also worked in radio and television. Mr Smith teaches non-fiction writing at Auckland University's summer and winter schools, is a former director of state broadcaster TVNZ, and currently serves on several boards including New Zealand On Air.
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