Secondment Ceremony for Inspector Rakesh Naidoo to the Human Right Commission

On 12th April Venerable Rulian, Venerable Miaoyu, BLIA North Island Head Advisor Dolly Tsai, BLIA members Guowei and Melody was invited to join Inspector Rakesh Naidoo’s Secondment Ceremony to the Human Right Commission (HRC) in Wellington. Other special guests included high ranking police officers, South African Ambassador Zodwa Lallie and 30 other members.

After a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, Dame Susan Devoy and 20 other delegates also entered the venue. This was followed by an address from Dame Devoy to welcome Inspector Rakesh into the team as well as thanking the police force for their hard work toward ensuring public safety. After confirming HRC’s need for the Inspector’s skills Dame Devoy reiterated HRC’s mission of facilitating tolerance, equality and protection of human rights, therefore she hopes the inclusion of Inspector Rakesh can enable closer cooperation between HRC and the police to bring about a more stable and harmonious society.

This was followed by Superintendent Wallace’s praise toward Inspector Rakesh’s exceptional work record. The inspector first joined the police force in 2001 and eventually became New Zealand’s first Asian Inspector in 2012. It is indeed hard to part with him because he is the country foremost officer on promoting multiculturalism, but the police force will still give him the best wishes toward his new role where he can truly utilise his great values. Then the Superintendent announced Officer Elizabeth as Rakesh’s replacement to continue this important mission with the community.

Then Inspector Rakesh took the stage to thank everyone for their support. He felt this day was a new page in his life and that a harmonious NZ society cannot be achieved without the elements of freedom, fairness and safety. It is fortunate indeed to have all the community groups always working together, which means as long as these mutual trusts can continue then NZ society will only become stronger with time. Inspector Rakesh also thanked Dame Devoy for her confidence in him and reaffirmed that he will do his best to benefit HRC with his knowledge and experiences.