26 March 2018

New Executive Director of Amnesty International New Zealand announced.

Tony Blackett has been announced as the new Executive Director of Amnesty International New Zealand.

Starting in his new role in mid-April, Blackett will take the lead on Amnesty International New Zealand’s work in the protection and defence of human rights in New Zealand and around the world. Amnesty International is a global movement of over 7 million people working together to protect others wherever freedom and justice have been denied. In New Zealand, Amnesty International works on issues including refugee rights, sexual and gender-based violence and global issues such as the Myanmar crisis.

Blackett is an experienced leader with a background in the public service, non-government, environmental and community development sectors both in New Zealand and internationally. Since 2013 he has been Chief Executive of both AccessAbility and Imagine Better, helping people with disabilities to develop a vision for their future and live the life they choose.

With a breadth of experience across fundraising, marketing, development and operational management, Blackett has held senior positions within the Ministry of Health, National Heart Foundation, New Zealand Red Cross and as General Manager for Deaf Aotearoa. He has also worked internationally on fundraising for Greenpeace International and consulted to organisations such as Save the Children.

Blackett said, "I'm excited to be joining Amnesty International New Zealand as their new Executive Director. I believe in a world where people are treated fairly and I'm looking forward to leading Amnesty International as it works towards achieving its vision of a world where everyone's human rights are respected."

Peter Fa’afiu, Chair of Amnesty International New Zealand said of Blackett’s appointment, “Tony is an experienced leader and highly regarded as an entrepreneurial manager who can envisage, create and complete. He has the vision and passion to lead Amnesty International New Zealand into the future. He believes in a fairer world for everyone and is passionate about justice and dignity, which fits with our vision of a world where human rights are enjoyed by everyone. We are delighted to have Tony at the helm of Amnesty International New Zealand and look forward to welcoming him to the team.”

**ENDS

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