Karen Johansen

Commissioner

30 Oct 2009 13 09 06 K Johansenb 08 Web Karen JohansenKaren Johansen brings education and community perspectives to her role as Human Rights Commissioner. Karen was appointed a part-time Commissioner in February 2008 for a five year term until 30 January 2013; and is of Pākehā and Māori descent. Her Iwi affiliations are Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Ngāi Tamanuhiri of the Gisborne/East Cape area.

Karen was a pupil at Gisborne Girls’ High School, and graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a BA in English and History in 1965. She began her career as an ESOL teacher with the British Council in Peru before returning to Gisborne Girls’ High in 1970 as an assistant teacher. Her teaching career led to her gaining experience in many communities throughout the country. She was the head of English at Campion College before again heeding the call of Gisborne Girl High in 1985; where she was assistant and deputy principal before her appointment as principal in 1996.

Karen’s contributions to the Gisborne community include serving as a member and deputy chair of the Tairāwhiti Polytechnic Council and Tairāwhiti Trust member. She is also a justice of the peace. Her visionary leadership at Gisborne Girls’ High has fostered a culture of success and excellence that has been widely recognised.

Coordinating Commissioner (jointly with Commissioner de Bres)

  • Te Mana i Waitangi

Portfolio responsibilities

  • Human Rights Environment: right to education/human rights education; regional engagement Tairawhiti; Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Back to top