Editorial: Devoy needs to step up

It's amazing how quickly opponents have jumped on the appointment of Dame Susan Devoy as Race Relations Commissioner.

The suitability of Dame Susan, a former Rotorua sports star who was the world's top squash player, has been questioned because of her comments on Waitangi Day and burqas - comments her family say have been taken out of context.

But having re-read her 2012 Waitangi Day column I can see why some would be upset.

Dame Susan wrote: "Waitangi has been hijacked and if it can never be really seen as a day of national celebration then perhaps the time has come to choose another true New Zealand day".

She argues that Waitangi Day should not necessarily be replaced, but complemented by a day of national pride and celebration.

Many likely share her view, but there will also be many who say New Zealand still needs to address the wrongs of the past, and when the nation's focus is on Te Tii Marae that's the perfect time to air that view.

Others would rightly say that February 6 is a day of great celebration.

Dame Susan has been criticised for expressing an opinion on Waitangi Day. Mana Party president Annette Sykes demanded she stand down because she was not fit for the role.

"It's so disturbing that someone with a clearly expressed ... viewpoint can be appointed to a job that's about providing independent leadership and advice on race relations."

But does having voiced an opinion disqualify Dame Susan from her new role? What if she had strong views on Waitangi, the Treaty and race relations that her opponents agreed with? Would that also disqualify her?

In a way it makes sense that we have a diverse range of people in the race relations role. It's clear Dame Susan will be under intense scrutiny - and that if she is found wanting in any way that will be quickly exposed.