Dame Susan said she had delayed speaking publicly because nothing she said was going to appease her critics. Photo / Claire Fraser
Dame Susan Devoy admits it will "take time to understand a Maori viewpoint" - and promises her actions as Race Relations Commissioner will speak louder than her words.
Her appointment two weeks ago after a long search by the Ministry of Justice drew strong criticism over her comments in a
column last year that Pakeha New Zealanders should not "feel ashamed" on Waitangi Day.
Last night on Maori TV, speaking out for the first time since she got the job, Dame Susan said she had delayed speaking publicly because nothing she said was going to appease her critics.
Her experience working with disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in the health and disability sector qualified her for the position, she said.
She was labelled "clueless" by Maori leaders who drew on a Bay of Plenty Times column she wrote suggesting Waitangi Day should be a holiday where Pakeha New Zealanders did not "feel ashamed".
