In February, Jacqui Dillon (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Hine) joined the Amnesty International team as our new Kaiwhakahaere Matua. Jacqui comes most recently from The Auckland City Mission - Te Tāpui Atawhai - where she was GM Brand, Income and Innovation.

In addition to driving successful campaigns addressing homelessness and food inequality in Aotearoa, her leadership experience includes co-founding Robinhood Asia, which creates social initiatives that assist people in need while benefitting businesses, as well as being the Chief Executive of Safe Network, a community-based service provider addressing harmful sexual behaviours. Jacqui is also a registered psychotherapist, holds a Masters in Health Science (1st Class Hons - University of Waikato) and a Masters in Buddhist Studies (1st Class Hons - University of Hong Kong).

Q: What drew you to this role?

A: Well firstly, I'm genuine when I say that this is my dream job. I've always been driven to use my skills to give a voice - or a seat at the table - to those who wouldn't otherwise have one. The kaupapa at Amnesty International is deeply aligned with my own values.

Q: Can you pinpoint when that set of values developed for you?

A: I grew up in Ngātea, a small town in rural New Zealand. At the core was community. While it wasn't a shouting from the rooftops call to be in service to others, the bonds between people were what allowed the community to thrive. That was always part of my whakapapa.

Q: It's a turbulent time around the world. What's your take and how do you plan to stay positive?

A: I can't think of a time when the need for Amnesty International's work has been more vital or urgent. What we are seeing is far deeper than the alarming set of headline-grabbing crises for the past few years. There's been a systemic shift over decades. The reality is there's no short-term fix. So how do we stay positive? One of the things that I try to do every day is to think of the personal actions I can take. And here at Amnesty International, we're focused on delivering tools for people to do exactly that.

Q: What's your main focus at the moment?

A: Well now is my time to listen and to learn from Amnesty supporters around the motu and across the world. What I've heard so far has been insightful and hopeful. I want to thank everyone who is part of the Amnesty whānau for all you do to stand with humanity. You're making a profound difference in the world and I look forward to meeting more of you soon.

Q: How important are Indigenous rights in the bigger picture of human rights generally?

A: They're foundational. I bring a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and I'm inspired by the journey that Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand is on to uphold Te Tiriti and fully recognize the tino rangatiratanga of Māori.

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This article was originally published in the July 2025 issue of Flame, Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand's supporter newsletter. To request a digital copy of Flame, please email us at info@amnesty.org.nz.

In this 60th Anniversary issue of Flame, we highlighted stories of courage that showcased the incredible power that we have when people come together to demand justice in the fight for human rights. You can help Amnesty International continue this work for another 60 years with a one-off donation today. Learn more here.