The Devoy appointment

The appointment of Dame Susan Devoy as Race Relations Commissioner is surprising, as she has no background in the arena of race relations. I presume that was a deliberate decision of the Government to have someone whom they see as “mainstream” and thinks the country will also.

But the lack of background does mean she will be closely scrutinised in how she does in the role, and if she doesn’t perform well, the Government will be blamed. However there will be considerable differences of opinion on what “performing well” means.

Bryce Edwards has written a summary of opinions on Dame Susan’s appointment. He’s also collected a collection of mainly humourous tweets about it, the best of which I include below:

Danyl Mclauchlan ‏@danylmc 

‘Susan Devoy Race-Relations Commissioner’ makes me wonder how close we came to ‘Richie McCaw, RBNZ Governor’ before someone talked Key down.

Danyl Mclauchlan ‏@danylmc

At least Susan Devoy is more qualified than Anna Guy, who will probably have to settle for PMs Science Advisor

Phil Quin ‏@philquin

The great thing about New Zealand is how anyone — anyone — can grow up to become Race Relations Commissioner one day.

Marcus Cook ‏@MarcusDCook

Revealed; Devoy appointed after “rock, paper, scissors” match with Paul Henry. Won 2/3.

Martyn Bradbury ‏@CitizenBomber

After Devoy, Paul Henry will be appointed to the Broadcasting Standards Authority & Cameron Slater will be the new Surgeon General

Heh.