New Children’s Commissioner Says Urgent Action Needed For Aotearoa New Zealand’s Most Vulnerable ChildrenFrom today, 1 August 2026, Jane Searle is Aotearoa New Zealand’s Children’s Commissioner, leading Mana Mokopuna. “It is a great privilege to take on this role and continue the legacy of Mana Mokopuna, standing up for tamariki and rangatahi. “Alongside the dedicated Mana Mokopuna team, I am committed to advocating for systemic change. “On behalf of everyone at Mana Mokopuna, I warmly welcome Jane to the role of Children's Commissioner. The Children's Commissioner holds an independent statutory role to promote, protect, and monitor the rights, interests, and safety of the 1.2 million tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa New Zealand.