Ka kite anō, Dr Claire

Avondale College was honoured to welcome back distinguished alumna Dr Claire Achmad for a celebration of her work as New Zealand's Children's Commissioner.

Claire has always been destined for great things. As a student, her bright smile, positive attitude through adversity and contribution to the arts made her the perfect fit for Head Girl in 2001. It was on the College grounds that she developed an understanding of what it meant to be a good tangata Tiriti, and a love for te reo Māori which, as she has said, "has never since left my tongue."

After graduating from the University of Auckland with degrees in Law and Arts, Claire was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2007. She later completed a Master of Laws and a PhD in International Children's Rights Law at Leiden University in the Netherlands, becoming an internationally recognised expert in children's rights. It came as no surprise when she was appointed Children's Commissioner in 2023.

Her term has now concluded, and to honour her tireless advocacy, her Auckland-based formal farewell was held at Avondale College on Wednesday last week.

The celebration brought together colleagues, friends and supporters whose lives she has touched throughout her career. It provided an opportunity to reflect on her leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to championing the rights and wellbeing of children.

A range of speakers shared heartfelt tributes, representing agencies that advocate for children in state care, the disability sector and those with incarcerated caregivers. Many spoke of Claire's ability to genuinely listen and advocate from a place of aroha, and her ability to bring people together around a shared vision of ensuring every child feels safe, valued and heard.

Whether working at a national level to influence policy or engaging one-on-one with those seeking support, her compassion, authenticity and kindness were recurring themes throughout the tributes. Time and again, speakers reflected on her unique ability to make people feel seen, understood and empowered.

Avondale College's jazz combo Swing 46, our Gospel Choir, award-winning pianist Louis de Biasio, and Spoken Word poet Harper Spurway all contributed their talents to the afternoon's celebration. Head Boy Marco Li and Head Girl Lola Kelleher also paid tributes to Claire.

Claire's legacy will continue to be felt through the people she has supported, the relationships she has built, and the ongoing work to ensure that the voices of children remain at the heart of decision-making in Aotearoa.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event. It was a truly fitting celebration of an alumna whose leadership has been defined not only by achievement, but by her genuine heart - and whose impact will continue to be felt for years to come.