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Susan Devoy

Dame Susan Elizabeth Anne Devoy DNZM CBE (born 4 January 1964)[1] is a New Zealand former squash player and senior public servant. As a squash player, she was dominant in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning the World Open on four occasions.[2] She served as New Zealand's Race Relations Commissioner from 2013 to 2018.

Dame Susan Devoy
Devoy in 2018
Full nameSusan Elizabeth Anne Devoy
CountryNew Zealand
Born (1964-01-04) 4 January 1964 (age 60)
Rotorua, New Zealand
Turned pro1981
Retired1992
PlaysRight handed
Women's singles
Highest rankingNo. 1 (April 1984)
World OpenW (1985, 1987, 1990, 1992)
Medal record
Women's squash
Representing  New Zealand
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 1985 Dublin Singles
Gold medal – first place 1987 Auckland Singles
Gold medal – first place 1990 Sydney Singles
Gold medal – first place 1992 Vancouver Singles
Silver medal – second place 1989 Warmond Singles
Bronze medal – third place 1983 Perth Singles
10th Race Relations Commissioner
In office
2013–2018
Preceded byJoris de Bres
Succeeded byMeng Foon

Early life and family

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Devoy was born in Rotorua, the youngest of seven children and her parents' only daughter.[3][4] Her family, including her six brothers, also played squash and Devoy started playing when she was very young.[4] She began playing in tournaments when she was nine and turned professional at the age of 17 after leaving MacKillop College halfway through her final year.[3][4] She competed on the professional circuit for eleven years from 1981 to 1992.

She married her manager and fellow squash player John Oakley, on 12 December 1986 in Rotorua's St Michael's Church.[4] Together, they have four sons,[5] the eldest of whom is track athlete Julian Oakley.[6] Julian is an NCAA Division I athlete at Providence College, in Rhode Island, United States, and has a 3:57.22 personal best for the mile.[7]

Playing career

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Devoy turned professional at the age of 17.[4] Her first World Open title came in 1985,[4] with a subsequent win in 1987. Further World Open titles came in 1990 and 1992.[8] For most of her career, the World Open was held biennially, a fact that stopped Devoy potentially doubling her tally. She did, however, win the coveted British Open eight times, a record behind only Heather McKay's in the 1960s/70s and Janet Morgan's in the 1950s.[citation needed]

In 1992, the year of her unexpected retirement, she was the Australian, British, French, Hong Kong, Irish, New Zealand, Scottish, Swedish and World squash champion.[9]

World Open Finals: 5 (4 titles, 1 runner-up)

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Outcome Year Location Opponent in the final Score in the final
Winner 1985 Dublin, Ireland   Lisa Opie 9–4, 9–5, 10–8
Winner 1987 Auckland, New Zealand   Lisa Opie 9–3, 10–8, 9–2
Runner-up 1989 Warmond, Netherlands   Martine Le Moignan 4–9, 9–4, 10–8, 10–8
Winner 1990 Sydney, Australia   Martine Le Moignan 9–4, 9–4, 9–4
Winner 1992 Vancouver, Canada   Michelle Martin 9–4, 9–6, 9–4

Awards and honours

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In the 1986 New Year Honours, Devoy was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to squash,[10] and elevated to Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 1993 Queen's Birthday Honours, for services to squash and the community.[11] She was named New Zealand Sports Person and Sports Woman of the Year in 1985.[12] In 1990, she was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.[13]

In the 1998 Queen's Birthday Honours, Devoy was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to sport and the community,[14] becoming the youngest New Zealander since Sir Edmund Hillary to receive a titular honour.[8]

Post-playing career

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In the October 2001 local elections, she successfully stood in the inaugural district health board elections for Auckland DHB on the Citizens & Ratepayers-Now ticket. She resigned from that position in February 2004, citing concerns about limited political impact that DHBs have but also because she had since moved to Tauranga.[15][16]

In Tauranga, she was the chief executive of Sport Bay of Plenty and held that position for five years.[9]

In April 2009 an accusation was made that the testimonial Devoy wrote for Tony Veitch in support of the return of his passport was edited and used in his support at his sentencing for injuring with reckless disregard in relation to an assault on his former partner Kristin Dunne-Powell in 2006.[17]

New Zealand Race Relations Commissioner

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In March 2013, Devoy was chosen as the successor to Joris de Bres for the position of Race Relations Commissioner.[18][19] She was selected by Justice Minister Judith Collins, who was later forced to defend the appointment, which was surrounded by some controversy, including concern over prior remarks by Devoy including in her role as a Bay of Plenty Times columnist. In particular, references were made to her criticism of Waitangi Day as a national holiday, and those who wear burqas in New Zealand.[20] The Mana Party called for her sacking, and the Green Party said her views on Waitangi Day were "embarrassing".[21]

Devoy officially began her five-year job on 1 April 2013.[22][23] During her first few weeks in office, Devoy was criticised for refusing to comment on a number of race-related controversies, including a tirade against Chinese immigrants by New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.[24][25]

Through the remainder of her tenure, Devoy publicly challenged some politicians on their race relations positions. She said that politicians are role models and "it’s my job to call them out".[26] She said NZ First leader Winston Peters' retelling of Arthur Calwell's comment that "two Wongs don't make a White" was "outdated rhetoric" with "no place in New Zealand's future".[27] When ACT leader Jamie Whyte equated Māori with pre-revolutionary French aristocrats, Devoy said it was "grotesque and inflammatory" to equate Māori, whose socio-economic status lags behind other New Zealanders, with aristocrats murdered because of their privilege.[28] In 2015, some Chinese people in New Zealand were "dismayed" when Labour MP Phil Twyford released data equating "Chinese sounding" surnames with foreigners[29][30] while Devoy opined that it was "deeply offensive" for Chinese children to hear MPs insinuating their Chinese sounding surnames meant they were foreigners when their families had, in her opinion, helped and continued to help build New Zealand.[31] Devoy also criticised NZ First MP Ron Mark for telling Korean-born National MP Melissa Lee to go back to Korea if she didn't like it in New Zealand. Devoy argued that New Zealand citizens born overseas are "not second class citizens" and "have a right to an opinion".[32] All politicians stood by their statements[33][34] with Whyte calling for her resignation.[35] Devoy also called on Prime Minister John Key to meet with New Zealand Muslim leaders as tensions in the Middle East continued to rise.[36]

Devoy also spoke out against what she views as 'everyday racism'[37] regularly supporting those who have spoken out and encourage New Zealanders to "not stand by" while others are racially abused.[38] Māori New Zealander Rikki Hooper was humiliated while shopping in her supermarket,[39] while Muslims and Jews have also criticised abuse and attacks[40][41][42][43][44] as have rugby players in Canterbury[45] and taxi drivers in Southland.[46]

Devoy regularly called for an increase in the country's annual refugee quota, which at that time had remained unchanged since 1987.[47][48][49]

In the wake of the November 2015 Paris attacks, Devoy and Hazim Arafeh, president of the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, released a joint statement condemning violent extremism and "standing alongside all innocent victims of terrorism in peace, solidarity and humanity."[50][51] Following the Christchurch mosque shootings in March 2019, Devoy called on New Zealanders to listen to the voices of vulnerable people, challenge hate, and "stand up for human rights by letting Muslim Kiwis know that you've got their back."[52]

Devoy's term ended in 2018 and she was succeeded the following year by former Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon.[53]

Later life

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She currently lives in Tauranga.[54] She is a supporter of a New Zealand republic.[55] Devoy has supported charities including as New Zealand patron for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.[56] In 2007, she appeared on Like Minds, Like Mine TV commercials in New Zealand to counter the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.[57] As a contestant on Celebrity Treasure Island 2022, where she was an intruder who entered the show partway through the competition, her chosen charity was The Aunties.[3][58] In 2024 Devoy published her memoir, titled Dame Suzy D: My Story.[59]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Squash: Devoy signs on to head Bay of Plenty sport". The New Zealand Herald. 23 December 2002. Retrieved 27 October 2009.
  2. ^ "Fitz-Gerald thrashes Owens". BBC Sport. 18 October 2001. Retrieved 24 November 2007.
  3. ^ a b c "Dame Susan Devoy on miscarriage; NZ's problem with racism; reality TV secrets". NZ Herald. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Kirk, Allan R (2006). Susan Devoy, Squash Champion. Famous New Zealanders. Masterton, New Zealand: Capital Letters Publishing. ISBN 1877177598.
  5. ^ Watson, Glenn (6 January 2010). "Mum's the word for Dame Susan". Wanganui Chronicle. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  6. ^ "Winning's in the blood for Dame Susan's boy". 3 News. 12 December 2011. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
  7. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. ^ a b Kirk, Allan R (2006). Susan Devoy, Squash Champion. Famous New Zealanders. Masterton, New Zealand: Capital Letters Publishing. p. 15. ISBN 1877177598.
  9. ^ a b Kirk, Allan R (2006). Susan Devoy, Squash Champion. Famous New Zealanders. Masterton, New Zealand: Capital Letters Publishing. p. 19. ISBN 1877177598.
  10. ^ "No. 50362". The London Gazette (2nd supplement). 31 December 1985. p. 30.
  11. ^ "No. 53334". The London Gazette (3rd supplement). 12 June 1993. p. 37.
  12. ^ "The Board". Sustainability Council of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  13. ^ Taylor, Alister; Coddington, Deborah (1994). Honoured by the Queen – New Zealand. Auckland: New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa. p. 121. ISBN 0-908578-34-2.
  14. ^ "Queen's Birthday honours list 1998". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 1 June 1998. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
  15. ^ "Election winners". The New Zealand Herald. 15 October 2001. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  16. ^ Johnston, Martin (9 February 2004). "Time for change as Susan Devoy quits Auckland District Health Board". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  17. ^ "Veitch: Henry, Devoy distance themselves". 20 April 2009.
  18. ^ "Susan Devoy takes race relations role". 3 News NZ. 20 March 2013.
  19. ^ "Susan Devoy takes race relations role". News Waver. 20 March 2013.
  20. ^ Davison, Isaac (22 March 2013). "Critics target Devoy appointment". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
  21. ^ "Dame Susan a 'one-fingered salute' – Trotter". 3 News NZ. 25 March 2013.
  22. ^ "Devoy criticised over anti-burqa comments". 3 News NZ. 21 March 2013.
  23. ^ "Dame Susan made new Race Relations Commissioner". TVNZ News. 20 March 2013.
  24. ^ "Devoy won't comment on Chinese remarks". 3 News NZ. 27 May 2013.
  25. ^ "Devoy keeps clear of Peters' China attack". The New Zealand Herald. 25 May 2013.
  26. ^ "Devoy calls out Key, Peters". The National Business Review. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  27. ^ "Winston Peters' 'Wong' joke 'shameful' – Devoy". The New Zealand Herald. 11 August 2014. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  28. ^ "Susan Devoy slams Act's Maori privilege comments". The New Zealand Herald. 30 July 2014. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  29. ^ "Labour property claims 'shonky'". Radio New Zealand. 12 July 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  30. ^ "Opinion: Labour's risky race card flop". Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  31. ^ "Devoy racist claims wrong: Labour". Stuff. 5 August 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  32. ^ "Dame Susan Devoy: 'Overseas born Kiwis not second class citizens'". The New Zealand Herald. 6 November 2015. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  33. ^ "Labour: Devoy wrong over house data". Stuff. 13 July 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  34. ^ "'She opened herself up to that sort of response' – Peters". Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  35. ^ "Whyte lobs resignation call at Devoy over race comments". The New Zealand Herald. 31 July 2014. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  36. ^ "On The Nation: Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy | Scoop News". scoop.co.nz. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  37. ^ "Rise of 'casual racism' in New Zealand". The New Zealand Herald. 2 August 2015. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  38. ^ "Dame Susan Devoy calls on NZ to 'stop demonising migrants'". m.nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  39. ^ "Countdown caught out 'racial profiling'". Radio New Zealand. 14 July 2014. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  40. ^ Weekes, John (23 November 2014). "Race relations chief slams terrifying attack on Jewish pre-schooler". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  41. ^ "Devoy: Muslims are being racially abused". Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  42. ^ "Dame Susan Devoy: Battle to make racism history is one everyone must fight". The New Zealand Herald. 23 July 2014. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  43. ^ "Medical students urged to speak out about racism". Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  44. ^ "Muslim sisters praised for speaking out". Radio New Zealand. 15 April 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  45. ^ "Stand up to racism, Devoy urges". Stuff. 28 May 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  46. ^ "'Appalling' attacks on taxi drivers". Stuff. 20 April 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  47. ^ "Dame Susan Devoy: 'Accept more refugees'". The New Zealand Herald. 21 March 2015. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  48. ^ "Transcript: Susan Devoy". Archived from the original on 26 November 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  49. ^ "Feeling free to speak out". Stuff. 8 September 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  50. ^ "Kiwi Muslims stand against violence, call for global response". The New Zealand Herald. 15 November 2015. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  51. ^ "Human Rights Commission :: Muslim New Zealanders stand alongside victims of terrorism in peace, solidarity and humanity". hrc.co.nz. Retrieved 17 November 2015.
  52. ^ "Hatred lives in New Zealand". thespinoff.co.nz. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  53. ^ "Race Relations Commissioner appointed". The Beehive. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  54. ^ "Susan Devoy's home invasion shock". The New Zealand Herald. 14 March 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
  55. ^ "Dame Susan Devoy: 'Republic of NZ' debate due | Bay of Plenty Opinion | Local Voices from Bay of Plenty, New Zealand". 19 April 2012. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
  56. ^ "Patrons". Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 4 June 2010. Retrieved 5 August 2010.
  57. ^ "Devoy urges embracement of Like Minds messages". Mental Health Foundation. 31 August 2007. Retrieved 16 June 2011.
  58. ^ Rohan, Lillie (6 September 2022). "Celebrity Treasure Island ep two: Dame Susan Devoy's secret feud revealed". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  59. ^ "Dame Suzy D: My Story". Allen & Unwin. Retrieved 20 May 2024.

Bibliography

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Sporting positions
Preceded by World No. 1
April 1984 – February 1988
May 1988 – April 1993 		Succeeded by
Awards
New award New Zealand's Sportswoman of the Year
1987, 1988
1993 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Succeeded by
Preceded by Halberg Awards – Supreme Award
1985 		Succeeded by
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