Laures Park
Laures Park is the laureate of the 2024 Mary Hatwood Futrell Human and Trade Union Rights Award.
Laures Park has had a long and distinguished career, initially starting as a teacher, then principal. Laures was active as a union member during her teaching career, and helped lead the establishment of Miro Māori (the Māori strand of membership) and Te Reo Areare (Māori national leadership group), as well as advocating for NZEI Te Riu Roa to recognise Te Tiriti o Waitangi in its constitution.
In 1998, Laures was appointed Matua Takawaenga -a senior union leader, working for NZEI Te Riu Roa on kaupapa Māori and international issues. Laures’ responsibilities have been based around Māori members, Māori staff and Māori policy for NZEI Te Riu Roa but she has also been active in support the union’s Pasifika Leaders Group and across the wider union movement.
She is currently co-convenor of the Runanga of the NZ Council of Trade Unions.
Written by Laures Park
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Equity and inclusion 13 August 2024 Education Voices | Laures Park, Laureate of the 2024 Mary Hatwood Futrell Human and Trade Union Rights Award
Laures Park
At Education International’s 10th World Congress, Laures Park was awarded the 2024 Mary Hatwood Futrell Human and Trade Union Rights Award. In this interview, Laures retraces her fight for the rights of Māori people and minority groups in New Zealand.
Education Voices | Laures Park, Laureate of the 2024 Mary Hatwood Futrell Human and Trade Union Rights Award