The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care welcomes the appointment of Mervin Singham as the Executive Director of the Royal Commission.

Mervin Singham currently holds the position of Deputy Chief Executive Strategy and Governance with the Department of Internal Affairs.

Royal Commission Chair Sir Anand Satyanand says Mervin Singham brings a depth of experience and knowledge in both the private and public sector which will contribute to the exacting work of the Royal Commission.

“In Mervin’s role as the Director of Ethnic Affairs for nine years, I observed his ability to lead staff and motivate people in the community. He also brings conflict resolution skills and a broad understanding of intercultural issues. I look forward to working with him.”

Mervin Singham has extensive experience in the field of human rights and was Chief Mediator at the Human Rights Commission. His achievements include several United Nations consultancy projects in the Middle East and Asia Pacific region.

He also has an Honours Degree in Law from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch and a First Class Honours Masters Degree in Law from the University of Auckland. He has attended executive management programmes at the London Business School and Harvard Business School in Boston.