Susan Devoy

{{Infobox squash player

| name = Dame Susan Devoy

| image = Dame Susan Devoy 2 (cropped).jpg

| alt =

| caption = Devoy in 2018

| full_name = Susan Elizabeth Anne Devoy

| nickname =

| country = New Zealand

| residence =

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1964|01|04|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Rotorua, New Zealand

| death_date =

| death_place =

| height =

| weight =

| turnedpro = 1981

| retired = 1992

| plays = Right handed

| coach =

| racquet =

| website =

| event = Women's singles

| years_active =

| highest_ranking = No. 1

| date_of_highest_ranking = April 1984

| titles =

| finals =

| WorldOpenresult = W (1985, 1987, 1990, 1992)

| medaltemplates =

{{MedalCountry | {{NZL}} }}

| show-medals = yes

| module = {{Infobox officeholder |embed = yes

| order1 = 10th Race Relations Commissioner

| office1 =

| term_start1 = 2013

| term_end1 = 2018

| predecessor1 = Joris de Bres

| successor1 = Meng Foon

}}

Dame Susan Elizabeth Anne Devoy {{post-nominals|country=NZL|DNZM|CBE}} (born 4 January 1964){{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=3048459|title=Squash: Devoy signs on to head Bay of Plenty sport |date=23 December 2002|work=The New Zealand Herald|accessdate=2009-10-27}} 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.{{cite web|title=Fitz-Gerald thrashes Owens|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/1606793.stm|date=18 October 2001|work=BBC Sport|accessdate=2007-11-24}} She served as New Zealand's Race Relations Commissioner from 2013 to 2018.

Early life and family

Devoy was born in Rotorua, the youngest of seven children and her parents' only daughter.{{Cite web |title=Dame Susan Devoy on miscarriage; NZ's problem with racism; reality TV secrets |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/dame-susan-devoy-my-story-as-told-to-elisabeth-easther-miscarriage-experience-nzs-problem-with-racism-celebrity-treasure-island-role/E4XFGLFFBMXPEB3HS2VJOD2CXM/ |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} Her family, including her six brothers, also played squash and Devoy started playing when she was very young. 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. 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. Together, they have four sons,{{cite news |last=Watson |first=Glenn |date=6 January 2010 |title=Mum's the word for Dame Susan |work=Wanganui Chronicle |url=http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/local/news/mums-the-word-for-dame-susan/3908274/ |accessdate=5 August 2010}} the eldest of whom is track athlete Julian Oakley.{{cite web |date=12 December 2011 |title=Winning's in the blood for Dame Susan's boy |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Winnings-in-the-blood-for-Dame-Susans-boy/tabid/415/articleID/236262/Default.aspx |accessdate=18 March 2012 |publisher=3 News}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=http://www.friars.com/sports/m-xc/mtt/julian_oakley_808750.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208165119/http://www.friars.com/sports/m-xc/mtt/julian_oakley_808750.html |archive-date=8 December 2015 |access-date=4 December 2015}}

Playing career

Devoy turned professional at the age of 17. Her first World Open title came in 1985,{{cite book |last=Kirk |first=Allan R |title=Susan Devoy, Squash Champion |publisher=Capital Letters Publishing |year=2006 |isbn=1877177598 |series=Famous New Zealanders |location=Masterton, New Zealand |page=}} with a subsequent win in 1987. Further World Open titles came in 1990 and 1992.{{cite book |last=Kirk |first=Allan R |title=Susan Devoy, Squash Champion |publisher=Capital Letters Publishing |year=2006|location=Masterton, New Zealand |series=Famous New Zealanders |isbn=1877177598 |page=15}} 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|date=May 2011}}

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.{{cite book |last=Kirk |first=Allan R |title=Susan Devoy, Squash Champion |publisher=Capital Letters Publishing |year=2006|location=Masterton, New Zealand |series=Famous New Zealanders |isbn=1877177598 |page=19}}

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

class="sortable wikitable" !width="100"\| Outcome !width="50"\| Year !width="200"\| Location !width="200"\| Opponent in the final !width="200"\| Score in the final
bgcolor="98FB98"\|Winner	1985	Dublin, Ireland	{{flagicon\|ENG}} Lisa Opie	9–4, 9–5, 10–8
bgcolor="98FB98"\|Winner	1987	Auckland, New Zealand	{{flagicon\|ENG}} Lisa Opie	9–3, 10–8, 9–2
bgcolor="FFA07A"\|Runner-up	1989	Warmond, Netherlands	{{flagicon\|ENG}} Martine Le Moignan	4–9, 9–4, 10–8, 10–8
bgcolor="98FB98"\|Winner	1990	Sydney, Australia	{{flagicon\|ENG}} Martine Le Moignan	9–4, 9–4, 9–4
bgcolor="98FB98"\|Winner	1992	Vancouver, Canada	{{flagicon\|AUS}} Michelle Martin	9–4, 9–6, 9–4

Awards and honours

In the 1986 New Year Honours, Devoy was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to squash,{{London Gazette

| issue = 50362

| date = 31 December 1985

| page = 30

| supp = 2

}} 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.{{London Gazette

| issue = 53334

| date = 12 June 1993

| page = 37

| supp = 3

}} She was named New Zealand Sports Person and Sports Woman of the Year in 1985.{{cite web |title=The Board |url=http://www.sustainabilitynz.org/council.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728074233/http://www.sustainabilitynz.org/council.asp |archive-date=28 July 2011 |access-date=5 August 2010 |publisher=Sustainability Council of New Zealand}} In 1990, she was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.{{cite book |last1=Taylor |first1=Alister |title=Honoured by the Queen – New Zealand |last2=Coddington |first2=Deborah |publisher=New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa |year=1994 |isbn=0-908578-34-2 |location=Auckland |page=121 |authorlink1=Alister Taylor |authorlink2=Deborah Coddington}}

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,{{cite web |date=1 June 1998 |title=Queen's Birthday honours list 1998 |url=https://dpmc.govt.nz/publications/queens-birthday-honours-list-1998 |accessdate=5 July 2020 |publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet}} becoming the youngest New Zealander since Sir Edmund Hillary to receive a titular honour.

Post-playing career

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.{{cite news |date=15 October 2001 |title=Election winners |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/local-vote-2001/news/article.cfm?c_id=761&objectid=222474#dhbs |accessdate=10 May 2020}}{{cite news |last=Johnston |first=Martin |date=9 February 2004 |title=Time for change as Susan Devoy quits Auckland District Health Board |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=3548146 |accessdate=10 May 2020}}

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

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.{{cite web|title=Veitch: Henry, Devoy distance themselves|date=20 April 2009 |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2341906/Veitch-Henry-Devoy-distance-themselves}}

New Zealand Race Relations Commissioner

In March 2013, Devoy was chosen as the successor to Joris de Bres for the position of Race Relations Commissioner.{{cite news| url= http://www.3news.co.nz/Susan-Devoy-takes-race-relations-role/tabid/1607/articleID/291032/Default.aspx|work=3 News NZ |title= Susan Devoy takes race relations role| date=20 March 2013}}{{cite news| url= http://nz.newswaver.com/1510 | work=News Waver | title= Susan Devoy takes race relations role| date=20 March 2013}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10872855 |title=Critics target Devoy appointment |date=22 March 2013 |work=The New Zealand Herald |accessdate=22 March 2013 |first=Isaac |last=Davison}} The Mana Party called for her sacking, and the Green Party said her views on Waitangi Day were "embarrassing".{{cite news| url= http://www.3news.co.nz/Dame-Susan-a-one-fingered-salute---Trotter/tabid/1607/articleID/291663/Default.aspx |work=3 News NZ |title= Dame Susan a 'one-fingered salute' – Trotter| date=25 March 2013}}

Devoy officially began her five-year job on 1 April 2013.{{cite news| url= http://www.3news.co.nz/Devoy-criticised-over-anti-burqa-comments/tabid/1607/articleID/291235/Default.aspx |work=3 News NZ |title= Devoy criticised over anti-burqa comments| date=21 March 2013}}{{cite news| url= http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/dame-susan-made-new-race-relations-commissioner-5373851| work=TVNZ News | title= Dame Susan made new Race Relations Commissioner| date=20 March 2013}} 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.{{cite news| url= http://www.3news.co.nz/Devoy-wont-comment-on-Chinese-remarks/tabid/1607/articleID/299233/Default.aspx |work=3 News NZ |title= Devoy won't comment on Chinese remarks| date=27 May 2013}}{{cite news| url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10886045 |work=The New Zealand Herald | title= Devoy keeps clear of Peters' China attack| date=25 May 2013}}

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".{{Cite web|title = Devoy calls out Key, Peters|url = http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/devoy-calls-out-key-peters-170423|website = The National Business Review|accessdate = 2015-11-09}} 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".{{Cite news|title = Winston Peters' 'Wong' joke 'shameful' – Devoy|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11307143|work=The New Zealand Herald |date = 2014-08-11|access-date = 2015-11-09|issn = 1170-0777}} 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.{{Cite news|title = Susan Devoy slams Act's Maori privilege comments|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11301500|work=The New Zealand Herald |date = 2014-07-30|access-date = 2015-11-09|issn = 1170-0777}} In 2015, some Chinese people in New Zealand were "dismayed" when Labour MP Phil Twyford released data equating "Chinese sounding" surnames with foreigners{{Cite web|title = Labour property claims 'shonky'|url = http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/278528/labour-property-claims-'shonky'|website =Radio New Zealand | date=12 July 2015 |accessdate = 2015-11-09}}{{Cite web|title = Opinion: Labour's risky race card flop|url = http://www.3news.co.nz/opinion/opinion-labours-risky-race-card-flop-2015072313#axzz3r1VI9jIU|accessdate = 2015-11-09}} 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.{{Cite web|title = Devoy racist claims wrong: Labour|url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/70854977/labour-says-susan-devoy-out-of-line-for-calling-it-racist-over-chinese-buyers|website =Stuff | date=5 August 2015 |accessdate = 2015-11-09}} 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".{{Cite news|title = Dame Susan Devoy: 'Overseas born Kiwis not second class citizens'|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11540751|work=The New Zealand Herald |date = 2015-11-06|access-date = 2015-11-09|issn = 1170-0777}} All politicians stood by their statements{{Cite web|title = Labour: Devoy wrong over house data|url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/70202394/labour-hits-back-at-dame-susan-devoy-over-claim-its-housing-data-was-halfbaked|website =Stuff | date=13 July 2015 |accessdate = 2015-11-09}}{{Cite web|title = 'She opened herself up to that sort of response' – Peters|url = http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/she-opened-herself-up-to-that-sort-of-response---peters-2015110608#axzz3r1VI9jIU|accessdate = 2015-11-09}} with Whyte calling for her resignation.{{Cite news|title = Whyte lobs resignation call at Devoy over race comments|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11301977|work=The New Zealand Herald |date = 2014-07-31|access-date = 2015-11-09|issn = 1170-0777}} Devoy also called on Prime Minister John Key to meet with New Zealand Muslim leaders as tensions in the Middle East continued to rise.{{Cite web|title = On The Nation: Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy {{!}} Scoop News|url = http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1503/S00249/on-the-nation-race-relations-commissioner-dame-susan-devoy.htm|website = scoop.co.nz|accessdate = 2015-11-09}}

Devoy also spoke out against what she views as 'everyday racism'{{Cite news|title = Rise of 'casual racism' in New Zealand|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11490650|work=The New Zealand Herald |date = 2015-08-02|access-date = 2015-11-09|issn = 1170-0777}} regularly supporting those who have spoken out and encourage New Zealanders to "not stand by" while others are racially abused.{{Cite web|title = Dame Susan Devoy calls on NZ to 'stop demonising migrants'|url = http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11492259|website = m.nzherald.co.nz|accessdate = 2015-11-09}} Māori New Zealander Rikki Hooper was humiliated while shopping in her supermarket,{{Cite web|title = Countdown caught out 'racial profiling'|url = http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/249681/countdown-caught-out-'racial-profiling'|website =Radio New Zealand | date=14 July 2014 |accessdate = 2015-11-09}} while Muslims and Jews have also criticised abuse and attacks{{Cite news|title = Race relations chief slams terrifying attack on Jewish pre-schooler|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11363241|work=The New Zealand Herald |date = 2014-11-23|access-date = 2015-11-09|issn = 1170-0777|first = John|last = Weekes}}{{Cite web|title = Devoy: Muslims are being racially abused|url = http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/devoy-muslims-are-being-racially-abused-2014110521#axzz3r1VI9jIU|accessdate = 2015-11-09}}{{Cite news|title = Dame Susan Devoy: Battle to make racism history is one everyone must fight|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11297452|work=The New Zealand Herald |date = 2014-07-23|access-date = 2015-11-09|issn = 1170-0777}}{{Cite web|title = Medical students urged to speak out about racism|url = http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/medical-students-urged-to-speak-out-about-racism-2015081610#axzz3r1VI9jIU|accessdate = 2015-11-09}}{{Cite web|title = Muslim sisters praised for speaking out|url = http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/271279/muslim-sisters-praised-for-speaking-out|website =Radio New Zealand | date=15 April 2015 |accessdate = 2015-11-09}} as have rugby players in Canterbury{{Cite web|title = Stand up to racism, Devoy urges|url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/68901138/canterbury-club-rugby-players-in-tears-after-racial-taunts|website =Stuff | date=28 May 2015 |accessdate = 2015-11-09}} and taxi drivers in Southland.{{Cite web|title = 'Appalling' attacks on taxi drivers|url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/67887327/race-relations-commissioner-slams-attacks-on-taxi-drivers|website =Stuff | date=20 April 2015 |accessdate = 2015-11-09}}

Devoy regularly called for an increase in the country's annual refugee quota, which at that time had remained unchanged since 1987.{{Cite news|title = Dame Susan Devoy: 'Accept more refugees'|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11420787|work=The New Zealand Herald |date = 2015-03-21|access-date = 2015-11-09|issn = 1170-0777}}{{Cite web|title = Transcript: Susan Devoy|url = http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/thenation/transcript-susan-devoy-2015090513#axzz3r1VI9jIU|access-date = 2015-11-09|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151126123550/http://www.3news.co.nz/tvshows/thenation/transcript-susan-devoy-2015090513#axzz3r1VI9jIU|archive-date = 26 November 2015}}{{Cite web|title = Feeling free to speak out|url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/71880145/feeling-the-freedom-to-speak-out|website =Stuff | date=8 September 2015 |accessdate = 2015-11-09}}

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."{{Cite news|title = Kiwi Muslims stand against violence, call for global response|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11545786|work=The New Zealand Herald |date = 2015-11-15|access-date = 2015-11-17|issn = 1170-0777}}{{Cite web|title = Human Rights Commission :: Muslim New Zealanders stand alongside victims of terrorism in peace, solidarity and humanity|url = https://www.hrc.co.nz/news/muslim-new-zealanders-stand-alongside-victims-terrorism-peace-solidarity-and-humanity/|website = hrc.co.nz|accessdate = 2015-11-17}} 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."{{Cite news|title = Hatred lives in New Zealand|url = https://thespinoff.co.nz/news/16-03-2019/hatred-lives-in-new-zealand/|website =The Spinoff |accessdate = 2020-05-05}}

Devoy's term ended in 2018 and she was succeeded the following year by former Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon.{{Cite web |title=Race Relations Commissioner appointed |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/race-relations-commissioner-appointed |access-date=2022-09-06 |website=The Beehive |language=en}}

Later life

She currently lives in Tauranga.{{cite web |date=14 March 2012 |title=Susan Devoy's home invasion shock |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10791955 |accessdate=14 March 2012 |work=The New Zealand Herald}} She is a supporter of a New Zealand republic.{{Cite web |date=2012-04-19 |title=Dame Susan Devoy: 'Republic of NZ' debate due {{!}} Bay of Plenty Opinion {{!}} Local Voices from Bay of Plenty, New Zealand |url=http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/news/dame-susan-devoy/1219647/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419183310/http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/news/dame-susan-devoy/1219647/ |archive-date=2012-04-19 |access-date=2019-05-29}} Devoy has supported charities including as New Zealand patron for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.{{cite web |title=Patrons |url=http://www.mda.org.nz/about_patrons.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604225207/http://www.mda.org.nz/about_patrons.html |archive-date=4 June 2010 |access-date=5 August 2010 |publisher=Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand}} In 2007, she appeared on Like Minds, Like Mine TV commercials in New Zealand to counter the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.{{cite news |date=31 August 2007 |title=Devoy urges embracement of Like Minds messages |agency=Mental Health Foundation |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0708/S00137.htm |accessdate=16 June 2011}} 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/celebrity-treasure-island-ep-two-dame-susan-devoys-secret-feud-revealed/66XO5IHNOL66UBJPJTBGFWOISE/ |title=Celebrity Treasure Island ep two: Dame Susan Devoy's secret feud revealed |first=Lillie |last=Rohan |date=6 September 2022 |work=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=7 September 2022}} In 2024 Devoy published her memoir, titled Dame Suzy D: My Story.{{Cite web |title=Dame Suzy D: My Story |url=https://www.allenandunwin.co.nz/browse/book/Susan-Devoy-Dame-Suzy-D:-My-Story-9781991006523 |access-date=20 May 2024 |website=Allen & Unwin}}