“Jane has a deep understanding of issues faced by children today, informed by more than 15 years’ combined experience in different parts of the children’s sector. She has the experience and skills to advocate on children’s wellbeing.”
Upston said every child and young person should go to bed every night safe and well. They should also knowhow loved they were, and have the ability to reach their full potential.
“The Children’s Commissioner plays an important role in advocating for what makes a difference in kids’ lives.”
Searle grew up with her parents, John and Lyn Wilson, and siblings in Horohoro. Her brother is Watchdog Security managing director and co-founder Brett Wilson.
She went to Rotorua Girls’ High School before studying law at the University of Waikato.
Jane Searle pictured in Rotorua’s CBD in 2014. Photo / File
She worked as a lawyer for the late Rotorua lawyer Rob Vigor Brown before joining Tauranga’s Sharp Tudhope firm.
She later discovered she wanted to be part of the other side of the law. She joined the police and spent her early days working the beat in Tauranga before moving to the CIB as a detective, specialising in child protection investigations.
She later trained in fraud investigation before eventually moving to Child Matters as the general manager in 2015 and chief executive in 2017.
Child Matters chairman Edgar Wilson said Searle had made an undeniable impact on the organisation’s development.
“Under her leadership, Child Matters has become financially self-sufficient, significantly widened the breadth and accessibility of its services and developed national and international networks to assess and translate global best practice for the New Zealand environment.”
He said she had been an “unwavering public advocate” for the safety and protection of New Zealand’s children through the media and with government agencies and politicians.
“We are proud and grateful that she will be able to make an even greater impact for New Zealand children, their protection and wellbeing in her new role as Children’s Commissioner.”
The Children’s Commissioner operates as an independent Crown entity that works at arm’s length from the Government and is exempt from policy directives.
They advocate for the country’s youth and are appointed to the role by the Governor General for five-year terms.
Searle will replace outgoing commissioner Claire Achmad on August 1.
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.