Tributes are rolling in after the death of Sir Ian Hassall, New Zealand's first Children's Commissioner.
Sir Ian Hassall. Photo: Supplied
Sir Ian died on Monday, age 79.
He was involved with many public-sector advisory groups, as well as helping to establish the Children's phone counselling service What's Up, and serving as a Trustee for the Kids Helpline Trust until 2008.
He contributed to the world's first major cot death study, oversaw the medical side of the Plunket Family Units, and established a Child Abuse Prevention Society in 1977.
He was knighted in 2018 and, then, told RNZ the the simple answer for why he had dedicated his life to improving the lives and health of children was that "I do like children."
"I find them inspiring and I'm very interested in the way the human being unwraps as time goes by."
In a statement, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was a privilege to have known Sir Ian.
"He was truly a humble man who dedicated his life's work to the betterment of children," Ardern said.
"His contribution to the lives of children in New Zealand is unparalleled. His ground-breaking research into cot death saved many lives and his work both as a paediatrician and advocate on child abuse helped bring the issue to the attention of the nation.
"Sir Ian both inspired me and provided advice on my work on child wellbeing issues. He was always there to provide guidance, and all in the name of improving the lives of children.
"He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with Lady Jenny and their family at this very sad time," Ardern said.
The Office of the Children's Commissioner said Sir Ian was a noted and committed paediatrician at the time of his appointment in 1989.
A statement from the Office said Commissioner Andrew Becroft, Assistant Māori Commissioner Glenis Philip-Barbara and all the staff mourned his passing.
"Sir Ian blazed a pioneering trail in setting up the office of the Children's Commissioner and ensuring that it stood firm in its advocacy for children and their rights. He was an early advocate for what was then known as a 'no hitting' approach to raising children. He put the Office on the map and established its credibility for the decades to come, providing a solid base for subsequent research and advocacy.
"Sir Ian was a compassionate, principled man who was absolutely dedicated to improving the lives of New Zealand's children. He brought a rigorous research-based approach to the work of the office and was greatly respected in all his roles. He'll be greatly missed."
Save the Children New Zealand chief executive Heidi Coetzee said Sir Ian would long be remembered as a staunch advocate for children.
"Over his many years working for children - in medicine, research, consultancy and advocacy - Sir Ian's immense contribution to improving the welfare of children will be felt for decades to come.
"He took a lead role in advocating for the repeal of Section 59, which led to New Zealand being the first English speaking country to protect our children from all forms or physical punishment. We are immensely grateful for his tireless work for protecting the rights of children and are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. It is a great loss for New Zealand."
