Dame Judith Helen McGregor DNZM (born 1948) is a New Zealand lawyer, journalist, public servant and academic. She is currently a full professor at Auckland University of Technology[1] and chairs the Waitematā District Health Board.
Dame Judy McGregor | |
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Born | 1948 (age 75–76) |
Alma mater | Massey University |
Scientific career | |
Thesis |
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McGregor completed a BA from the University of Waikato in 1970, where she was founded editor of Nexus, the student magazine.[2] Working as a journalist she rose to editorship of the Sunday News and the Auckland Star and serving on the Broadcasting Standards Authority.[2] She took a stand against the 1981 Springboks tour, and walked in the 1975 Maori land march.[3]
In the 2004 New Year Honours, McGregor was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to journalism.[4]
After a PhD in political communication,[5] McGregor worked as a Professor at Massey University.[2] Between 2003 and 2013 (two terms) McGregor served as the first Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner for the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, appointed by Minister Margaret Wilson and replaced in the role by politician Jackie Blue.[6][7][8] As commissioner her report 'Caring Counts' based on undercover work in the aged care industry had a huge impact[9][10][11][12] and lead ultimately to the a historic industry-wide settlement.[13]
McGregor then moved to Auckland University of Technology as professor.[1] In 2016 McGregor was named supreme winner of Women in Governance Awards.[3] After the resignation of Dr Lester Levy as chair of the Waitematā District Health Board, the Minister of Health (David Clark) appointed McGregor as his successor, effective 10 June 2018.[14]
McGregor was promoted to Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to human rights and health, in the 2022 Queen's Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours.[15]
Notable students of McGregor include Sue Bradford.[16]