We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Dame Helene Quilter.

Dame Helene served as a trustee of the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust, the predecessor organisation to Te Uru Tāngata, from 2015 to 2019. Throughout her career she was a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the public sector and brought that commitment to her governance of the Trust.

Her distinguished public service career spanned more than four decades. She served as Secretary of Defence, Deputy Commissioner of the State Services Commission and, most recently, Deputy Public Service Commissioner at Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission before retiring in February 2023.

In the same year, Dame Helene was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the public service and the arts. The honour recognised her leadership in building a capable and inclusive public service, her advocacy for diversity in public sector leadership, and her longstanding contribution to New Zealand.

Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche described Dame Helene as one of New Zealand's most respected public servants, whose career was defined by integrity, professionalism and a deep commitment to serving New Zealanders.

We acknowledge Dame Helene's contribution to the Equal Employment Opportunities Trust and extend our sincere condolences to her whānau, friends and former colleagues.