About Anna

Anna is an alumnus of Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland where she graduated with degrees in Law and Politics. She studied Law because it’s about understanding power structures and how these impact people’s lives, as well as how these can be changed for the better. In her studies she was interested in human rights, the role of law and justice in society, refugee law, climate justice, international law and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

During her time at university, she was a World Vision Youth Ambassador, volunteered with Community Law through the Equal Justice Project, interned with an immigration and refugee law firm, was President of the Auckland University Students’ Association and was the student representative on the University of Auckland Council.

After finishing university, Anna studied in Chile on a Prime Minister’s scholarship for a semester, before moving to Te Whanganui-a-Tara to start a role with Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. Anna has been at Amnesty International since 2019, first as the Advocacy and Policy Co-ordinator and then as the Advocacy and Policy Manager.

About Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a global movement of over ten million people who protect human dignity and defend human rights. In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have approximately 40,000 supporters and work on a wide range of human rights issues of both national and international significance.

Domestically, Amnesty’s work has included advocating for the refugee quota to double, for an additional pathway for people seeking refuge to be established and for people seeking asylum to no longer be detained in criminal justice facilities. Amnesty works alongside other NGOs in a range of areas, including criminal justice.

Amnesty also provides research and advocates on international human rights crises to relevant ministries and diplomats.

What is unique about working or volunteering at Amnesty – especially for those with a law degree?

Law is ultimately about people and power. Working for Amnesty International involves understanding and navigating the systems and structures of power in order to advance human rights, challenge injustice and promote accountability. A law degree is particularly useful for this mahi.

The scope of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand provides a unique opportunity to both advocate for legislative and policy changes domestically, as well as respond to international human rights crises and engage with international law processes.

Opportunities for Students

Amnesty International is about people, and the power of people standing together to protect human rights. To achieve human rights wins, it takes committed people who take action on a regular basis. Our Amnesty Community plays a critical role in achieving change. Part of this community is made up of Amnesty Advocates, dedicated individuals who work together to drive forward our fight for rights.

People may belong to a group in their local area, school, university, or may regularly take actions online and on social media. This includes Amnesty International’s team at Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. Any amount of time a person can give to the movement is valuable, whether it’s signing a petition online, or helping to organise an event.

Through online campaigning, organising events, lobbying politicians, writing letters and mobilising people, the Amnesty Community is a powerful force to promote human rights and advocate for change.