21 Facts About Susan Devoy

Susan Devoy served as New Zealand's Race Relations Commissioner from 2013 to 2018.

Susan Devoy's family, including her six brothers, played squash and Devoy started playing when she was very young.

Susan Devoy began playing in tournaments when she was nine and turned professional at the age of 17 after leaving MacKillop College halfway through her final year.

Susan Devoy competed on the professional circuit for eleven years from 1981 to 1992.

Susan Devoy married her manager and fellow squash player John Oakley, on 12 December 1986 in Rotorua's St Michael's Church.

For most of her career, the World Open was held biennially, a fact that stopped Susan Devoy potentially doubling her tally.

Susan Devoy was named New Zealand Sports Person and Sports Woman of the Year in 1985.

Susan Devoy resigned from that position in February 2004, citing concerns about limited political impact that DHBs have but because she had since moved to Tauranga.

In March 2013, Susan Devoy was chosen as the successor to Joris de Bres for the position of Race Relations Commissioner.

Susan Devoy was selected by Justice Minister Judith Collins, who was later forced to defend the appointment, which was surrounded by some controversy, including concern over prior remarks by Devoy including in her role as a Bay of Plenty Times columnist.

Susan Devoy officially began her five-year job on 1 April 2013.

Susan Devoy said that politicians are role models and "it's my job to call them out".

Susan Devoy criticised NZ First MP Ron Mark for telling Korean-born National MP Melissa Lee to go back to Korea if she didn't like it in New Zealand.

Susan Devoy argued that New Zealand citizens born overseas are "not second class citizens" and "have a right to an opinion".

Susan Devoy called on Prime Minister John Key to meet with New Zealand Muslim leaders as tensions in the Middle East continued to rise.

Susan Devoy spoke out against what she views as 'everyday racism' regularly supporting those who have spoken out and encourage New Zealanders to "not stand by" while others are racially abused.

Susan Devoy regularly called for an increase in the country's annual refugee quota, which at that time had remained unchanged since 1987.

Susan Devoy's term ended in 2018 and she was succeeded the following year by former Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon.

Susan Devoy is a supporter of a New Zealand republic.

Susan Devoy has supported charities including as New Zealand patron for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

In 2024 Susan Devoy published her memoir, titled Dame Suzy D: My Story.