Introduction
Cynthia A. (Cindy) Kiro is a New Zealand public health academic. She is a former Children's Commissioner and former head of the School of Public Health at Massey University and currently head of Te Kura Maori at Victoria University of Wellington. She is a Māori of Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine descent.
Career
Kiro got her PhD from Massey University in 2001 with a thesis entitled Māori health policy and practice = Kimihia hauora Māori : Ngāpuhi, Ngāti-Hine, Ngāti Te Rangiwewehe.
Kiro was Children's Commissioner 2003–2008 The passing of the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act 2007 during her tenure attracted considerable public interest and generated considerable media interest. Kiro was unflinching in her support for the repeal of the Section 59 of the Crimes Act which provided a legal justification for using force against children.
She returned to academia, working first at Massey University then at Victoria University of Wellington.