Andre Afamasaga

Andre Afamasaga (Samoan: Afega, Fasito‘otai), is a recognised advocate for human rights, diversity, and inclusion. In acknowledgement of his work, he was previously nominated for Australia Day Citizen of the Year and NSW Pacific Community Worker of the Year.  

Andre’s professional experience includes GM of Advice, Research & Engagement at the NZ Human Rights Commission, where his team oversaw the Pacific Pay Gap Inquiry, the Housing Inquiry, the civil redress response to the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Act, and anti-racism and social cohesion campaigns. He also held secondment roles at the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet and the Ministry of Justice in strategic communications and community engagement. Additionally, Andre has worked in public health, on several award-winning public health campaigns for Pacific and Māori.  He now has his own consultancy Lived Experience Leadership. 

In governance, Andre champions ‘operationalising’ human rights, diversity, and equity, so that all people from the boardroom to the tearoom ‘get it’ and ‘live it’. Based in Taranaki, he currently serves on Zeal Education Trust and Praxis boards, drawing on decades of governance experience in community and faith-based settings. 

His lived experience as a former pastor and conversion practices survivor has made him a sought-after leader on issues of diversity and inclusion. In September 2024, he was the focus of ‘Alofa', an ABC Australia documentary, and has also featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, Stuff, TVNZ and Samoa Observer.