University of Otago faculty of dentistry forensic anthropologist Dr Angela Clark is now the New Zealand Police’s agency-endorsed representative on the Australia New Zealand Forensic Executive Committee (ANZFEC).
The committee comprises the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA) chief executive officer, the National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) director, and the leaders of 19 forensic science service providers from across Australia and New Zealand.
It is the first time New Zealand has had a representative at this level of forensics governance.
Dr Clark said it was an "incredible honour and a significant responsibility".
"It reflects the trust and confidence that the New Zealand Police have in my abilities and expertise in forensic anthropology."
Dr Clark has a long-standing relationship with New Zealand Police, sharing her expertise in analysing human skeletal remains to assist in criminal investigations.
"My role involves working closely with the authorities whenever human remains are discovered and reporting my findings to the coroner."
A significant aspect of her work with the police includes differentiating between non-human and human bones, and frequently involves the repatriation of kōiwi tangata to rūnaka or iwi, where historical pre-European contact human skeletal remains have been unearthed due to erosion.
She will be part of the Forensic Anthropology Technical Advisory Group (TAG), within the medical sciences Specialist Advisory Group (SAG) of ANZPAA and NIFS.
She said her inclusion in the TAG would help ensure the forensic anthropology community would be well-represented in New Zealand, well-resourced, and aligned with international good practices.
"As a voting member, I have a more active role in decision-making processes and contribute directly to the development and implementation of policies, standards and initiatives that shape and enhance forensic anthropology practices across Australasia."
She will also act as a conduit between the Forensic Anthropology TAG and the police, regularly communicating updates, findings, and decisions from the meetings to the police, ensuring that their needs and concerns are addressed in TAG discussions.
Dr Clark said she was really looking forward to using that role to shape forensic anthropology practices across both countries.
"My representation in the TAG ensures that Aotearoa’s unique perspectives, particularly those rooted in kaupapa Māori principles, are considered in international forensic anthropological discussions and decisions.
"By incorporating tikanga Māori, we can ensure that our methodologies are not only scientifically rigorous, but also respectful and appropriate, particularly when dealing with indigenous human remains," Dr Clark said.
"This approach not only honours the cultural values of Aotearoa but also sets a precedent for culturally sensitive practices in forensic science globally."
It was all about supporting an enduring and equitable justice system that would help improve transtasman justice outcomes, she said.
