Dame Susan Devoy DNZM, CBE is a legendary New Zealand squash champion, former Race Relations Commissioner, and one of the country’s most enduring public figures.
Bursting onto the international stage in the early 1980s, Susan held the world number one squash ranking continuously from 1983 until her retirement in 1992. She claimed four World Championship titles and won the prestigious British Open eight times – a staggering record that remains unmatched in New Zealand squash history.
Her success on the court was recognised with multiple honours, including being named New Zealand Sportswoman of the Year in 1985, 1987, and 1988. Appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to squash, she was later made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1998 – the youngest New Zealander since Sir Edmund Hillary to receive such an honour.
After retiring from professional sport, Susan devoted herself to service and advocacy. Her long involvement with the Halberg Trust stemmed from a passion for equity and opportunity in sport for young people with disabilities. She later took on leadership roles as CEO and Chair of Sport Bay of Plenty, a board member of the Auckland District Health Board, and Chair of BNZ Partners in Tauranga. She continues to serve her local community as a trustee of the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust (TECT).
From 2013 to 2018, she served as New Zealand’s Race Relations Commissioner, a role that challenged her deeply and exposed her to the realities of racism, prejudice, and social division in Aotearoa. That experience profoundly shaped her understanding of equity and inclusion in modern New Zealand.
Talking Points
Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity & Inclusion
Women in Sport
Women in Sport
Dame Susan perfectly rounded off a full agenda of panel discussions and presentations with a very frank and humorous response to questions about her life which kept those present captivated. ... keep reading Nick Howell - KangaNews
Great. [Susan's] contribution has helped substantially in ensuring the effectiveness of the programme and for this we are grateful. [Her] presentation benefited the audience greatly.
Dame Susan managed to weave some great messages throughout her talk that resonated with our audience. It felt authentic and genuine and created a shared sense of connection between her and the and our guests.
She was really down to earth and her topic was relevant.
