Minister Lee’s video message transcript

Hello everyone, 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo), I'm Melissa Lee, your new Minister for Ethnic Communities. 

I am delighted and humbled to be taking on this important role, to work alongside my colleagues in the coalition government and the team at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities, so that we can collaborate with all of you who contribute to the rich tapestry of cultures that define our nation.

Before we embark on our exciting journey together, I'd love to share a bit about my own journey.

I was born in South Korea and spent my formative years in the vibrant tapestry of Malaysia. In 1988, my family and I, that is my parents, my brother and I, made the move to New Zealand, making it our home. I began my career as a newspaper reporter and in 1994, I made a move to TVNZ to front, some of you might actually remember, Asia Dynamic and Asia Downunder. Then my journey here in Parliament began in 2008.

I genuinely appreciate the diversity that makes New Zealand so special. My own lived experiences have fuelled my passion for promoting understanding, unity, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration among all our communities.

My goal is to empower you, to celebrate your unique contributions to every aspect of life here in New Zealand, to promote social cohesion and to ensure you have equitable access to government services. For all of you to feel you belong and have a very strong voice.

I encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, issues, and aspirations with me. Let us work collaboratively to make positive change together.

I want to connect with all of you. However, as we approach the end of the year and the holiday season, I'm reaching out through this video message as an interim measure until we have the opportunity to meet in person.

I’d like to wish all of you and your family, loved ones, a wonderful Christmas and a new year that is filled with happiness, prosperity, and the joy of new beginnings.

Catch you soon.