Melissa Lee

Keynote Speaker

National List MP based in Mt Albert
National Spokesperson for Broadcasting Communications and Digital Media
National Spokesperson for Ethnic Communities

BIO

Melissa entered Parliament as a National list MP following National’s victory in the 2008 election. Her election made her the first Korean women to hold office outside of Korea in a National Assembly, and New Zealand’s first Korean MP.

Born in Korea, and growing up in Malaysia, Melissa moved to New Zealand as a young adult in 1988. Melissa’s background has ensured her place as a strong advocate for New Zealand’s diverse ethnic communities within the National Government.

During her time in Parliament Melissa has served in a number of Parliamentary roles including as a Parliamentary Private Secretary, Chair of the Social Services and Commerce Select Committees and sitting on the Health and Education Committees.

Since the start of the 52^nd Parliament Melissa Lee currently serves on the Economic Development, Innovation and Science Committee, Chairs the North Asia Parliamentary Friendship Group, as co-Chair of the Parliamentary Human Rights Network and is the National Spokesperson for Ethnic Communities as well as Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media.

Her vision is for a country that is safe, secure, and prosperous.