Biography
List MP Melissa was born in Korea and grew up in Malaysia before moving to Australia and finally settling in New Zealand with her family in 1988. She has an MA Honours (First Class) in Communication Studies.
Melissa has more than 20 years journalism experience, including a five year stint with the Sunday news and writing for numerous publications including, the NZ Herald, The Listener and various other magazines. She spent fifteen years as a TV Presenter and Producer on TVNZ Asia Dynamic and Asia Down Under and with 600 episodes to her credit either in front or behind the camera Melissa has now turned to her other passion, politics.
Melissa’s interest in politics started at an early age when she campaigned for Class president in Grade I at school. She has held many community positions including Vice President of the Korean Society, Vice President of the Korean Women’s Association. Board member of the Asia-Pacific Producer’s Network. An advisor to the National Unification Advisory Council of Korea and she was a member of the Asian Advisory to the Auckland Police.
For Melissa, family is the most important thing “Having my son Ethan was the best thing that I’ve ever done, it has matured and shaped the person I am and God help anyone who hurts him” she says.
Time for a hobby is a luxury since becoming an MP but Melissa does enjoy movies, golf - on the driving range with Ethan - knitting, cooking and writing film scripts.
Email: melissa.lee@national.org.nzWebsite: www.melissalee.co.nzPhone: (04)817 8221 (Parliament)
Phone: (09)8150278 (Electorate)