Latest News
Protecting your Data during COVID-19 – Your Privacy Matters
Melissa Lee
September 23, 2021
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As I write this column and think about the extra weeks of economic hardship still ahead for many Kiwi businesses in the Auckland region during Level 3 and across Level 2 in the rest of New Zealand. I am finalising a proposed Member’s Bill to tackle the significant privacy harms that are becoming clear stemming from contact tracing data misuse by both the Government and those collecting it. Whether we like it or not, the continued bio-surveillance of New Zealand remains a necessary evil still to fight COVID-19 for managing and attempting the prevention of outbreaks. However, we should expect and frankly demand that any data captured by the Crown and businesses alike be held securely.
Melissa Lee's Spring Update
Melissa Lee
September 10, 2021
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Hi Everyone!
While COVID-19 Level 4 restrictions have put a dampener on the start of Spring I wanted to reach out and let you know my Office teams in Auckland and Wellington are still here to support you, your businesses and your families. Flick my team an email at [email protected] if you need any advice or support.
We are here to help!
Melissa
New Zealand’s cyber borders under siege again on Labour’s watch
Melissa Lee
September 03, 2021
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Today’s cyber-attack on New Zealand’s telecommunications network is a clear sign the Government has failed again to protect New Zealand’s cyber borders, National’s Digital Economy and Communications spokesperson Melissa Lee says.
New Zealand’s cyber-resilience failing under Labour
Matthew Stephens
July 20, 2021
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Since Labour has been in Government New Zealand’s cybersecurity ranking has taken a serious hit, National’s Digital Economy & Communications spokesperson Melissa Lee says.
The recently released United Nations ITU Global Cybersecurity Index shows New Zealand’s ranking plunging from 19 in 2017 down to 48 in 2021.
“Nations like Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Ghana, Tunisia and Azerbaijan are now outranking New Zealand in cyber resilience,” Ms Lee says.
Digital Exclusion and New Zealand’s Tech Future
Melissa Lee
July 16, 2021
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This month the Citizens Advice Bureau and a cross-section of the New Zealand community from around New Zealand arrived at the steps of Parliament to deliver a Petition calling on the Government to sort out digital exclusion.
Frankly, this government has been completely off the curb when it comes to real and high-quality delivery of digital solutions and support for digitally excluded New Zealanders. Over the summer, with barely any direct consultation (although plenty of longwinded documents were uploaded on their website which few outside the beltway have read) the government withdrew support for the telecommunications devices of deaf and hard of hearing New Zealanders. This left many vulnerable and stranded with new technologies mostly managed via apps they could not understand
Melissa Lee's July Update
Melissa Lee
July 14, 2021
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Hi Everyone!
As we head into the heart of winter remember to be ready for any situation. Around New Zealand we have been facing flooding, tornadoes and heavy swells out at sea over the past month and it is vital we are all prepared in an emergency.
Now is a great time to update your Civil Defence kits so in any emergency you can get ready and get through!
Minister not plugged into community signal struggles
Melissa Lee
June 22, 2021
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Minister not plugged into community signal struggles
It is unacceptable that a town just 10 minutes from Greymouth has such poor digital connectivity that they are not able to even receive Civil Defence warnings, National’s Digital Economy and Communications spokesperson Melissa Lee says.
Melissa Lee's Winter Update
Matthew Stephens
May 31, 2021
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Hi Everyone!
Winter has definitely set in around New Zealand with floods, heavy rain and chill winds sweeping the country, particularly households across Mid Canterbury in Selwyn and my thoughts go out to all those who have had to evacuate their property in recent days due to rising river waters. Please make sure to keep safe, wrap up warm and look after yourselves and your families!
Melissa Lee's Pre-Budget Update
Matthew Stephens
May 15, 2021
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Hi Everyone!
With the Budget only a few days away and so much going on in Parliament and around our Country I wanted to drop a line to tell you about a few things going on in my portfolios and around New Zealand. It's getting colder now with frost on the Parliament Lawn so make sure to wrap up warm!
Melissa Lee's March Update
Matthew Stephens
March 18, 2021
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Hi Everyone!
It's been a busy few days in Parliament as we get back in business now NZ is back at Level 1 around the country. This past week I've been tackling the big questions with RNZ, TVNZ and other media agencies as well as raising important questions about the future of the digital economy online!