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With faith and identity, Ramadan is a time for contemplation and reward
Melissa Lee 
April 14, 2022
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Ramadan is always an important time for reflection and community for those living within the Islamic world. I have always appreciated the compassionate outreach by New Zealand’s Muslim community to me and other Members of the National Party Caucus.
To join them in commemorating the messages of Ramadan through Iftar dinners, public panels, Suhoor, and wider discussions about faith and identity in New Zealand has been a true pleasure as National’s Ethnic Communities Spokesperson.
Debates should not generate hatred and cancel culture
Melissa Lee April 14, 2022
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On the weekend, as I was preparing to write a few words about Race Relations Day and the impact of our 213+ ethnicities on New Zealand’s cultural history, I faced an outpouring of messages concerned about an upcoming film to be screened in New Zealand, the Kashmir Files.
It had been recalled for review by the Classifications Office, home of the Chief Censor.
I have talked a lot about content regulation and censorship so after considering the issue in-depth on Sunday morning I posted to my Facebook Feed. The comment thread on this post crossed a number of discussion points but I was deeply concerned about some language, both for the film’s screening and opposed, some commentators decided to direct at each other. Religious hatred, accusations of propaganda, of supporting terrorism and of misinformation were flung in both directions and all over a drama, a film that has been screened internationally now for several weeks. I found it ironic, in a discussion regarding censorship, but necessary to limit some replies that were particularly nasty choosing to incite anger and belittle rather than continue the discourse of broader opinion on this contentious issue.
Easter and Vaisakhi
Melissa Lee April 14, 2022
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Melissa Lee
Wellington, April 13, 2022
As we head into Autumn in New Zealand and the start of many traditional Spring Festivals of South and South-East Asia, it is important to reflect on the many changes that we have seen around New Zealand.
We have lost loved ones to Covid-19, we have seen many of our favourite storefronts close and we have seen incredibly sad situations keeping people torn apart on the borders.
We have also seen incredible acts of kindness and charity. The Sikh Gurudwara, the Hindu Mandir and the Muslim Masjid, alongside many other churches around New Zealand, opened their doors to support the vaccinations efforts, to provide food and compassion to the citizens of our country while they themselves strived to ensure that their congregants received the pastoral and spiritual care of their faith.
Race Relations Day 2022: Bridging Communities and Censorship
Melissa Lee March 22, 2022
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On the weekend, as I was preparing to write a few words about Race Relations Day and the impact of our 213+ ethnicities on New Zealand’s cultural history, I faced an outpouring of messages concerned about an upcoming film to be screened in New Zealand, the Kashmir Files. It had been re-called for review by the Classifications Office, home of the Chief Censor.
Holi and 2022
Melissa Lee March 16, 2022
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Once again many cultural festivals around New Zealand have had to be cancelled, postponed or moved online due to the impact of Omicron around our country. I was particularly saddened to see that this year I and my fellow National Members of Parliament will be unable to join the community in celebration of Holi, one of my favourite Indian festivals.
The Power of Holi
Melissa Lee March 16, 2022
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It’s Holi time. The vibrant celebration of culture in a fun way that children of all ages, old and young alike, have been able to come together. Through the rainbow cascades of coloured powder, lights, and streamers showing each other the warmth of our communities in the spirit of congeniality, unity and at the end of the day, you are doused in colour from head to toe.
Melissa Lee's March 2022 Update
Melissa Lee March 15, 2022
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Hi Everyone!
Heading into Autumn and colder weather I want to acknowledge how difficult the cost of living crisis is getting for New Zealand households and businesses. When the price of just a single head of cauliflower and block of cheese is reaching towards the weekly food budget of an elderly pensioner something is seriously wrong.
The Government's wasteful spending, tax grabs and failure to address rising costs in our day to day lives isn't good enough and action is urgently needed.
Please remember my Auckland and Wellington Offices are open and here to help.
The RNZ-TVNZ merger won't address the real media challenges
Melissa Lee March 14, 2022
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The ”‘conscious coupling’ of TVNZ and RNZ is about to get the green light with Cabinet rubber-stamping it this week.
Whether we call it a merger, a disestablishment, a re-alignment, or a waste of millions of dollars over several years - I have one clear message for the Government.
It is not worth it!
It is bizarre how the Government is trying to mash them together like two irregular jigsaw pieces.
Misinformation creates inroads into our freedom of expression
Melissa Lee February 22, 2022
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Misinformation.
Malinformation.
Disinformation.
Fake news.
Whatever we call it, it is now a problem for New Zealand. The spread of information that is causing harm, which is directly contrary to established facts and trusted expert opinion, is becoming rife and it’s leading to real problems for New Zealand.
Melissa Lee's February 2022 Update
Melissa Lee February 22, 2022
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Hi Everyone!
With 'Red' Traffic Light settings and rising Omicron case numbers we are now facing yet another period of uncertainty hurting our community while we continue to work together towards getting New Zealand back to normal. While there are significant illegal protests around Wellington and other centres we cannot not ignore the wider frustrations that COVID-19 restrictions have made to law-abiding New Zealanders. We need clarity about the future of lockdowns, restrictions and the divisive issues that are breaking apart the 'team of 5 million'.
As National Leader Chris Luxon said this afternoon, mandates are now becoming increasingly less relevant in our highly-vaccinated population as Covid becomes endemic in society globally. We need to see the mandates removed progressively once we are through the peak of Omicron and I believe it is vital we open up the border right now for vaccinated Kiwis coming home from anywhere in the world who has received a negative test while making firm plans for the future of tourists and visa holders to get back on shore with RATs and PCR tests available for anyone that needs them.
Please remember my Auckland and Wellington Offices are open and here to help.