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Pansy Wong

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The Honourable
Pansy Wong
黃徐毓芳
Minister of Ethnic Affairs
In office
19 November 2008 – 12 November 2010
Prime MinisterJohn Key
Preceded byChris Carter
Succeeded byHekia Parata
10th Minister for Women's Affairs
In office
19 November 2008 – 12 November 2010
Prime MinisterJohn Key
Preceded bySteve Chadwick
Succeeded byGeorgina te Heuheu (acting)
Hekia Parata
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for Botany
In office
8 November 2008 – 17 January 2011
Preceded bySeat established
Succeeded byJami-Lee Ross
Majority10,872
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for National Party List
In office
14 October 1996 – 8 November 2008
Personal details
Born
Tsui Yu Fong
徐毓芳

1955 (age 68–69)
Shanghai, China
NationalityNew Zealand
Political partyNational Party
SpouseSammy Wong
OccupationBusinessperson

Pansy Yu Fong Wong (Chinese: 黃徐毓芳; Cantonese Yale: Wòhng Chèuih Yūk-fōng; born 1955[1][2][3]) is a New Zealand former politician.

Wong was a National Party Member of Parliament in the New Zealand House of Representatives from 1996 to 2011. She was New Zealand's first MP and first Cabinet minister of Asian ethnicity and served as Minister for Ethnic Affairs and Minister of Women's Affairs in the Fifth National Government. Wong resigned from Parliament in January 2011 after allegations of misusing parliamentary travel allowances.[4]

Early life and family

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Wong was born in Shanghai and raised in a one-room Hong Kong apartment by her mother, Pui Ching Chui, with her two brothers after her parents chose to leave Maoist China. Her father, Hung Shun Tsui, a seaman, was away most of the time for work. In Hong Kong, Wong took the English name Pansy and attended the Queen Elizabeth School.[5][6]

The family emigrated to Christchurch, New Zealand in 1974, when Wong was aged 19.[7] While working in her parents' fish and chip shop, she studied commerce at University of Canterbury and graduated with a Master of Commerce.[6]

She is married to Malaysian-born businessman Sammy Teck Seng Wong, whom she met at university.[6] Sammy Wong was a justice of the peace from 1998 until his retirement in 2020[8][9] and had diverse business interests, including shareholder interests in the education, education, and transport industries.[10]

Wong speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese.[11]

Career

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Wong's early career was in business and accounting, including a period as chief financial controller at Smiths City.[6] Eventually she turned to governance and worked as a professional director with several government appointments.

In 1989, she was chair of the New Zealand Society of Accountants (Canterbury branch).[12][13] The same year, she contested the Canterbury Regional Council, in the five-member Fitzgerald constituency, on the Christchurch Action team ticket. Of the ten Christchurch Action regional council candidates that year, Wong was the only one to be elected.[14][15] During her seven years as a councillor, she chaired the finance committee and became known as the "$6 million woman" for overseeing budget cuts of that amount.[6][16]

By 1991 Wong had been appointed by the Fourth National Government to the governing council of Lincoln University.[17] She was reappointed to a second term, scheduled to end in February 1997, but she retired early upon her election to Parliament.[18][19] In 1995, she was also appointed to the New Zealand Tourism Board.[20]

Member of Parliament

[edit]
New Zealand Parliament
Years Term Electorate List Party
1996–1999 45th List 26 National
1999–2002 46th List 11 National
2002–2005 47th List 10 National
2005–2008 48th List 20 National
2008–2011 49th Botany 18 National

Wong was encouraged to stand for Parliament by National MP for Fendalton Philip Burdon.[6] She was selected as a list-only candidate for the National Party ahead of the 1996 general election. Based in Christchurch, she campaigned nationwide amongst Asian communities.[21] Wong was elected as a list MP on 14 October 1996, becoming New Zealand's first ethnically Asian MP. To mark her election, Wong released 130 balloons from the steps of Parliament, symbolising the 130 years since the first Chinese settlers arrived in New Zealand.[22]

In her first term, she was appointed a member of the commerce committee and the justice and law reform committee.[23] Her maiden statement, delivered on 19 March 1997, was described in The Dominion as "a feisty attack on racism against migrants."[24] She criticised the "unfair targeting of Asian immigrants," some of which was instigated by National's new partner in government, the New Zealand First party, but praised what she saw as the increasing acceptance of New Zealand's multiculturalism.[25][26] Wong rejected suggestions, including from Winston Peters, that she was a "token" representative for the Asian community and later said these events set her ambition of becoming an electorate representative to get a stronger mandate.[16][27][28]

She supported Jenny Shipley in the 1997 New Zealand National Party leadership election and was thereafter appointed to shadow the consumer affairs portfolio.[29][30] Wong took over the sponsorship of the Passive Resistance Sprays Reform Bill, originally in the names of Gail McIntosh and Joy McLauchlan, which would have enabled members of the public to carry items like mace for personal protection; the bill was defeated 52–68 in December 1998.[31][32] She sought the Christchurch Central candidacy at the 1999 general election, but was unsuccessful.[33] After the election, in which Wong was re-elected as a National Party list MP, she continued as a member of the commerce committee and was appointed spokesperson for energy and ethnic affairs, and associate spokesperson for commerce, in the Shipley shadow cabinet.

Ahead of the 2002 general election, Wong relocated to Auckland to contest the electorate of Auckland Central. She finished second to the incumbent, Judith Tizard.[34] In her third term, Wong became deputy chair of the governance administration committee. She was spokesperson for ethnic affairs and tourism in the English shadow cabinet until 2003. The ethnic affairs portfolio was disestablished under Bill English's successor Don Brash and Wong was made National's liaison with the Asian community and allocated associate spokesperson roles related to education, immigration and revenue.[35] She was returned as a list MP for the fourth time at the 2005 general election and was assigned the spokesperson portfolios in ethnic affairs and accident compensation by new leader John Key.[36][37]

As National's ethnic affairs spokesperson, Wong was outspoken for Asian communities. She advocated for more lenient immigration rules, like easier language tests, to support a greater number of Asian migrants into New Zealand.[38] She dismissed the Labour government's 2002 apology to the Chinese community for the historic poll tax as staged and paternalistic, although was criticised for upsetting the descendants of those affected who had worked to secure the apology.[39][40] Wong, who was a proponent of Asian integration within New Zealand and did not believe there should be a stand-alone ethnic affairs ministry,[41] continued to face political attacks on the basis of her ethnicity and accent.[42][43]

Wong won the new electorate of Botany in the 2008 general election. Wong's decision to change to Botany was based partly on the fact that 33% of the Botany electorate is Asian.[44] She left Parliament in early 2011.[4][45]

Minister in the Fifth National Government

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After the 2008 general election, Wong was appointed Minister for Ethnic Affairs, Minister of Women's Affairs, Associate Minister for ACC, and Associate Minister for Energy and Resources in the Fifth National Government.[46] She said her appointment as New Zealand's first Asian Cabinet minister showed "New Zealand is a tolerant country where anyone can be accepted and succeed."[2] In June 2009 she was additionally appointed an associate minister in the disability issues portfolio.[47] While minister, Wong took ten overseas trips on ministerial business.[48]

Wong's ministerial career ended in scandal when it was claimed she improperly used her status to help her husband's business interests while travelling in China.[49] She resigned her positions when it emerged her husband, Sammy Wong, had accompanied her on ministerial visits overseas to conduct his business activities and used the address of her electoral office as the registered address for his businesses.[50][51] An investigation concluded there was no systemic abuse of MPs' travel entitlements but ordered some costs to be repaid by the Wongs.[10][52] The events led to a review and change to the entitlements.[53] The Auditor-General considered investigating, but initially declined.[54][55] However, an audit investigation into the Wongs was launched in 2011 which recommended further repayments, as well as law changes regarding MPs' expenses and entitlements, be made.[56][57][58]

On 14 December 2010, Wong announced she would also resign from Parliament, effective from mid-January.[4][45] She gave her valedictory statement on the same day.[59] Jami-Lee Ross replaced her in the 2011 Botany by-election.[60] She was succeeded in her ministerial portfolios by Hekia Parata.[61]

Awards and honours

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In 1993, Wong was awarded the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal.[62]

On 15 September 2011 Wong was granted the right to retain the title of "the Honourable" for her lifetime in recognition of her term as a member of the Executive Council.[63]

References

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  1. ^ Alister Taylor (2001). "New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa 2001 Edition". New Zealand Who's Who, Aotearoa. Alister Taylor Publishers: 958. ISSN 1172-9813.
  2. ^ a b "Wong becomes NZ's first Asian minister". The New Zealand Herald. 17 November 2008. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
  3. ^ "'Debate, not disharmony' in NZ". South China Morning Post. 19 February 1998. Retrieved 23 August 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Derek Cheng (14 December 2010). "Pansy Wong resigns as MP". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  5. ^ "Queen Elizabeth School report: Wong (nee Xu) won 2nd prize in geography" (PDF). 1973. p. 18. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 March 2012.
  6. ^ a b c d e f "Wong becomes NZ's first Asian minister". NZ Herald. 17 November 2008. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  7. ^ "Bloom Her Business Forum speech". The Beehive. 25 June 2009. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  8. ^ "Justices of the Peace Appointed Pursuant to section 3 (1)..." New Zealand Gazette. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  9. ^ "Justices of the Peace (Retired)". New Zealand Gazette. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  10. ^ a b McPhail, Hugh (November 2010). Investigation of Travel Rebate Entitlement and Other Matters (PDF) (Report). Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  11. ^ "Pansy Wong, MP and accountant". Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu Taonga. 2009. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  12. ^ "Honours for accountants". The Press. 28 November 1996.
  13. ^ "Mrs Pansy Wong, chief financial controller of the Smiths City Group, has been elected chairman of the Canterbury-Westland branch of the Society of Accountants". The Press. 2 December 1988. p. 21.
  14. ^ Clarkson, David (19 August 1989). "Regional hopefuls named". The Press. p. 8.
  15. ^ Forrester, Kay (16 October 1989). "Outcome points to confusion". The Press. p. 3.
  16. ^ a b Paltridge, Antony (14 June 1997). "First Asian MP says she is no token ethnic representative". Daily News. New Plymouth. p. 2.
  17. ^ "1991 Annual Report Lincoln University". Lincoln University Living Heritage: Tikaka Tuku Iho. 1991. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  18. ^ "1995 Annual Report Lincoln University". Lincoln University Living Heritage: Tikaka Tuku Iho. 1995. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  19. ^ "1996 Annual Report Lincoln University". Lincoln University Living Heritage: Tikaka Tuku Iho. 1996. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  20. ^ "Notice of Appointment of Members of the New Zealand Tourism..." New Zealand Gazette. 31 October 1996. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  21. ^ Oakley, Vivienne (4 October 1996). "Candidates debate risk of isolation for list MPs". The Press.
  22. ^ "Member of Parliament Pansy Wong releases balloons to mark 130 years of Chinese settlement in New Zealand, Parliament steps, Wellington". DigitalNZ. 18 March 1997. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  23. ^ "Wong, Pansy". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  24. ^ Bain, Helen (20 March 1997). "History-making speech hits at NZ racism". The Dominion.
  25. ^ "Maiden statement". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). Vol. 559. New Zealand Parliament: House of Representatives. 19 March 1997. p. 305–308.
  26. ^ Berry, Ruth (15 December 1996). "New MPs happy with deal". Sunday Star-Times. p. A4.
  27. ^ van Beynen, Martin (18 February 1999). "Asians 'real target' of immigration stance". The Press. p. 1.
  28. ^ "Reflections of being New Zealand's first Asian Cabinet Minister". The Beehive. 16 March 2009. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  29. ^ Cessford, Christine (4 November 1997). "No-nonsense Jenny fulfils early promise". The Evening Post. p. 5.
  30. ^ "Shipley introduces buddy system for backbenchers". The Dominion. 17 December 1997. p. 2.
  31. ^ Kirk, Jeremy (2 December 1998). "Mace would be used on victims - committee". Evening Post. p. 10.
  32. ^ "Ban stays on disabling spray; Passionate debate over bill". The Press. 3 December 1998. p. 9.
  33. ^ "National picks candidates". The Press. 6 November 1998. p. 3.
  34. ^ "Official Count Results -- Auckland Central". NEW ZEALAND ELECTION RESULTS. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  35. ^ Eden, Sue (26 October 2005). "Brash puts experienced MPs in key shadow cabinet positions". NZ Herald. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  36. ^ "Official Count Results -- Auckland Central". NEW ZEALAND ELECTION RESULTS. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  37. ^ "Key announces his shadow cabinet". NZ Herald. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
  38. ^ Catherall, Sarah (4 October 1998). "Rules change to woo quality Asian migrants". Sunday Star-Times. p. A4.
  39. ^ "Government to say sorry for tax on Chinese". NZ Herald. 11 February 2002. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  40. ^ Rudman, Brian (12 April 2002). "Rudman's city: Central city seat promises good old-fashioned stoush". NZ Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  41. ^ Laurence, Dave (8 August 2005). "Asians speak of obstacles in New Zealand". NZ Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  42. ^ "Minister apologises for husband". NZ Herald. 10 December 2002. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  43. ^ Young, Audrey (23 November 2005). "Disgust as minister mimics Chinese MP's accent". NZ Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  44. ^ NZPA (7 December 2007). "Pansy Wong tipped for new Auckland seat". The Dominion Post. Retrieved 7 December 2007.
  45. ^ a b "Pansy Wong resigns". National Business Review. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  46. ^ Herald online (17 November 2008). "Key's Government". NZ Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  47. ^ Gower, Patrick (30 June 2009). "Bennett relieved of disability portfolio". NZ Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  48. ^ "Wong approved for 11 foreign trips". NZ Herald. 24 November 2010. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  49. ^ Cheng, Derek (9 November 2010). "Wong accused of using ministerial title to aid husband". NZ Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  50. ^ Young, Audrey (11 November 2010). "Wong to stand down over use of travel perk". NZ Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  51. ^ Tracy Watkins and Martin Kay (12 November 2010). "Pansy Wong resigns Cabinet spot over travel perk". Stuff. Retrieved 12 November 2010.
  52. ^ "'No evidence of systematic abuse' of travel perk by Pansy Wong". NZ Herald. 2 December 2010. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  53. ^ Trevett, Claire (17 November 2010). "Death knell for MPs' travel perks". NZ Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  54. ^ Bennett, Adam (8 December 2010). "Auditor-General considering Wong investigation". NZ Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  55. ^ "Wong inquiry 'not warranted'". NZ Herald. 14 December 2010. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  56. ^ "Sammy Wong under investigation". NZ Herald. 13 April 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  57. ^ "Wong's claims 'not credible'". NZ Herald. 5 September 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  58. ^ "Auditor-General's overview". Office of the Auditor-General New Zealand. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  59. ^ "Wong, Pansy: Valedictory Statement". New Zealand Parliament. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  60. ^ "Ross wins Botany seat for National". NZ Herald. 5 March 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  61. ^ Trevett, Claire (6 December 2010). "First-term MP to replace Wong". NZ Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  62. ^ "The New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993 – register of recipients". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 26 July 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
  63. ^ "Retention of the Title 'The Honourable'". New Zealand Gazette. 22 September 2011. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
[edit]
New Zealand Parliament
New constituency Member of Parliament for Botany
2008–2011 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Minister of Ethnic Affairs
2008–2010 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister of Women's Affairs
2008–2010
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