Sandra Lee-Vercoe
Sandra Rose Te Hakamatua Lee-Vercoe QSO (born 8 August 1952) is a former New Zealand politician and diplomat. She served as deputy leader (and briefly leader) of the Alliance party and was later High Commissioner to Niue.
Sandra Lee-Vercoe
Helen Clark
Chris Carter
Jim Anderton
8 August 1952
Wellington, New Zealand
Mana Motuhake (1979–2002)
Alliance (1991–2002)
Early life[edit]
Lee was born in Wellington to an English Romani father and a Māori mother, and grew up in a two bedroom Māori Affairs house with her parents, grandfather and great grandfather.[1] She was educated at Onslow College. Lee later moved to Auckland, settling on Waiheke Island.[1] Her involvement in politics began with the foundation of Mana Motuhake, a Māori issues party, in 1979. Her political career, however, did not begin until 1983, with her election to the Waiheke County Council. She became chairperson of the Council in 1989. When Waiheke was amalgamated into Auckland proper, Lee became a member of the Auckland City Council.[2]
Lee connects to Poutini Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Toa.
Diplomat[edit]
Lee was High Commissioner to Niue, representing the New Zealand and UK governments, from 12 February 2003 to 3 October 2005.[12]
Board member[edit]
In September 2006 Lee was appointed to the board of Housing New Zealand.[13] In July 2007 she was appointed to the board of Te Papa Tongarewa.[14]
Personal life[edit]
At age 16, Lee married Mike Lee, giving birth to their elder daughter at age 17. They separated in 1992.[15] She has been married to Anaru Vercoe since 2002.
New Zealand journalist and television producer, Annabelle Lee-Mather, is Lee's daughter.[16]