Exclusive interview with Huang Xu Yufang

"I participate in politics as a Chinese, and of course I want to speak out for the interests of the Chinese. At the same time, I am also a member of parliament representing the National Party. However, I also have my own bottom line. That is, no matter what you ask me to do I will not ignore the interests of the Chinese for political gain, and this principle will not change no matter what.”

Oriental Morning Post: One of the main purposes of your visit to Shanghai this time is for Air New Zealand. Open direct flights between Auckland and Shanghai. Shanghai is your hometown and Auckland is your current place of residence. Do direct flights have special meaning to you?

Huang Xu Yufang: In 1991, I was one of the directors of the New Zealand National Tourism Administration. At that time, we worked hard to obtain New Zealand's status as a designated "tourist destination" in China. Since it was officially recognized in 1998, I have been constantly agitating that direct flights should be opened between China and Singapore. We have been working hard and waiting for this for 15 years. From then on, my hometown was no longer a foreign land.

Oriental Morning Post: You were first elected as a member of Parliament in 1997. 10 years later, have your work priorities changed?

Huang Xu Yufang: I became a member of Parliament in early 1997. Everything is new to me. At that time, my work focused on solving many problems in the Chinese community.

In 2000, as the number of international students increased significantly, I kept pointing out to the Education Bureau that they lacked a complete system in management, which caused New Zealand's credibility among Chinese international students to be greatly reduced.

Unfortunately, my mother did not see me entering Congress. Oriental Morning Post: Why can you be successful in New Zealand politics?

Huang Xuyufang: First of all, it must be attributed to the "proportional system" implemented by the National Party, which means that a certain proportion of seats are reserved for women and ethnic minorities. In addition, because the local Chinese people have not always had a strong desire to participate in politics, and most of them focus on personal economic improvement, I dare to participate in politics and accept challenges. This is different from the tradition of Chinese people, especially Chinese women. In addition, I have a strong personality, and being an ethnic minority makes me stronger and harder working. My mother has been my biggest influence in this regard. She is uneducated, teach her not with words, but with actions. Unfortunately, my mother did not see me enter Congress.

After the defeat, I became stronger!

Oriental Morning Post: Being the first Chinese congressman is a very proud title. Was the fight for this title incredibly difficult?

Huang Xu Yufang: I participate in politics because I am Chinese. I hope that Chinese people can finally feel that they are a part of New Zealand society, neither humble nor arrogant. In 1994, I was persuaded to run for the municipal government and became a candidate in a "must-win" district. But ultimately my candidacy was canceled because some people thought that my difference would cost the party "must-win" districts. I had no hesitation and devoted myself wholeheartedly to receive such treatment. I packed my bags and returned to Hong Kong to develop my career. At this time, my mother passed away suddenly and when I returned to New Zealand to attend the funeral, I decided that my efforts must be valuable and not become a deserter on the battlefield. In 1996, I was elected as the first Chinese-American MP due to various factors such as the increasing number of Chinese-Americans, politicians stirring up anti-Asian immigrant sentiment, and New Zealand's adoption of a new proportional electoral system.