Story: Koreans

Charlie Lee, early Korean immigrant

Charlie Lee, early Korean immigrant

Charlie S. B. Lee (centre) was a teacher and researcher before he immigrated to New Zealand in February 1975. He established Gamma Natural Product Ltd, which processes and exports deer products. He has been the key figure in the creation of the New Zealand Deer Industrial Export and Trading Association, the Korea-New Zealand Business Council and the Songpa-Gu garden in the Sister Cities Gardens in Christchurch. His endeavours to bring New Zealand and Korea closer and his active involvement in community work have been recognised by both New Zealand and Korean governments. He has received numerous awards and decorations, including an Order of Merit and three Korean presidential citations including an Order of Civil Merit (Camellia Medal), to name a few.

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How to cite this page:

Inshil Choe Yoon and Hong-key Yoon, 'Koreans - 20th-century immigration', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/46745/charlie-lee-early-korean-immigrant (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Inshil Choe Yoon and Hong-key Yoon, published 8 Feb 2005, reviewed & revised 1 Oct 2015, updated 1 Apr 2016