Since arriving in New Zealand, YongRahn Park has been bringing people together, helping them and making our society a better place to live.
Where were you born and grew up?
I was born and raised in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, an hour from Seoul, South Korea. Before my marriage, I completed my university studies and worked in Seoul.
How was your family life when you were young?
I’m the eldest of four siblings: two sisters and a younger brother. My father worked as a government officer, and my mother a devoted homemaker. I grew up in a close-knit family, full of trust and encouragement. I had the privilege of being the eldest, which came with a sense of voluntary caring to support my siblings. This sense of responsibility was possible because my mother loved me deeply. She always praised my efforts and taught me the value of humility. Our home was in the city, surrounded by a vegetable garden my father tended to. He often shared the harvest with neighbours. Along the fence there were strawberry plants, cherry trees, and grapevines.
When did you come to New Zealand? And why?
In 2002, with my two children, who were international students here to learn English and seek better opportunities for their future. Shortly after arriving, I fell in love with the country’s lush green environment, fresh air, and warmth of the friendly people. This deep connection to New Zealand’s beauty and community inspired me to pursue permanent residency. My husband joined us in 2004, and now my two children have grown into professionals, proud to call New Zealand their home.
Why and when did you create the Korean Positive Ageing Charitable Trust (KPACT)?
During my social work studies in New Zealand, I dreamed of creating something like KPACT, though at the time it felt as distant as reaching for a star. I noticed a disconnection between the local community and the Korean families in east Auckland, particularly in Botany Downs where I lived. There was no support group for Korean families. Working at Age Concern Counties Manukau in 2011, I saw through my social work lens the need was even greater, not just in the elderly sector but also in bridging the divide between the Korean community, local services, and government resources. In response, KPACT was born in 2012, focused on building strong community connections and started collaborative work with the Howick Local Board and Auckland Council. Our goal was to inform Korean families about local projects and services and encourage their active participation in the wider community.
What does KPACT do?
It has grown into a hub for both the Korean and wider Auckland communities, offering projects such as elderly social work, health promotion, the Lifelong Learning Academy, community work, and volunteer opportunities. Community work is central to our mission and aligns with local and central government priorities, focusing on promoting well-being, building a stronger society, enhancing a sense of belonging, and encouraging participation through educational workshops and cultural events such as the Howick Santa Parade. Our Lifelong Learning Academy offers each term more than 20-plus classes weekly year-round, and features cultural engagement projects such as Korean Day, Kimjang Day (making and sharing kimchi), regular Marae visits, and more. During Covid-19, KPACT led the Korean community’s response, providing food parcels, promoting vaccine uptake, and delivering daily health updates. Our Flat Bush office continues to serve as a vital link between the local and Korean communities, fostering connections and enhancing community well-being.
What do you like about life in east Auckland?
Wherever I go, whether it’s a beach or walking trail, everything in east Auckland feels peaceful, beautiful, and comforting. I particularly enjoy visiting the Saturday Howick Village Market, and Howick Historical Village is a place I hold dear. What makes east Auckland truly special is the wonderful people, my beautiful friends and our KPACT members. Sharing conversations over tea with good friends, surrounded by nature – this is pure happiness. While I love many places in New Zealand, Howick and Botany, where I live, are my true hometowns.
Last year you received a Queen’s Service Medal for services to the Korean community. How did you feel about that?
It was an overwhelming and incredible honour. The entire Korean community was so happy for me. I truly feel this award belongs to all the members of KPACT. It was made possible because of the volunteers, board members, and participants who shared my vision and supported me along the way. I also want to thank my local mentors, partner agencies, and everyone who has inspired me on this journey. To make this award shine even brighter, I will continue to work earnestly toward achieving our vision, as I have done in the past.
If there was anything you’d like to see change in New Zealand society, what is it?
I believe embracing diversity will strengthen each ethnic community, leading to a more inclusive and better society for all. Community organisations play a vital role in understanding where the needs lie within our communities, identifying available human resources, and recognising our community’s strengths and aspirations. This enables us to collaborate effectively with local and central government for the betterment of society. For example, we’ve discovered many skilled and talented individuals who now serve as tutors in our Lifelong Learning Academy. Some of them are community heroes within KPACT. Their passion and dedication have facilitated positive life changes and enhanced well-being for many learners in New Zealand. KPACT provides a platform for connections between the Korean community and the wider community through cultural activities and government initiatives promoting social cohesion and inclusiveness.
There is a special bond between New Zealand and Korea. How do you describe it?
The relationship between South Korea and New Zealand dates to the Korean War in the 1950s. New Zealand sent around 6000 military personnel to defend freedom and liberty in Korea. Since then, our close partnership has grown and strengthened. As a New Zealand citizen, I deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by those young soldiers who fought to protect freedom during the Korean War. It’s difficult to find the right words to express my gratitude, but I know many in the Korean community here share my sentiments and want to give back in honour of that sacrifice. Living in New Zealand is a tremendous blessing, and I’m immensely thankful for it. Although the history of Korean immigration to New Zealand is relatively short, members of the 1.5 generation have made remarkable contributions. Notable figures like MP Melissa Lee and Lydia Ko, the renowned golfer, are well known for their achievements. I hope to see even more individuals from the Korean community actively participating in New Zealand society as we work together to strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship between the two great countries.
