Sandra Lee (Poutini Ngai Tahu, Ngati Toa, Rangatira and Ngati Kahungunu)one-time minister of both conservation and local government, has strong ties with Waiheke, having been for many years a member of the Rocky Bay community.
Sandra was elected to the Waiheke County Council in 1983, and became chair in 1989, the first Maori woman to head a county council. After the pivotal local body amalgamation in 1989, she was elected as an Auckland City Councillor for two terms. She was elected to Parliament in November 1993 for the Alliance in the Auckland Central electorate. For some time she was number four in the Government, an Alliance-Labour coalition.
She was a founding member of the Hauraki Gulf Islands branch of the Forest and Bird Society, as well as being on its national executive. Other commitments have included the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park Board, the Ministry for the Environment Working Group on Climate Change and the Working Group on Waste Management.
Sandra became president of Mana Motuhake in 1991. When Matiu Rata quit as leader in March 1994, she replaced him and held thge position until mid-2001.
She went on to be leader of the Alliance for a year from 1994 to 1995.
She has also spent a term as New Zealand's High Commissioner to Niue. She developed a special relationship with the Niuean people in Auckland when she supported their efforts to establish a community centre.