Simon Park JP - Tawa

“You never know what you can do ‘til you try” – Marryat

Life is full of opportunities and challenges.  Immigrating to NZ from South Korea was clearly one challenging decision that my wife and I made 13 years ago.  Coming to a foreign country without actually having been there before and not understanding the culture might be acceptable but without being able to speak the language? What a challenge! What an opportunity! Yes, my wife and I didn’t speak English back then.

We accepted the challenge, and the opportunities.

Of course, I worked really hard and wholeheartedly in everything I did, but as you will all agree, life isn’t that simple.  You need more than just working hard.  In my case, I got lots of help from people in New Zealand.  At every corner of difficult times, there were people who were willing to guide and help.  Simply, I owe many things to people in New Zealand, especially the helping organisations.  For example, I used CAB often, Community Law Centre and of course, JPs services. 

I realised that we are all interconnected and helping other people is actually helping me.  I believe it is my turn to return some help to other people.  That is why I became a JP.

As one of the youngest JPs in New Zealand, and the only Korean JP in Wellington, I hope to increase the awareness of what Asian migrants will need from this country to get settled, and I also hope that I possibly bring a new and young dimension to the association.

Inner peace with you all!

Simon Park JP