Qiulae Wong, the granddaughter of prominent Lautoka resident Eddie Wong, is on track to lead New Zealand's Opportunity Party into Parliament for the first time following a strong showing in Saturday's general election.
In the 1940s, Qiulae Wong's grandfather, Eddie Wong established Lukbo as a range of beverages manufactured by his company, Eddie Hin Limited in Lautoka.
For several decades, Eddie Hin Limited was a leading distributor, manufacturer, and retailer of food and beverages in Fiji, until Eddie's untimely passing in 1992.
As Mayor of Lautoka City, Eddie was a strong advocate for improving outcomes for the local community and played a key role in supporting the settlement of many Chinese migrant families in Fiji.
He also served as a Senator in the Fijian Government and was awarded a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1970 in recognition of his service.
Qiulae Wong who leads the Opportunity Party, has told supporters that the party is set to make history after nearly a decade of campaigning for New Zealand parliamentary representation.
With nearly 50 percent of votes counted on election night, the party had secured more than five percent of the votes counted at that stage, putting it on course to cross the threshold required to enter Parliament.
Early results indicated that the Opportunity Party could secure six to seven seats, potentially positioning it to play an important role in determining who forms New Zealand's next government.
Addressing supporters, Wong welcomed the result and thanked the party's candidates, volunteers and supporters for their commitment over the years.
She says voters have chosen unity over division and demonstrated their desire for change in New Zealand politics.
Wong says the result means a great deal to everyone who has worked towards the party's goal of securing representation in Parliament.
She stresses that while the party's breakthrough may appear to have happened overnight, it is the result of nearly a decade of hard work.
The projected result also carries a special connection to Fiji through Wong's family ties to Lautoka.
The final election results are yet to be confirmed.
