Kia ora, my name is Ben Assado (Behnam Assadollahzadeh) and I thank you for taking the time to read about me and my candidacy for the upcoming Local Board elections. Since 2011, I have lived permanently on my bush block in the hills of Tryphena. On Waitangi Day 2024, I proudly became a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand.
I was born in 1978 in Tehran, Iran. During the Iran–Iraq war, my family relocated to the United States, and eventually settled in Germany. Amid these turbulent times, I dreamt—while still a teenager—of two seemingly unrelated futures: living an adventure-filled life on a remote, beautiful island, and serving as an elected representative for my community.
I was honoured to receive the prestigious Royal Society Te Apārangi Marsden Fund PhD Scholarship alongside the Massey University Scholarship for high-achieving students (2004–2007). After earning my PhD in Theoretical Chemistry, the Marsden Fund continued to fund a three-year post-doctoral research project. I hope my journey demonstrates why I will always remain a strong advocate for formal academic education.
Life on the Island was immediately rich in adventure, beauty, and meaning — but it came with challenges. My land had only a dilapidated A-frame, I carried a large mortgage, and I had no job, experience, or practical skills for island life. Today, my mortgage is paid off, my small home is complete, and I live in comfort, surrounded by friends and a strong network.
Listen: Aotea / Great Barrier Island Local Board hopeful Ben Assado, along with fellow hopeful Fenella Christian, speaks to Kathy Cumming on Aotea FM.
For the past decade, I have worked as an educator for secondary-aged students on the Island. Through this and earlier roles, including co-managing Youth Services for the Aotea Family Support Group, I have had the privilege of meeting many families and connecting with Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea — learning and appreciating kaupapa and tikanga, which deeply resonate with me.
Having built my life on Aotea from the ground up, I bring both lived experience and a proven record of service. These relationships have taught me that leadership begins with listening, grows through trust, and stands firm on integrity.
If elected, you will have a representative who honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi, understands our Island’s unique strengths and vulnerabilities, values fairness, transparency, and consultation before action, and works hard to ensure decisions are made with the community, not for the community.
What I Intend to Achieve
Cost of Living
- Make the rates rebate scheme more tangible and accessible
- Advocate for subsidies on transport, freight, and renewable energy solutions
- Explore GST and/or income tax allowances for island residents
- Reduce red tape and consent costs for tiny home living
- Ensure easy and safe access to home-kill
- Strengthen food resilience and support local produce
- Develop public transport options on Aotea
People
- Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all aspects of life, promoting te reo, kaupapa, and tikanga Māori
- Support volunteer groups who protect and preserve life, including psychological support for those involved in body recovery
- Strengthen support for primary and secondary education
- Develop a plan for a Youth Centre and a Wellness Hub
- Support the arts, including performances by the National Youth Orchestra
- Support local NZ Post staff and retain NZ Post services
- Preserve our history by showcasing it online
- Collect and analyse data to guide better decisions for conservation, industry, and community well-being
Employment & Industry
- Support local jobs and local industries/businesses in every sector
- Promote sustainable tourism and address our empty harbours caused by caulerpa
- Support local brands and produce; learning from how other islands have succeeded
- Lower fossil fuel costs through practical, locally viable alternative/renewable energy solutions
This is my home, and I am here to serve it with honesty, respect, and persistence.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou,
Ben
