Kia ora, my name is Ben Assado, and thank you for taking the time to read about my candidacy for the upcoming Local Board elections. Since 2011, I have lived permanently on my bush block in the hills of Tryphena. Life on Aotea 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. The hardship was financial, psychological, and physical.
My first year here, I worked with the road crew and in the workshop at Coles Equipment. When that role ended, I became Co-Manager of Youth Services for the Aotea Family Support Group, serving for two years. For the past decade, I have worked as an educator for secondary-aged students on the Island.
Through these roles, I have met many families and, importantly, connected with Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea. These relationships have taught me that leadership begins with listening, grows through trust, and stands firm on integrity. These experiences are among the greatest treasures of my journey here, as beautiful and meaningful as the Island itself.
Today, my mortgage is paid off, my small home is complete, and I live in comfort, surrounded by friends and a strong network. I am deeply content and ready to give back with time, energy, and dedication.
A Local Board Member must recognise problems, name them clearly, and show competence in addressing them through decisive action. I bring a combination of analytical skills (PhD in Theoretical Chemistry), proven self-agency from building my life on Aotea, and community service. This balance allows me to approach challenges with analytical thinking and empathetic, people-focused problem-solving.
I want to ensure Aotea remains true to itself — a place of comfort, pride, and opportunity for all who call it home. I will listen, advocate, and act on our community’s priorities, whether through direct decision-making or strong representation. My focus will be reducing the cost of living, supporting local jobs and businesses, advocating for subsidies, strengthening education, protecting our natural habitat, and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Rising costs already place heavy pressure on families and threaten our way of life. By supporting people, strengthening industries, and easing financial burdens, we can keep Aotea resilient, fair, and thriving. At the same time, we must plan wisely for the future, ensuring our Island is sustainable, our natural environment protected, and our young people equipped with opportunities to remain and flourish here.
If elected, you will have a representative who:
- Honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all aspects of life
- Understands our Island’s unique strengths and vulnerabilities
- Values fairness, transparency, and consultation before action
- Works hard to ensure decisions are made with the community, not for the community
Together, we can protect what makes Aotea unique while building a fairer, stronger future for all.
Regards, Ben Assado.
Listen: Aotea / Great Barrier Island Local Board hopeful Ben Assado, along with fellow hopeful Fenella Christian, speaks to Kathy Cumming on Aotea FM.
