Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Ben ASSADO
Candidate for Aotea/Great Barrier Local Board
Independent
Candidate statement
Kia ora, In 2011, I purchased land and settled permanently in the hills of Tryphena. It marked the beginning of a natural life - more meaningful, beautiful, and fulfilling - albeit not without early hardship. My path to comfort and contentment required resilience, adaptability, motivation, and community. I am profoundly grateful to our generous Island whānau, yet equally aware of the role personal agency has played in this journey. This essential, often analytical quality - shaped by my academic background (PhD in Theoretical Chemistry) and life in diverse cultures - guides my vision and actions. The extreme rise in living costs has created unnecessary hardship, with likely damaging long-term consequences for Aotea. While no single solution will fix this, I believe in empathetic, collective agency - coming together as a community to find practical, shared responses that protect and empower our Island, Identity, and People. Community. Voice. Choice. Ben Assado
Why I want to be elected
I want to be elected 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 foci will be reducing the cost of living, supporting local jobs & businesses, advocating for subsidies, strengthening primary & secondary education, developing public transport & honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
My key skills and qualities
I bring a blend of analytical thinking (PhD in Theoretical Chemistry) and practical problem-solving, shaped by building my life from the ground up on Aotea over the past 14 years. This combination of sharp intellect and proven self-agency will be a valuable asset to the Local Board. I will carry out my role with pride, honesty, integrity, fairness, transparency, inclusivity, and respectful dialogue, ensuring all voices are heard. I am motivated, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
My top three key issues
I will advocate for initiatives even where the Local Board has limited power or funding, ensuring our community’s concerns are not ignored. My top three priorities are: People, Cost of Living, and Employment & Industry. Rising costs already place heavy pressure on families and threaten our way of life. By supporting people, strengthening local jobs and industries, and easing financial burdens, we can keep Aotea resilient, fair, and thriving.
My position on key topics
Transport
Aotea needs practical, reliable solutions: affordable freight, public transport options, and safe roads. I support initiatives that reduce costs, improve accessibility, and make transport sustainable while recognising the island’s unique challenges.
Water
On Aotea, water security is a daily reality. I support initiatives that improve local water collection, storage, and resilience, while contributing to Auckland’s broader goals of sustainable water management. Safeguarding our streams and rivers is essential to protect both our ecosystem and our community’s future.
Built environment
My focus is on affordable housing and sensible consents for small-scale builds like tiny homes, which directly affect community wellbeing here.
Natural environment
Protecting our environment is protecting our way of life. Caulerpa has emptied our harbours, hurting visitors and local spending. We need solutions that bring boats back while upholding strong conservation practices, balancing marine protection with community wellbeing.
Community
On Aotea, strong community is our greatest asset. I will support volunteer groups, education, youth and wellness initiatives, and ensure essential services like NZ Post remain accessible. Building connections across all ages and backgrounds strengthens resilience and wellbeing.
Economic and cultural development
Supporting local jobs, tourism, and industries while celebrating Aotea’s cultural heritage is vital. I will back local brands and creative industries, and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi by promoting te reo, kaupapa and tikanga Māori in everyday life.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Local government should reflect fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. On Aotea, this means supporting Māori-led initiatives, protecting the environment, and addressing long-term sustainability challenges. I favour prudent financial management that serves people first.
Candidate's supporting links
These links to external websites have been provided by the candidates. The content on these websites does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.