Auckland Council acknowledges the passing of Assid Corban OBE, JP, FRIH, a stalwart in local government in the Auckland region and a long-standing public figure in west Auckland.
Mayor Phil Goff recognised Mr Corban’s half-century contribution to local politics.
“Assid Corban made a huge contribution to the community, particularly in Henderson and West Auckland. He had a passion for public service and his legacy lives on in the community facilities he delivered and the people’s lives he helped change.”
"My thoughts are with his wife Miriam, family and friends,” says Mayor Goff.
Waitākere Ward councillors Penny Hulse and Linda Cooper acknowledge the large and valuable contribution to the west.
Councillor Linda Cooper says, “Assid never lost his love for Henderson, and for his determination for his town to get its fair share.”
Councillor Penny Hulse says, “Our deepest sympathies go out to Miriam Corban, her children, and the wider Corban family. Assid was always a true gentleman, and no matter the nature of the political debate at the council he never lost the ability to be a friend.”
Mr Corban retired from local government in 2013 when he stepped down as deputy chair of Henderson-Massey Local Board. In his farewell comments, he noted that local politicians have an important role in planning for the future.
“You have to make the day-to-day decisions, but the ones you make for the future are the most important,” he said.
“You are in local government to serve the community not a political party. If you work for the common good and look to the future, you will make great progress.” – Assid Corban
Highlights of Assid Corban’s career include the development of Henderson’s West Wave swimming complex ready for the 1990 Commonwealth Games and the bowling facility at the same site which was built in time to host the 1988 men and women’s world championships.
During a stint on the former Auckland Regional Authority, he supported the creation of regional parks and establishment of the Auckland Botanic Gardens at Manurewa.
Assid Corban’s involvement in local government:
1956-1959 and 1965-1971: Councillor, Henderson Borough Council
1959-1962 and 1971-1974: Deputy Mayor, Henderson Borough Council
1970-1981: President, Auckland Local Bodies Association
1981-1987: Executive Member, Auckland Local Bodies Association
1971-1983: Member, Auckland Regional Authority
1974-1980: Chairman, Auckland Regional Authority Parks Committee
1974-1989: Mayor, Henderson Borough Council
1976-1984: Executive, Municipal Association NZ
1989-1992: Elected as the first Mayor of Waitākere City Council
1995-2001 and 2004-2010: Councillor, Waitākere City Council
1995-2016: Waitākere Licensing Trust
2010-2013: Deputy Chair, Henderson-Massey Local Board
