Najibie, the first woman in the Corban family to set foot in Aotearoa, had the resilience that comes from six years managing alone with children.
Her husband was already in New Zealand, having gone ahead to establish a better life. Despite hailing from a patriarchal society in Lebanon, the Corban women enjoyed equal status in their relationships – and subtly in the winery business – they were active decision makers and domestically capable.
They worked in the Corban shop in town or grew vegetables and other food staples at the Henderson winery site – all while raising large families. Enjoy a Lebanese inspired afternoon tea while fourth generation Corban, Sharon Alexander provides insights and anecdotes about her fascinating female ancestors.
