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The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Sarah KAVANAGH
Candidate for Howick Local Board (Pakuranga Subdivision)
C&R - Communities and Residents
Candidate statement
I am a passionate and action-focused local committed to helping our community thrive. I founded the Shop Local, Shop Howick Facebook group, now over 12k strong, to support local businesses through tough times. I sit on the Shelly Park School Board and have spent over a decade volunteering in local sport, schools and community initiatives, as well as run my own business. I am highly skilled in bringing people together to achieve results. With over 20 years of business leadership experience, I bring the knowledge and skills to drive positive change for Pakuranga; I want to see safer streets, thriving businesses and connected communities. If elected, I will serve with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to making Pakuranga an even better place to live. Vote Sarah Kavanagh, Jack Collins, Bruce Kendall and all C&R Candidates
Why I want to be elected
I am an action-focused local, committed to helping our community thrive. With a strong track record of commitment to community and business, I am eager to use my expertise to support Pakuranga’s growth and success. I am a dedicated, trusted business leader who has invested time, energy, and heart into local community initiatives, volunteering and grass-roots sports. If elected, I will serve with purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to making Pakuranga an even better place to live and play.
My key skills and qualities
With over 20 years of business leadership expertise, previous Board and governance experience, and years of volunteer work for children with complex special needs, I bring the knowledge, compassion and skills to drive positive change for Pakuranga. I currently serve on a local school Board, and have previously sat on the Board of the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau), as well as chaired specialist working groups. I have been awarded a Foundation Award for Service to the Industry for my work.
My top three key issues
Roads I am frustrated with the traffic congestion getting out of Bucklands Beach and getting through Pakuranga. I’ll be tenacious in my pursuit of congestion solutions with Auckland Transport and advocate for smarter parking solutions. Environment I’ll fight to keep weekly rubbish collections, advocate for healthy and safe waterways and restore the local beaches. Community Revitalise playgrounds and parks for families and all ages, fund grassroots sport, and lead shop-local initiatives.
My position on key topics
Transport
Pakuranga residents are spending far too long stuck in traffic - just to travel short distances. Areas like the Bucklands Beach peninsula are major congestion pain points that need urgent attention. I’ll push for real roading solutions and better parking options, so locals spend less time behind the wheel and more time with the people they love, and doing the things they love. I’ll be relentless in advocating for action from Auckland Council to fix our broken transport network.
Water
Pakuranga is growing fast; but our aging stormwater and wastewater systems are struggling to keep up. As intensification continues and extreme weather events become more frequent, we cannot afford to ignore the cracks in our water infrastructure. I’m committed to pushing for smarter investment in water supply maintenance and future-ready infrastructure; so our pipes and waterways are future-proofed. Let’s protect our homes, beaches, and communities with water systems that are built to last.
Built environment
Auckland needs more housing; but it must be planned properly. In Pakuranga, we’ve seen the consequences of poor planning: rapid in-fill housing in areas where the infrastructure simply can’t cope. I will strongly advocate for large-scale housing developments to be built only where there is access to reliable public transport, properly planned roads, and essential services like schools, water, and sewerage. Pakuranga deserves better. Growth should improve our quality of life, not erode it.
Natural environment
I’ll fight to keep weekly rubbish collections, which are currently under threat - because clean streets start with reliable services. I’ll also advocate for healthy waterways, restored beaches, and action on invasive pest plants - advocating for all the things that truly protect and preserve our local environment. Let’s safeguard Pakuranga’s natural beauty for future generations, with practical solutions that keep our neighbourhood clean, healthy, and thriving.
Community
I’m committed to revitalising playgrounds and local spaces for families and people of all ages, supporting grassroots sport, and championing shop-local initiatives that keep our community connected and thriving. As the founder of Shop Local, Shop Howick, I’ve seen the power of community in action; and I’ll continue to lead efforts that strengthen it. Let’s bring back the beating heart of our community; stronger, more connected, and proud of who we are.
Economic and cultural development
Pakuranga is full of untapped potential; rich in culture, community spirit, and hardworking local businesses. But without the right support, that potential risks being lost. I’m committed to driving local economic growth by backing businesses, revitalising our town centres, and championing shop-local campaigns that keep money in our neighbourhood. At the same time, I’ll support cultural events and initiatives that bring our diverse communities together and celebrate what makes Pakuranga unique.
Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori
Pakuranga deserves strong, transparent local leadership that delivers real results. I’ll bring business discipline to local government; ensuring smart investment, careful spending, and accountability. I’m committed to working in genuine collaboration with mana whenua and Māori communities to ensure their voices are heard, respected, and reflected in decisions that affect us all. I’ll back initiatives that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support better outcomes for Māori in Pakuranga.
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.