Sarah Kavanagh is standing as a Communities and Residents (C&R) candidate for the Howick Local Board in its Pakuranga subdivision alongside Olympic gold medallist Bruce Kendall and community youth advocate Jack Collins in this year’s local elections.
A passionate and action-focused local, Kavanagh brings a unique blend of business leadership and board governance, alongside grassroots community connection.
With over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business consultancy, she’s committed to using her expertise to support Pakuranga’s growth and success.
Kavanagh is best known locally as the co-founder of the ‘Shop Local, Shop Howick’ Facebook group, an initiative born during the Covid-19 lockdowns to help local businesses stay afloat.
What started as a community lifeline has since grown into one of east Auckland’s most trusted digital platforms, with over 12,000 members regularly using it to promote local businesses and share recommendations.
Currently serving on the board of trustees at Shelly Park School, Kavanagh holds the community liaison role, helping strengthen relationships between families, school leadership, and the wider community.
She also previously served on the Board of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), working alongside New Zealand’s largest media platforms, and was recognised with a Foundation Award for her service to the industry.
For over two decades, Kavanagh has dedicated time to volunteering. Most recently this has included being an active member of the Shelly Park School PTA, sitting on the board of trustees, managing football teams at Bucklands Beach Association Football Club and previously serving on the committee for Howick Rhythmic Gymnastics Club.
She’s passionate about helping young people thrive through sport.
Before moving to New Zealand in 2010, she spent five years volunteering with HCPT, a children’s charity that supports young people with a range of complex special needs.
This volunteer work involved providing a week-long holiday for the children and their siblings, offering their families valuable respite care.
With a proven track record of community leadership, governance and a relentless drive to make a difference, Kavanagh has seen first-hand what can be achieved when the community comes together.
She’s passionate about joining the Howick Local Board and continuing to serve the community.
