There are several more first-time candidates hoping to win seats on the Howick Local Board at this year’s local elections.
The long-standing centre-right Communities and Residents (C&R) political ticket has chosen Sarah Kavanagh, Bruce Kendall and Jack Collins as its candidates to contest the Pakuranga subdivision on the local board.
Kavanagh and Collins are first-time candidates while Kendall is an incumbent board member and a well-known former New Zealand Olympic gold and bronze medallist boardsailor.
C&R describes the trio as a “dedicated team of community-minded leaders with a shared vision for a stronger, safer, and more connected east Auckland”.
Kavanagh is a passionate advocate for community and small business and is well known to many locals as the founder of the popular ‘Shop Local, Shop Howick’ movement.
C&R says she’s a parent, school-board member at Shelly Park School and an active volunteer who brings more than a decade of grassroots experience, energy, and a strong track record of delivering results to her campaign.
“I feel privileged to run for Pakuranga in the upcoming local elections,” Kavanagh says.
“I will bring the knowledge and skills to drive positive change for Pakuranga, and if elected, will serve with purpose, passion and a deep commitment to making Pakuranga an even better place to live, work and play.”
Collins has a lifelong connection to Pakūranga. He was raised in the area, attended local schools, served six years on the Howick Youth Council, volunteers with the Botany Crime Watch Patrol, and regularly attends community events.
C&R says for the past nine years he’s worked at his local swim school, teaching a vital life skill, and having many conversations with families about community concerns.
Collins is “passionate about connecting people, driven to find local solutions, and brings a strong commitment to serving Pakūranga with leadership that listens, acts, and shows up”.
He says: “Every day I see more businesses closing, constant road disruptions, and the decline of Pakuranga Plaza.
“It’s time to refocus on Pakūranga; creating safer streets, holding Auckland Transport accountable for construction impacts, and keeping more local events in our community.”
And C&R says Kendall is a candidate who combines global experience with deep local roots.
He continues to fight for better transport, cleaner waterways, and well-managed development.
Kendall “actively leads initiatives like the Bucklands Beaches Restoration and the Tāmaki Estuary forums, and champions practical investment in infrastructure and the environment”.
“Together, Sarah, Bruce and Jack offer proven leadership, integrity, and deep community connection,” C&R says.
“C&R is proud to back them as well-known, strong, community representatives to represent Pakuranga with energy, accountability, and heart.
“They will ensure east Auckland remains everyone’s favourite place to live, work and play.”
- Candidate nominations for this year’s local elections opened on July 4 and close at 12pm on August 1. Voting is open from September 9 to October 11 with final results announced from October 14-17.
