Sarah Lucas

MAKING LIFE BETTER FOR YOU

Local government is about people, and place.I want to bring heart, integrity and action to the New Plymouth Council chamber because that is what our community needs – not political power games or personal agendas.Collaboration, communication and co-operation are key to making sure the voices of those who live, work and play in our district – your voices – are heard.I’m here to facilitate good decisions, not just impose my own ideas. We must make decisions that serve community need and deliver what we all want – an affordable, safe and well-serviced place to raise our families and live positive, happy lives.I’m standing so people and our environment, not politics, are what comes first at New Plymouth District Council.

What We Need From Our Council

Smart investment and spending:I will bring pragmatic, smart thinking to how core services can be delivered within tight budgets, with a focus on infrastructure.Transparency is key when it comes to spending ratepayers money on what will benefit everyone, not just an excuse for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.Equity and Representation:My staunch commitment to inclusivity means all voices are important when it comes to representing our community. That includes an unwavering support for Māori Wards.Facing the future:Our children and grandchildren will live with the consequences of today’s decisions – which means I won’t shy away from the environmental and biodiversity issues in our district. We need to act boldly and responsibly when it comes to doing the right thing, not just for now, but for the years to come.

Find me on Facebook

Who I Am

As a mother to three teenage boys, a small business owner, and community advocate I understand the pressures families are under every day to pay the bills, put food on the table and live good, honest lives.The outdoors is my happy place. I spend a lot of time in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and on our beaches, particularly at East End where I am a surf lifeguard.I seek out and treasure the small things – a beautiful sunset, good times with friends, a delicious meal.Having lived and worked all over the world, in developing and war affected countries such as Nepal and Kosovo, I have always tried to leave a place better than I found it, working with others who care to build things that matter.

I'm on Instagram

A proven track record

I know what effective, grassroots leadership looks like.Voted onto the Inglewood Community Board in 2022, I have worked to ensure all the voices of those who live in Te Kōhanga Moa Ward are heard and taken into account, not just a favoured few.Collaboration has been the key to delivering results, such as the reduction of pool fees across the entire district, and I’ve led over ten formal submissions and developed plans on key issues including the Long-Term Plan, roading, and infrastructure.Elected to represent our communities at Local Government NZ, I am Chair of the Community Board Executive (CBEC), advocating nationally for the value of local decision-making.I’ve worked with the Remuneration Authority, planned and presented at the Community Boards Conference 2024, as well as spoken nationally, straight after Prime Minister Luxons 'Back to Basics' Speech. I also served on LGNZ’s Future of Local Government Advisory Group.In 2025, I’m spearheading a national project - launching at SuperLocal - that showcases how councils and community boards can build stronger partnerships. My work is shifting policy settings and lifting the status of boards across Aotearoa.I build partnerships with people who want the best for everyone, who have integrity, good ideas and passion in equal measure, regardless of their position or title.

My Role at LGNZ

What Will I Bring?

Voting for me is a vote for positive, meaningful change at NPDC that will deliver what you have been asking for;Smart Spending
We need to get back to basics. I’ll review big-ticket items like the Len Lye Centre to make sure we’re getting value. And while I support completing the sports hub and coastal walkway within current budgets, our roads, pipes, and key infrastructure must come first.Future-Focused Decision Making
Climate resilience must be part of every decision and planning process. I’ll champion nature-based solutions that not only protect our environment but save our district money long-term. Why should future generations pay the bill for the decision of today?Better Public Transport
It’s time to lobby harder for proper public transport - essential for a thriving, connected district.Honest Council
My Open Council initiative includes plain-language agendas shared before meetings, so you know what’s going on and can have your say.Stronger Community Voice
It’s not that the council doesn’t listen, it’s that they don’t make it easy for communities to be heard. I want to create better ways to communicate and engage with the people who really matter.Accountability at the Top
Leadership is not about having a loud voice and an inflated ego. Elected members should lead by example. I’ll introduce professional development and a stronger code of conduct, so you can have councillors you can respect and rely on.Backing Young People
Inclusivity means our rangatahi deserve a real say. I’ll support a model to build skill and confidence in our young people to represent themselves at local government level and provide a seat at the table.