Sarah Lucas - People Place Future
How do we do things better?
Local government is about people, and place. My vision is a "place to belong, be heard and thrive."I want to bring heart, integrity and action to the community 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.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 speaking up so people and our environment, not politics, are what comes first.
What We Need From Our Council
Smart investment and spending: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: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 we should never 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.
Who is Sarah Lucas?
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.
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 Luxon's '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.
What Next?
Positive, meaningful change is what is needed at NPDC. It's time to work to keep council accountable, profressional and transparent.Smart SpendingFuture-Focused Decision Making
Climate resilience must be part of every decision and planning process. 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
An 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.Should there be 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. Professional development and a stronger code of conduct needs to be implemented, so you can have councillors you can respect and rely on.Backing Young People
Inclusivity means our rangatahi deserve a real say.Let's 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.
Your voice should be heard.Contact meE: [email protected]P: 021 179 1242 via text.
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Authorised by Sarah Lucas Ph. 0211791242.