Supporting our community together 

Kia Ora, I’m Sarah Kavanagh, and I’m proud to be running for the Howick Local Board in the 2025 local elections for the Pakuranga subdivision.

Passionate about helping business and the community thrive.

What Local Business Owners say…

  • “For someone that is not on the local board, Sarah has done a huge amount for our local board area.”

    Ted Waters

    The Apothecary, Daisy Chang, Piggy and Despensa

  • “So fabulous to hear you doing this! You are exactly the sort of person needed!”

    Julie Hellyer,

    Brave and Be & Lemonade

  • “You are such a gem to work with and have helped me a lot in my small business. Highly recommend.”

    Jake Harrison,

    Louis & Max

  • “Absolutely support! Love this, and love your passion to help others.”

    Cathy Hawley, 

    Classy Crafts

  • "You definitely have my vote."

    Rochelle Fleming,

    Turanga Creek Winery, Charlie Grace, Just Love Weddings, Core Strength 

  • "Wonderful person and fantastic local advocate!"

    Maree Robinson-Olsson,

    Curl Revolution

Supporting Local Business

As a co-founder of the Shop Local, Shop Howick Facebook group, I am dedicated to helping local businesses thrive. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Shop Local, Shop Howick Facebook group provided a lifeline for local businesses and residents.

What began as a support initiative during a crisis has grown into a thriving online community of over 12,000 locals, and is now one of our area’s most trusted platforms for free business promotion and local recommendations. I am so proud of this amazing digital platform I helped create!

Board Experience

I currently serve on the Board of Trustees at Shelly Park School, where I hold the Community Liaison role. This has been a purposeful and fulfilling role, giving back to the school community, and helping to continue the Shelly Park legacy in the work that the Board undertakes.

Prior to this, I also sat on the Board of the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau), and received a Foundation Award for Service to the Industry. I have been part of a number of industry working groups such as the IAB Mobile Council as both a member and Chair, as well as the Marketing Association Digital Special Interest Group. All of my Board and working group roles have been in a volunteer capacity.

Volunteer Roles

For over 2 decades, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering, most recently supporting children’s sport in our local community; managing football teams at Bucklands Beach AFC and serving on the committee for Howick Rhythmics Gymnastics Club. I’m passionate about helping young people thrive through sport, and I’ve loved being part of the teams that create those opportunities.

Before moving from the UK to New Zealand in 2010, I spent five years volunteering with HCPT, a children’s charity that supports young people with a range of complex special needs. Each year, I was part of Group 100, which helped provide week-long holidays for the children, and their siblings, offering their families valuable respite care. Working with the children for over 6 months of the year, we learnt how to give them the highest level of care, to ensure they were not only safe and well-cared for, but had the holiday of a lifetime as well. This experience was life-changing; alongside fostering lifelong friendships, it ignited a deep commitment to giving back, a strong sense of social responsibility, and a passion for standing up for those who need a voice.

Business Leadership

With over 20 years of experience across sales, marketing, and business consultancy, I’ve spent my career helping businesses grow, adapt, and thrive. Supporting local enterprise isn’t just what I do, it’s what I’m passionate about!

I have owned my own digital consultancy, Sense Data, for 9 years, working with clients such as MetService and Air New Zealand on innovative creative projects.

For the last 2 years, I have been working with the team at Explosive Social, helping small Kiwi businesses to grow and scale through digital marketing. This is a highly rewarding role and I am passionate about helping other businesses succeed.

Alongside this, in 2024, I took on the role of Sales and Events Lead at East Auckland Tourism, an Incorporated Society. I was tasked with driving tourism initiatives for the East Auckland region, working closely with the Board, and thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the East Auckland Tourism team. 

Pakuranga

Eastern Beach, Bucklands Beach, Half Moon Bay, Farm Cove & Sunnyhills.

The Pakuranga sub-division is a gem in the Howick Ward, with stunning local beaches, walkways and parks. Encompassing Eastern Beach, Bucklands Beach, Half Moon Bay and Farm Cove and Sunnyhills, Pakuranga is a fantastic place to live, work and play! I am committed to working hard for the Pakuranga community to ensure all our local residents and businesses can thrive. 

Joanne Puckey

“Wow feeling so proud of you Sarah! This is definitely your calling. You have always been someone to jump at the chance to help people, give fantastic advice and your creative mind is always thinking of ideas out of the box!.”

Meghann Knight

“You’ve absolutely got my vote! You’re such a caring, logical & dedicated person in everything you do…especially in the way you show up for our community. We’re so lucky to have you running”