Howick Local Board deserves better than Lucy Schwaner offered.
PRESS RELEASE: Lucy Schwaner fails to understand local democracy.
Mark Johnson, the Labour candidate for the vacant local board seat in the Botany Sub-division, said he is concerned over Ms Schwaner’s evident lack of understanding of the nature of the Local Board structure, given her comments after her decision to resign from the Local Board immediately after losing the vote to Chair the Board.
On the Stuff website Friday, Schwaner claimed “The cost of a by-election could be avoided if other groups decided not to put a candidate forward and allowed [previous local board candidate Mike] Turinsky to fill the vacancy unchallenged.”
“Ms Schwaner is evidently unaware how local politics work, if she thinks fewer candidates is the financial solution to the scandal she has created in the Botany sub-division,” said Johnson. “This boondoggle will cost over twice the salary of a Howick Local Board member, regardless of how many parties contest the vacant seat.”
Ms Schwaner had ample time after her election to the board, to establish how many votes she was likely to get in the vote for chair. She could have avoided the situation by vacating her seat before being sworn in, and allowing the next highest-placing candidate, Mike Turinsky, to take her place. Instead, she chose to trigger an expensive by-election.
The by-election, possibly costing $150,000, will allow the ratepayers to discuss and debate the functioning of the present Board and to elect another, more conciliatory candidate.
Mr Johnson looks forward to the by-election and bringing the positive Labour values of transparency, approachability and accountability to the Howick Local Board.
Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.7% Hmm, maybe?
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9.7% Yes!
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
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