Sarah Lucas, former Inglewood community board member and New Plymouth mayoral candidate, has been announced as The Opportunity Party candidate to take on incumbent David MacLeod for the New Plymouth seat in this year's general election.
A statement on The Opportunity Party website reads:
"Sarah Lucas is standing in the New Plymouth electorate because she feels New Zealand needs more capable, future-focused leadership and better long-term decision making."
"She lives with her husband and their three teenage sons, and is a small business owner and manufacturer. Running a business has taught her the realities of costs, regulation, and the resilience required to build something from the ground up."
"Earlier in her career, she worked as a social worker and mental health manager. She also currently works in conservation strategy, helping shape long-term plans to protect and manage our natural environment."
"She has governance and policy experience, working on how decisions affect communities on the ground. Her service in local government includes chairing the Community Board Executive, and leading elected members from across the country on the future of local government."
"She has lived overseas in places undergoing major change, including post-war Kosovo and Nepal. Those experiences gave her a deep appreciation for strong institutions, good governance, and how to invest in our shared future."
"Outside of work she spends as much time outdoors as she can - she loves trails, swimming, the ocean, and volunteering as a surf lifeguard."
