For the last three decades, whenever an east Auckland resident had a problem in their neighbourhood, whether it was a cracked footpath, a dangerous tree, or flooding due to blocked drains, there was one person they knew they could call to get it sorted out – Sharon Stewart. But not for much longer. The dedicated long-time local community advocate is calling time on her political career as an elected representative in east Auckland. Stewart, who serves as a Howick ward councillor alongside Maurice Williamson, has decided to not seek re-election at the local elections later this year. “I’ve enjoyed doing it, mainly for the community, and I’ve just been very much a grassroots type of councillor,” Stewart told the Times. “If there’s any problems out there everybody seems to ring me. “At times I’ve even had [former Manukau City mayor] Sir Barry Curtis ringing me up needing assistance. “I’ve been doing it for a long time, and I’ve now got three beautiful grandchildren. “I want to have some time with them, smell the roses, and get out into my garden and start doing some things for myself.” Stewart’s career in local politics began in 1995 when she was elected to the Howick Community Board, followed by election to the Manukau City Council in 1998. When the super-city Auckland Council was formed in 2010, she was elected as one of the Howick ward’s two councillors and has served on the council ever since. Over the years she’s been just as busy away from politics. In the early 1990s Stewart launched a petition calling for better conditions in all public hospitals, was named the Howick Citizen of the Year in 1991, and received a Queen’s Service Medal for public service in 1998. She’s raised money for numerous organisations including IHC and has served as a patron of Howick Tennis Club, Howick Croquet, Fencibles United AFC, and has supported Pakuranga United Rugby Club and the Air Training Corp. She’s also been a member of the Howick RSA and Howick Club. Most recently her civic role has seen her chair the council’s civil defence and emergency management committee. The Times asked Stewart if she might take a break from the council and then stand again in future, but her answer is clear. “No, this is it. I’ll always help, and people will still probably contact me. “I’m very supportive of Maurice Williamson. He’s a superb councillor and one of the better ones I’ve ever worked with in my 30-odd years.” She says she’s “thoroughly enjoyed serving the local community”. “It’s with a great deal of pride and humility that I’ve continued to enjoy the wonderful support of my community over this time. “I never took their votes for granted and have always done my best to represent them and work hard on their behalf. “While I’m sad to go, it’s now time to pass the torch to someone new. “I want to thank everyone who backed me to represent you all these years. It’s been an immense privilege.”