An east Auckland elected representative says she’s committed to her political role despite taking on a new job based outside the local community.
Howick Local Board member Katrina Bungard has taken up a new position as deputy principal at a school on Auckland’s North Shore.
She previously worked as a teacher and head of department at Elim Christian College in Botany and also serves on the Counties Manukau District Health Board.
Bungard says despite now working at the school on the North Shore she has not moved out of east Auckland.
“I stay on the North Shore for three days a week and the rest of the week I am at my home in Pakuranga.
“I have attended all the [local board’s] workshops and business meetings either via Skype or in person, which is common now for elected members under the Covid-19 [Public Health] Response Act 2020.”
Bungard says she feels “passionately about our community” and she’s continuing to keep in touch with local residents.
“My new role will not change that and it will not have any impact on my role as a local board or DHB member.
“I am very much committed to representing our community and I am carrying out my job as usual.”
Bungard says board chairperson Adele White is “aware of my appointment” as the North Shore school’s deputy principal.
White told the Times she’s “reluctant” to comment on the issue as “member Bungard has not formally advised me of her intentions”.
“I do have an expectation that board members keep me well-informed of any changes to their situation so I can ensure we continue to support our community in the best way possible.”
Bungard served as the board’s deputy chairperson during its previous term.
She was also the National Party’s candidate in the Manurewa electorate for the 2017 general election.
