Tributes flow for young politician
New Zealand’s youngest ever female politician has died suddenly, shocking those who knew her.
Sarah Higgins, a real estate agent for Barfoot & Thompson and member of the Franklin Local Board, died at the weekend.
Higgins was just 22 when she won her seat on the Pukekohe subdivision of the board in 2013. She said she’d fallen in love with the Pukekohe community and wanted the chance to use her passion for politics.
‘‘I think it is important to know about what is going on in the community as best as you can,’’ she said at the time.
However, Higgins was not planning on standing again for the board in the October elections.
Andy Baker, board chairman, said her death was an utter shock.
‘‘It’s left the local board absolutely devastated at her loss. It’s such a tragic waste of a wonderful young life with so much to offer.’’
Andrew Bayly, MP for Hunua, said Higgins was instrumental in the work that led to him filing a private member’s bill on methamphetamine testing in residential properties.
‘‘I’ve really enjoyed working with her, I’m going to miss her immensely. She made contributions to the whole community.’’
North Shore councillor Richard Hills posted a tribute to the young politician on his Facebook page.
‘‘It’s truly tragic to see a fellow young politician die like this, the times that I had spoke with her she was so positive and confident and seemed to have a big future ahead of her.’’