Howick local board member Lucy Schwaner quit after being sworn in, earned $1600

Lucy Schwaner who dramatically quit the Howick Local Board at its first meeting has been paid almost $1600. Photo / File

Auckland local body politician Lucy Schwaner who dramatically quit within minutes of being sworn in has been paid just under $1600.

Schwaner resigned at the Howick local board's first meeting, three weeks after the elections.

She lost the vote for the role of board chair 5-4 to incumbent David Collings, and subsequently stood down amid accusations of bullying and intimidation.

A byelection estimated to cost ratepayers more than $100,000 will be held in February to replace her.

An Auckland Council spokeswoman confirmed to the Herald today Schwaner was paid $1592.32 after tax for the three weeks between the election on October 16 and her resignation on November 4.

Schwaner, who is married to Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross, has told the Herald leaving the board was the "most honourable" thing she could do as she had no confidence in Collings' leadership.

In her resignation letter, Schwaner alleged that under the chairmanship of Collings in the past term the board had become a "toxic environment".

At the time Collings said Schwaner's decision was "disappointing" and a surprise given they both stood on the Vision and Voice ticket.

In response to her allegations, he said: "I'm not going to lower myself to that level. I've got the support of the community and I've got support from the board."

He denied a culture existed of attacking council staff.