[3][4] On the Manukau council, she was an advocate against 3G cell tower construction, in her local area, on the basis of decreased property values and "health risk[s]".
[citation needed] Between 2010 and 2019, Stewart opposed denser housing in discussion around the Auckland Unitary Plan,[10] as well as rate rises.
[11] During debate over the Unitary Plan, she attracted controversy by suggesting that potential requirements to consult with Māori were "undemocratic" and a "form of economic and social apartheid".
[14] In the run-up to the 2019 Auckland elections, the New Zealand Herald opined that the councillor made little contribution to council discussions and that Stewart would be better suited as a member of the Howick Local Board.
[16] In March 2022, Stewart was the only councillor to vote against the council's Regional Streets for People programme which would give money to walking and cycling infrastructure projects.