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Bo BURNS

Bo BURNS

Candidate for Howick Local Board (Howick Subdivision)

#weknowhowick

Candidate statement

I'm standing for re-election to continue as your strong & reliable advocate on the Howick Local Board. A lifelong local, I live here with my husband and daughters and understand the issues that matter most. As a business owner for over 23 years, I've built strong local connections and a reputation for getting things done. Known as 'Bo on the Go', I give 100 per cent - from Board work to my businesses, delivering local events and more. I'll drive fresh, innovative ideas for our growing community, and ensure your concerns are heard. I will listen to you - but most of all I will deliver. Vote for integrity, energy, and proven commitment to Howick. Vote Bo Burns.

Why I want to be elected

I’m standing for re-election to continue as your strong & reliable advocate on the Howick Local Board. A lifelong local, I live here with my husband and daughters and understand the issues that matter most. As a business owner for over 23 years, I’ve built strong local connections and a reputation for getting things done. Known as ‘Bo on the Go’, I give 100 per cent—from Board work to my businesses, delivering local events and more. I’ll drive fresh, innovative ideas for our growing community,

My key skills and qualities

My strengths are as follows: My Deep Community Connection Business & Leadership Expertise Strong Communication Skills Advocy & Problem Solver Outcome & Accountabilty Focussed In a nutshell, I will bring authenticity, energy, and real-world experience, someone who understands both grassroots community needs and the realities of running organisations. Im action-driven, approachable, and unafraid to challenge bureaucracy to get results for our community.

My top three key issues

Business & Tourism initiatives locally & regionally Infrastructure and environmental planning Procurement - quality service delivery locally, on time within budget.

My position on key topics

  • Transport

    I’m focused on getting transport projects delivered on time and within budget. East Auckland needs faster, more reliable options to move locally and across Auckland. We must progress initiatives like bikes on buses and better discounts for families, students and seniors. Ferries are too unreliable and infrequent, hurting locals, tourism and business. I’ll continue to work with Auckland Transport to improve safety initiatives without blowing budgets.

  • Water

    Water is one of Auckland’s most precious assets, and it needs to be managed well with correct budgets allocated. We need to protect quality through better infrastructure and catchment care, and ensure stormwater and wastewater systems keep pace with development. That means investing wisely, fixing leaky pipes, reducing pollution in our harbours, and working with communities on conservation. Every dollar spent must deliver real outcomes without waste.

  • Built environment

    I support more housing and smart infill where it makes sense with good transport hubs. But a blanket approach across Auckland isn’t right when our infrastructure is already under pressure. We must plan growth around where services can cope & invest in upgrades ahead of time, not after the fact. Protecting heritage is also important, it’s what gives our communities their character and sense of place. Development and heritage can co-exist if we’re thoughtful, transparent, and involve local input

  • Natural environment

    Auckland’s natural spaces are treasures, once they’re gone, they’re gone. We need to protect bush, beaches and waterways while enhancing biodiversity with more native planting and pest control. I’d push for stronger stormwater management to protect our streams & harbour and invest in green spaces. We need to protect our beaches, and have strong and long terms plans in place, including our key community stakeholder groups.

  • Community

    Strong communities start with listening & education. I want to make sure people feel heard and connected, through better local events community led, supporting sports and arts, and providing safe welcoming public spaces. We must invest in facilities families actually use, parks, libraries, transport links, and maintain them properly. Community wellbeing also means supporting local businesses & volunteers, making it easier for people to contribute, feel proud of where they live and connected

  • Economic and cultural development

    Economic growth starts locally. I’ll push for to prioritise local procurement, this drives competitive pricing while supporting our own local & regional businesses. We should deliver key regional events in every ward, showcasing our unique areas and boosting tourism. By running region-wide campaigns, streamlining marketing and providing practical tools that actually work, we can grow confidence in our business and tourism sectors and celebrate our cultural heritage at the same time.

  • Well-managed local government and outcomes for Māori

    I don’t believe it’s possible to give meaningful answers to four major issues , Māori outcomes, the Port of Auckland, the Future Fund and storm recovery, in just 500 characters. Each deserves proper consideration and respect, not a rushed response. I’d prefer not to answer this question in this format.

Candidate's supporting links

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Disclaimer

The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.