Ngā kaitono ā-rohe pōti 2025Ward candidates 2025

Howick Ward

Candidate statement

Results Driven - It's time for change. I'm a current Howick Local Board member seeking your vote to represent the Howick ward on Auckland Council. Born and raised locally, I know our community's needs and with over 23 years as a local business owner, my strength is communication, making money, saving money and knowing how to execute plans. I'm committed to reducing crime, improving public transport, delivering projects on time & budget, protecting our beaches, parks & heritage and supporting business & tourism. I'll speak confidently for the Howick ward, ensuring your concerns are heard and important investment is secured. I'll also drive fresh ideas for our growing community. I will listen to you - but most of all I will deliver. Vote for proven integrity, energy, and action. Vote Bo Burns

Howick Ward

ACT Local

Candidate statement

Time and again, ratepayers have been let down by Auckland Council with higher rates, more red tape on businesses, and wasteful spending on vanity projects. It is time to give Council a wake-up call and focus on the things that matter. Growing up in Howick, I understand the pressures local families face, and my global experience and leadership in crisis response, infrastructure, and operations means I have all the experience needed to bring practical solutions back to Howick. By voting for me as an ACT Local candidate you know exactly what you’re going to get: I will keep rates down, prioritize essential infrastructure like our roads, water and waste services, reduce needless red tape to allow businesses to thrive, and guarantee accountability so that the community voice is actually heard. If you want to see common sense back around the council table, please give me one of your two votes.

Howick Ward

Candidate statement

I’m Stephen Hill — a proud East Auckland local, National Party member, Director of a fire safety business, and father of children schooled in the area. I’m standing for Howick Ward to bring strong, practical leadership experience to Council. With a background in asset management, compliance, and budgeting, I know how to deliver value and manage public money responsibly. I want Council to focus on smart spending, so rates don’t need to keep rising. I’m committed to protecting the character of our suburbs by opposing blanket infill housing. I’ll support sensible, practical ideas to reduce congestion and improve local transport networks. I’ll also advocate for safer communities, better infrastructure, and stronger support for local families and businesses. Howick needs a representative who understands the issues, listens to residents, and delivers results. I’ll stand up for our community and making sure your concerns are heard. Let's get back on Track.

Howick Ward

Candidate statement

I’m a father of two and a local business owner with deep ties to East Auckland. I’ve built multiple businesses in cleaning, renovations, flooring, and off-road vehicles, and I’m running for the Howick Local Board to bring that real-world, results-driven mindset into local government. Too often, money is spread too thin and projects are left unfinished. I stand for focused funding: pick what matters and complete it properly. I’ll push for safer, cleaner streets, fix footpaths, stop illegal dumping, and fight for better value from every ratepayer dollar. I’m not here to talk politics. I’m here to get things done. You’ll get monthly updates from me. No spin, no fluff, just progress. Our community deserves leadership that’s transparent, practical, and delivers. Vote Barry Jensen – Focused Funding. Finished Projects. Finally. Let’s do it right, now!

Howick Ward

Independent

Candidate statement

I'm standing to change how our city is run. Locals are frustrated with lack of vision, progress and accountability. Not enough is being done to address transport, climate change, wasteful spending and poor communication. We face challenges with intensification, population growth, and uncertain economy. Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland deserves a more ambitious, disciplined, and diverse council. We need representatives who understand their communities, investing time to listen and respond to residents. It's time for change. With nearly 20 years of business improvement experience, I've worked in large organisations eliminating waste, improving delivery, and cutting bureaucracy. I'm a member of NZ Institute of Directors, with community, commercial, and council experience, recently as Chairperson of Howick Local Board. I'll drive financial discipline and accountability; improve local responsiveness; deliver more value; continue to be highly visible, results driven, and truly independent while working for every resident of East Auckland. www.damianlight.co.nz

Howick Ward

Candidate statement

Flat Bush residents deserve a representative who truly reflects our diverse community. I am not in governance for a career - I am here to deliver positive change. As a dedicated parent, business owner, academic and flat bush resident my practical leadership and governance experience make me an ideal champion for our community. Serving on several school boards has given me insights into meeting diverse needs, strategic planning, and fiscal responsibility. Being an academic quality lead has strengthened my commitment to accountability and transparency. Organising local events has connected me with residents and their aspirations ensuring people are at the centre of decision-making. I am committed to ensuring responsible use of council resources, being visible, results-driven, and truly independent. My passion and leadership will deliver meaningful change, and I will advocate for the long-overdue Flat Bush community centre - delivered, not delayed. Together, we can achieve a thriving, future-focused community.

Howick Ward

Independent

Candidate statement

Background: MP for Pakuranga and a Cabinet Minister (1987-2017). Consul General to the United States (2017-2020). Elected Howick Ward Councillor (2022). Initially appointed Chair of the Revenue, Expenditure and Value for Money Committee. In August 2024, our committee announced savings of $332 million in unnecessary spending. In September 2024, appointed to the Board of Auckland Transport (AT). At AT I'm applying all my skills to change the culture and realign their focus away from just public transport, cycling, and walking, to all modes of transport, especially the long-suffering motorist. In summary, I am laser focused on preventing wasteful spending. Council's current debt of $14.1 billion is estimated to grow to $19.6 billion within 4 years. Councils must focus on the core basics and not a plethora of trivial issues that should Not be funded by the ratepayer. I will always opt for common sense policies over woke ideology.

Howick Ward

Independent

Candidate statement

Former Auckland Councillor and Counties Manukau DHB Member I've lived in East Auckland for 36 years and proudly served as a strong advocate for our diverse and growing community. On Council, I helped secured $200 million for the Eastern Busway and protected $80 million for new pools, libraries, and a community centre in Flat Bush and Ormiston. I have a strong track record of working hard for local residents, delivering results, and standing up for what matters. I'm standing again to be your voice for better transport, safer streets, and a more inclusive Auckland. Make Auckland Young Again Vote Paul Young