Disclaimer
The information on this page has been provided by the candidates. It does not reflect the views or positions of Auckland Council.
Bo BURNS
Candidate for 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
Why I want to be elected
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
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. Ultimately, I want to help drive council & CCOS, with new initiatives that will help operate in a high functioning space, that delivers results, not wastes money and is accountable.
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 & harbours 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 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.