Councillor Burns hits ground running
New councillor for Howick, Bo Burns, with second-term Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, at The Apothecary Café in Picton Street last week. Times photo PJ Taylor
New Auckland councillor for Howick, Bo Burns, has set out what she wants to initially accomplish in this three-year term serving on the city’s Governing Body.
Burns says there are long-term goals she wants to achieve, as well as “important smaller wins along the way”, but for now, during her Auckland Council induction week, her focus is on “a strong six-month action plan” with three priorities.
“Building strong relationships around the council table. Respectful and collaborative relationships lead to better decision-making and outcomes, not just for east Auckland, but for all wards.
“I want to be a team player around the council table, bringing fresh, innovative and logical solutions forward.”
Burns was the top polling candidate in the recent election contests for the two Howick councillor seats, and the Howick Local Board, for which she was deputy-chair in the last term.
She’s keen to “re-establish a productive relationship with the Howick Local Board”.
“Regular communication between the councillors and the local board is imperative,” says Burns.
“I believe a strong, trusted partnership is essential to advocate for our community and make sure local voices are heard and good feedback delivered.
“There is power in 13 people standing up for our area, and I’m looking forward to driving our voice into council.”
She also intends to hold community meetings with stakeholders such as resident and ratepayers’ groups.
“To understand the key issues our community wants addressed and the areas they’d like me to focus on.
“I’m a firm believer that collaboration delivers the best results, and what could be more powerful than working alongside the people who elected me and care deeply about our area.”
Burns is also keen on working “quickly to get up to speed with new council protocols”.
“From there, I’ll develop a clear plan shaped by what I learn from the council, the board, and our community.
“Communication will be vital, educating and updating the community regularly, and maintaining strong and trusted relationships at every level.
“I’m looking forward to listening, planning, and delivering on what matters most to east Auckland.”
Auckland Council local elections 2025, final official result for the two Howick ward councillor seats: Bo Burns 12,038, Maurice Williamson (Independent) 11,535, Paul Young (Independent) 9615, Damian Light (Independent) 7873, Barry Jensen 5461, Stephen Hill 4736, Ali Dahche (ACT Local) 3902, Leanne Seniloli 2947, Informal votes 108, Blank ballots 642.
Auckland Council’s Governing Body for the term 2025-2028:
Mayor: Wayne Brown
Ward and councillors:
Albany: Victoria Short, John Watson
Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa: Julie Fairey, Christine Fletcher
Franklin: Andy Baker
Howick: Bo Burns, Maurice Williamson
Manukau: Alf Filipaina, Lotu Fuli
Manurewa-Papakura: Daniel Newman, Matt Winiata
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki: Josephine Bartley
North Shore: Richard Hills, John Gillon
Ōrākei: Desley Simpson
Rodney: Greg Sayers
Waitākere: Shane Henderson, Ken Turner (WestWards)
Waitematā and Gulf: Mike Lee
Whau: Sarah Paterson-Hamlin
Disclosure: Bo Burns is owner of Times Media.