Bo Burns – accountable, trustworthy, strong
Bo Burns is standing for Auckland Council in the Howick ward and for re-election to the Howick Local Board. Photo supplied
Who is Bo Burns?
Bo Burns was born and raised in east Auckland and is proud to call this community home.
She’s a mother, wife, business owner and has served six years on the Howick Local Board, including the past three as deputy chair.
With deep family roots in community service and entrepreneurship, Burns has always been involved in local sport and community groups.
She’s also the driving force behind iconic events such as the Howick Santa Parade.
Her upbringing instilled strong values of putting the community first, and this foundation continues to shape the determined, results-driven leader she is today.
Why vote Bo Burns?
Burns has a proven track record of getting things done. When Times Media was liquidated, she not only saved it but transformed it into a thriving, modern media voice with record readership and engagement.
She blends old-school business values with innovation to create outcomes that serve her community.
As a business owner of 23 years, Burns brings to the council table a vital skillset of sales, marketing, communication, education and relationship building.
She understands profit and loss, and believes this real-world experience is what council needs to operate effectively.
Council is ultimately a business, and Burns knows how to make money, save money, and deliver visionary results. Above all, she shows up, takes accountability, and delivers.
How will Bo Burns represent you?
Burns has the energy, commonsense and commitment to be a strong voice for east Auckland.
Her focus is on minimising rate rises by exploring alternative levers, addressing crime, pushing for better and more reliable transport, and ensuring fair funding for infrastructure.
She also supports local tourism and business, youth and caring for the elderly.
She’s firmly opposed to fortnightly rubbish collections and is passionate about rejecting housing intensification plans that would damage the Howick ward.
Burns will continue to fight against PC78, calling for a reset and a return to sensible, community-focused planning.
Voting for Bo Burns means choosing integrity, accountability, and a councillor who will always fight for what is right for our community.
‘Fat, useless, plastic poly’: Candidates call out hoarding vandalism
Damaged billboards are hitting female candidates’ pockets and exposing the racial and sexist abuse that still shadows Auckland’s local elections.
Election hoardings of three Auckland female candidates have been vandalised and graffitied with offensive and racist words.
The three targets of the vandalism say it's not just graffiti - it’s racist abuse, a financial burden, and a threat to democracy.
Josephine Bartley, the incumbent councillor for Maungakiekie and one of only two female Samoans on Auckland’s governing body, says a hoarding on Captains Springs Road was defaced with explicit abuse.
“They’d written all over the sign, calling me a ‘fat, useless, plastic poly’.”
Another one of her billboards on Trafalgar Street was attacked just a day after it went up.
“We put it up on Saturday and by Sunday someone had cut my face and my name out,” she says.
Vandalised billboards sit alongside untouched campaign signs. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata
Bartley says she has chosen not to replace damaged boards because of the personal cost.
“I told the Labour team to leave my billboards. Anything that’s vandalised, leave it because I’ve got a mortgage. I can’t afford to keep buying more signs. I’m only buying 30 and that’s it.”
In previous campaigns, she used 60 hoardings, but this year she cut back.
“People don’t like the visual pollution and I agree with them. But also, it doesn’t sit well with me that we’re going to spend thousands on a campaign in a cost-of-living crisis.”
First-time candidate feels targeted
First-time candidate Malaina Taufa, who is of Samoan and Niuean descent and married to a Tongan, said the vandalism was crushing.
“It was my first time putting up hoardings and it was a proud moment for my family, because they all came out to help,” the Maungakiekie subdivision candidate says.
“By Monday, just a few days later, somebody had vandalised it. They cut out our faces and wrote really explicit stuff on it. Pretty disheartening, kind of sad.”
Malaina Taufa says the vandalism is disheartening but won’t stop her campaign. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata
Taufa says she wonders if race plays a part.
“How come our boards are all attacked and the others haven’t been touched? It makes me think, is it a racist thing? Is it because of our race, or people not liking our party? It really makes you wonder.”
Her children and students from the school where she works have noticed the graffiti.
“My kids drive past and say, ‘Mum, look, they wrote on your sign.’ Even children from my school see it, and they’re reading words that are not appropriate for young children. That’s what hurts.”
Despite the abuse, Taufa said she is determined to continue.
Defaced hoardings highlight the cost of campaigning in local elections. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata
“These things make you want to stop, but actually, they should motivate you to keep moving forward.
"That’s what Pasifika people do. We’re hard workers, and we don’t just shut down because of rude comments.”
‘Sideways cactus’ becomes a T-shirt
Independent Howick candidate Bo Burns, a Pālagi woman, is shrugging off graffiti on her election boards, calling it a regular feature of local campaigns.
“I’ve had moustaches and other funny things,” she says.
This year, the defacement was a crude drawing she has dubbed the “sideways cactus”.
Bo Burns' hoarding is tagged with a "sideway cactus" which has been blurred. Photo/ Bo Burns- Howick Local Board Facebook.
Burns jokes about turning it into a tongue-in-cheek campaign T-shirt, but says the vandalism was disappointing.
“Well, you know, no one likes to be a sideways cactus, do they?
“A couple of elections ago, I probably would have felt a bit upset about it, but this time it’s water off a duck’s back,” Burns says.
“It wouldn’t be a campaign without something funny being drawn on your billboard. But people don’t understand the cost personally to replace it, especially for independent candidates.”
She says the attacks add financial pressure to already costly campaigns.
“Most candidates spend between $3,000 to $10,000 of their own money to campaign. We pay to be scrutinised. People need to remember candidates are putting themselves forward because they care about the community. The least the community can do is tick a box and put it in the post.”
Burns adds that her bigger message is not to be distracted by vandalism but to focus on voter turnout. “You don’t have to vote for me, but vote for someone and do your homework. We’ve got to increase the voting for local politics, it’s only sitting around 30 per cent.”
Democracy at stake
Voter turnout in New Zealand’s 2022 local elections hit a record low of 36 per cent nationally, with Auckland registering just 35.4 per cent. The Maungakiekie–Tāmaki ward recorded 19,753 votes.
Turnout was notably lower in more deprived communities, and Māori voters were less likely to take part than non-Māori. On average, metropolitan councils struggled to reach 39.8 per cent turnout, underscoring the wider crisis of engagement in local democracy.
All three women say the issue is bigger than spray-paint and cut-out faces.
It places financial and emotional strain on candidates, exposes children to racist and derogatory language, and reflects a lack of respect for democracy itself, they said.
-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Don’t Be a Sideways Cactus!
On 21 August, one of my election signs became the target of some late-night “artwork.” A cheeky local decided it would be funny to vandalise my billboard by drawing an obscene image across her campaign poster.
Instead of being upset, Bo has taken the opportunity to show her trademark humour and resilience.
“In politics, as in life, there’s no such thing as bad press — but there is such a thing as being a sideways cactus. Let’s rise above it, laugh it off, and keep focused on what matters — our community.”
The vandalism has now become a quirky part of my campaign trail, sparking conversations and a new catchphrase: #DontBeASidewaysCactus.
This moment isn’t about the graffiti. It’s about staying positive, being approachable, and showing the kind of good-natured leadership East Auckland deserves.
I do want to acknowledge that as much as I have a good sense of humour, I do not condone and really hope for a clean campaign with no further damage to my signs, its costly financially and time wise. So I'm pleading with the community, please keep an eye out, not just on my signs but all people standing, its just respect to not damage our signs.
"I do want to acknowledge that while I’ve had a laugh and shared this with good humour, I absolutely do not condone this type of behaviour. Campaign vandalism is costly both financially and in terms of time.
I’m hopeful for a clean, respectful campaign with no further damage to my signs. I’m asking our community to please keep an eye out — not just for my signs, but for all candidates. At the end of the day, this comes down to respect for the democratic process and for the people who put themselves forward to represent you."
Join the conversation online, share a laugh, and most importantly — Vote Bo Burns, Your Local Voice. www.facebook.com/boburnsnz
👉 #DontBeASidewaysCactus #VoteBoBurns
Results Driven - It’s time for change
I’m your current Deputy Chair of the Howick Local Board and have been elected by you, the community for 6 years now. I'm 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 our youth, business & tourism.
I’ll speak confidently for the Howick ward, ensuring your concerns are heard and fresh ideas continue.
I will listen to you — but most of all I will deliver.
Vote for proven integrity, energy, and action. Vote Bo Burns
以成果为导向——是时候做出改变了
作为现任Howick地方委员会副主席，过去六年来，我一直由大家，我们的社区，信任并选举产生。如今，我希望再次得到你们的支持，代表Howick选区进入奥克兰市议会。我在本地出生长大，深知社区的需求。作为一名经营本地企业逾23年的业主，我擅长沟通、创造收益、节约开支，并懂得如何高效执行计划。
我承诺致力于降低犯罪率、改善公共交通、确保项目按时并在预算内交付、保护我们的海滩、公园和文化遗产，并支持青少年发展、商业繁荣与旅游业发展。
我将为Howick 选区坚定发声，确保你们的关切被听见，并持续带来新理念。
我会倾听你们的声音— 但更重要的是，我会兑现承诺。
请把你的一票投给 Bo Burns — 诚信、活力、执行力，用行动为Howick带来真正的改变。
Bo Burns running for council to “get things moving”
Bo Burns: “I’m standing for council to be a strong and effective voice for east Auckland, because it’s time we stopped being left behind.” Times photos
Bo Burns, the dynamic and well-known community leader, is officially announcing her candidacy for a Howick Ward seat on the Auckland Council in the upcoming 2025 local-body elections.
The owner of Times Media, publishers of the Eastern Times and Franklin Times, says with her “proven track record of delivering results”, she’s determined to bring “new energy and bold vision” to the table of the council’s Governing Body to champion the needs of east Aucklanders who, in her opinion, have long been overlooked.
“East Auckland deserves to be seen, heard and actioned,” Burns says.
“We need strong representation that not only listens, but gets things done. I bring the energy, communication skills, and business acumen to make that happen.”
Burns is a two-term Howick Local Board member, and in this term, she has been deputy-chair.
She lives in Howick with her husband and two daughters and is “deeply embedded” in the east Auckland community.
She’s the founder and director of Promo Factory, a Howick-based business that has earned both local and international recognition over the past 23 years.
Her accolades include awards for Innovative Ideas, Exceptional Service, and SME Business Growth.
In addition to Promo Factory, Burns is also the “proud owner” of Times Media, publishers of the Eastern Times and Franklin Times.
She purchased the business out of liquidation in 2024 and has successfully rebuilt it into a thriving, community-focused media company, a testament to her entrepreneurial drive and deep commitment to local storytelling and connection.
With a dedicated leadership team and staff in place to manage her companies, Burns is fully available and committed to serving in a councillor role.
She says her business experience, hands-on leadership style, and passion for the east Auckland region position her as a capable and enthusiastic “advocate for positive change”.
“Our diverse and rapidly growing community deserves a representative who understands its unique needs and knows how to advocate with purpose.”
Affectionately known in the community as “Bo on the Go”, Burns is known for her relentless drive and get-it-done approach.
Her community involvement spans across sports coaching, school mentoring, serving on industry boards, and organising one of east Auckland’s most beloved annual events, the Howick Santa Parade.
Burns says she’s not only seeking re-election to the Howick Local Board, but elevation to the council’s Governing Body, where she believes she can have even greater impact.
“I’m standing for council to be a strong and effective voice for east Auckland, because it’s time we stopped being left behind,” says Bo.
“I will champion better and more reliable public transport, urgently needed infrastructure upgrades, action on coastal erosion, and the revitalisation of our neglected facilities.
“I’m committed to supporting local business and tourism growth, and I’ll push for the long-overdue Ormiston and Flat Bush community centre to be delivered.
“Our diverse and rapidly growing community deserves a representative who understands its unique needs and knows how to advocate with purpose.”
Burns believes the council needs more people with practical experience, community understanding, and a no-nonsense attitude to results.
“I’m not a career politician. I’m a business owner, a mum, and a passionate east Auckland local.
“I understand the real pressures facing families and small businesses, and I’ll fight to make sure our community receives the quality of services that fairly reflects the rates we’re paying.”
A “logical thinker and natural collaborator”, Burns says she pledges to be “an accessible councillor who listens, acts, and brings fresh ideas to the table”.
She’s also passionate about “sustainability, protecting Howick’s historic charm, and championing initiatives that future-proof the region for generations to come”.
“I’ll always be about action, not excuses. I’ll work hard, ask the right questions, and make sure east Auckland has a voice that can’t be ignored,” she says.
To follow Bo Burns’ election campaign or to get involved, visit: www.boburns.co.nz.
Auckland Council local elections are by postal ballot in September and October, with election day on October 11.
Printed publications show resurgence locally and globally
Times resurrection and NBA success emphasise the enduring value of print.
Recently, community and business demand drove the printed return of East Auckland newspaper, the Times. This reflects the ongoing and deep value widely-held for printed publications.
Founder Reay Neben closed the 53-year-old newspaper in April to enter retirement. Soon after, businesswoman Bo Burns stepped forward to acquire Times Media’s assets and relaunch the publication in an initially online format.
She says, “I always intended to have something in print. While I had planned it for 2025, huge community and business support enabled me to bring that decision forward.”
Beacon Print produces the Times printed publication. Its twice-monthly frequency in mid-August saw “all bins emptied within two days”.
Bo says, “We have already increased our circulation by a few thousand after our first run and it will continue to increase with demand. Our current print distribution is 10,000. We have an expected readership of print of 30,000 as we are in strategic locations. The digital paper has a readership of 10,000.”
While she says the publication’s printed version readers include people biding time when sitting at doctors, cafes, takeaways, hairdressers, bus stops and on boats, she points out how device fatigue contributes to its popularity as well. She says, “People get sick of staring at their phones. They want a tangible product to hold. Also, if you have the right balance of news, lifestyle, events and competitions, the lifecycle is far greater.”
Times Media must now navigate its way through several recent challenges including a changing media landscape; the pandemic; difficult economic conditions; rising living costs; and forced recessions. Bo says, “I came in with a strong advertising and marketing background and had the intention to revitalise the hero, which was the online Times.co.nz. I wanted to engage with our community, who love and support the brand.
“Initially the digital platform was all I had to work with, whilst in the early stages of reconfiguring the business and merging it into my other business systems. Once I could come up for air, I heard the community loud and clear: it wanted the print version back.”
She describes the company’s readership statistics as on a huge upward trajectory. She says, “The digital paper is around 10,000 reads already, so this combined with our printed editions is a fabulous integrated reach and approach to all demographics. We also have increased our socials to an impressive five channels.
“We must be doing something right.”
Employing eight people, the business anticipates further growth as it continues to reach residents across in Pakuranga, Highland Park, The Peninsula, Howick, Botany, Meadowlands, Cockle Bay, Golflands, Flatbush, Ormiston, Dannemora, and Highbrook.
Bo says, “Times Media services a huge audience of 160,000 East Auckland residents. We are the most culturally diverse area in Auckland. As for the future, we have very big plans. Watch this space.”
Times print return lauded
In a recent Times opinion piece, past PrintNZ Board member Charles Miller strongly praised the strategic decision to reinstate the printed version of the publication.
He wrote, “This move highlights the paper’s commitment to engaging with its community, particularly those who find online access challenging, and is a great credit to Bo Burns and the dedicated team who’ve worked so hard to make this a reality.
“In a world increasingly dominated by digital content, there’s an important segment of the population that prefers the tactile experience that only a physical newspaper can provide.
“For people not raised in an online world or those in rural areas with limited Internet connectivity, the return of the printed paper is more than just a convenience. It’s an essential service that ensures they remain informed and connected to their networks.”
“The printed publication provides an additional channel for advertisers to showcase their products and services, in a format to which new readers will be drawn and which often etches greater recall.
“In settings like motel rooms, cafes and waiting areas, print materials are shared among multiple readers, amplifying each copy’s impact as it reaches several individuals who spend time engaging with the content.
“This shared, extended interaction increases the effectiveness of print, leading to a wider audience and a more in-depth experience, where articles and advertisements are more thoroughly absorbed and retained.”
The Times is back in print!
East Auckland’s leading news publication is back in print – after a brief hiatus – due to overwhelming community demand.
Bo Burns, the owner and director of Times Media, the area’s oldest historic masthead and website, is breaking new media boundaries and filling a gap in the market to produce compelling robust and credible content for the community, who are thirsty for it.
Burns bought the business out of liquidation only three months ago.
In this short time, her team has pushed new boundaries online and today they’re announcing they’re relaunching a compact paper form, distributing several thousand copies at locations across east Auckland to capture the 160,000-strong community.
“We are back, east Auckland!,” Burns says. “The community spoke out and we listened.
“The common theme of the feedback was the need to continue our trusted and robust local content in print format.
“We’re going against the trend of media platforms cutting back on paper content. Why?
“Because together with exciting online content our east Auckland readership can be increased tenfold with an integrated approach, and there are even more exciting plans afoot, so watch this space!”
Since Burns has been at the helm of the Times, her team has smashed beyond the expected records with digital website boasting over 100,000+ views for three consecutive months.
This month is tracking to gain over 129,000 views, the advertising retention rate has been over 75 per cent, and the social channels and subscribers are up 500 per cent.
The paper will be available around the local community twice a month from August 15 from pick-up boxes in handy locations.
Bo Burns takes the reins of the Times
East Auckland’s leading community news provider – the Times – is back!
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the long-standing local news provider has been brought back to life after its publisher, Times Newspapers, closed on April 17.
Well-known east Auckland businesswoman Bo Burns has acquired the company’s digital assets.
As she doesn’t plan at this stage to reintroduce the printed version of the newspaper its new form is a slimmed-down, online-only version.
Times Newspapers was recently placed into voluntary administration in an effort to force its sale after having informed the local community for more than 50 years.
Managing director Reay Neben believed it was the right time to step away from the industry and retire.
After a short period of administration, no buyer was forthcoming and the business closed on April 17.
Staff were told at a meeting with administrators Blacklock Rose that they were being terminated that day.
Not willing to let a news void be created in the community, Burns stepped in, buying the company’s intellectual property including its popular website, www.times.co.nz, the East Auckland App, and Facebook page – with its 10,000 followers – with the goal of making its digital presence more successful than ever.
She has two decades’ of business experience.
Burns runs the successful local business Promo Factory, organises the popular annual Howick Santa Parade, and is deputy chairperson of the Howick Local Board.
She says she wants to continue the Times’ reputation as a trustworthy source of independent, unbiased, lively and hard-hitting community news.
Her link to the company stretches back to 1997 when she began working for it in sales as a teenager.
“That launched my career in and passion for advertising and marketing,” Burns says.
“I was there for three years and then went on my OE at 21.
“I worked for two newspapers in London and ended up being the sales manager for both.
“Then I came back home and started my own business here.”
Burns says east Auckland needs a reliable and trustworthy news source and her goal is for the Times to continue to be exactly that.
“Residents need a place where they can go to learn about what’s happening locally around business, politics, education, health, crime, Auckland Council, the Howick Local Board and community events.
“We won’t just be reporting the news. We’ll connect the vibrant communities of east Auckland to the stories and events that matter.
“Our mission is to deliver current, relevant, and authentic content that resonates with our readers, even when it generates controversy because that’s what honest journalism is about.”
10mins with Bo-on-the-Go
She juggles more hats than she can count. Always on the run, Bo Burns is her energetic, driven and passionate self even if she is a little out of breath as she chats with FARIDA MASTER whilst on her evening run.
Bo Burns
Different roles you play…
I wear a few hats, my mother and wife hat, business owner hat of Fundraise Factory, Promo Factory and Cleave House, Howick Local Board Member hat, community events hat running the Howick Santa Parade, business networking hat, running Howick Click business owners forum, and finally my leisure friend hat where I get to exercise and see friends. (I seem to have a big wardrobe for all my hats).
The role you love most…
Being a mum and wife is my first and foremost love – creating magical memories and raising confident, logical and down-to- earth girls, but over and above that I love being a business owner.
Brendan, Lucy, Charlie and Bo.
However, the key to my heart is helping people, whether it’s in the community or helping locals grow or start-up businesses, that’s what really floats my boat – sometimes it’s been to the detriment of my own goals and business but it’s engrained in my bloodline to help others. I love that. You can’t help being born an entreprenual community-minded person!
Crazy about…
Promoting East Auckland and Howick as a destination to visit, live, work and play!
I’m a big fan of…
Treating others how you like to be treated, and also mind over matter. I set my mind to something and strive to achieve it!
Strategy for maintaining sanity whilst working from home…
Teamwork, communication and family exercise! We found what worked best for our family was sticking to a strict routine and having separate areas for us to work from. The very first lockdown was challenging, but we had to stop, take a breath and get back into a routine. Then from there on we just reverted each time into that plan and it worked well. I am extremely proud of how my daughters coped and maintained their school work, full credit to them both.
Things I did differently during lockdown to make my business work…
We had to pivot hard and fast to PPE gear initially, this enabled us to keep the team of nine employed the last two years, even though it’s not our core business, it was about staying afloat and looking for any and every opportunity.
What came from this drive were contacts, thousands of new businesses all over New Zealand that our team are now working towards building strong relationships with. I’m incredibly proud of my team, and how they coped. I also have loved moving to connecting with people on Teams/Zoom/Skype. I find it saves a lot of time not having to drive in Auckland traffic to meetings.
Advice to my 10-year-old-self…
You don’t have to please everyone, you can say ‘No’ once in a while. It’s okay to focus on just you every now and then, it’s good for you. When you meet those people in your college years that tell you won’t amount to be anything, don’t sweat it baby girl, you got this – the world’s your oyster and you can do anything you set your mind to! One day they will need you, that’s when your internal self can sit back and smile.
Feel strongly about…
Sharing knowledge, helping businesses grow and connecting people, also a big one for me is keeping a positive mindset
Pet peeve…
Firstly, bad customer service drives me crazy. Secondly, people not answering or replying to emails. Thirdly, people constantly saying ‘I’m too busy’ – you are never too busy to grow yourself or business. Oh wait, maybe I have a fourth … people chewing loudly really grinds my gears!
A sure-fire way to get my mojo back… I love re-zapping my energy with Debbie Buddle’s juices, they get the energy flowing and then joining the Energize team in Wellington street for Bootcamp, if that can’t get your mind reset and blood pumping, nothing can!
Had a ball…
As I take things quite literally, this would mean last night, playing netball with my daughter in the driveway! If this means ‘having a ball’ – this would be with my husband and friends who we surprised two years ago with our renewing of vows on our 10-year-wedding anniversary in Palm Beach/Waiheke.
My bucket list…
To record a song, retrain myself to play the piano, to meet Oprah, to travel for 12 months with no work and to travel overseas to weird and wonderful places again with my amazing mum and family.
Song that sums me up… ‘Rainbow Connections’ by Kermit Frog. For me it’s about looking for that bright side of life, that rainbow after the dark cloudy times and remembering to connect with people. Maybe this will be the song that I record for my bucket list in honour of my sister who passed away four years ago on March 22. This was also her favourite song.
Best day of my life…
There are honestly too many great days in my life. I think the ‘the best day of my life’ recently, was the day my mother didn’t die in hospital. The relief and gratefulness that refilled my heart of how amazing, kind, passionate and driven she is was overwhelming.
Pip and Bo.
That has to be the highlight of the last few months and best day to remember her getting through that. She is outright my best friend on earth.
Three top fundraising tips…
Fast Profit: fundraise smarter, not harder. Everyone is time poor now and needs fast, easy and profitable solutions.
Never Forget: to contact your local MPS, councillors, board members, real estate agents and business owners/retailers to support, promote and onsell your products Sponsorships: always look for a local sponsor, it offers the sponsor excellent exposure, and on the flip side you make more profit for your fundraising campaign.
If you want free tools for your next fundraiser check out www.fundraisefactory.com
Related: Q&A – With Reay Neben
Candidate “furious” over booklet error
Candidate profile booklets sent to local voters in this year’s Auckland Council elections contain an error that was not corrected prior to them being printed and posted out.
Bo Burns is a current elected member of the Howick Local Board.
She’s standing for re-election to the board as well as for a seat on the council’s governing body in the Howick ward on a ticket with local councillor Paul Young.
Burns says on September 8 she was phoned by the board’s deputy chair, John Spiller, who told her there seemed to be a mix-up with her councillor and local board member statements in the profile booklets which have been sent out with voting papers.
The issue is her statement focusing on why she’s standing for the councillor role was placed where her board candidate statement should have been and vice-versa.
“I phoned the electoral team straight away and told them what John had said,” Burns told the Times.
“They put me on hold and came back and said unfortunately that yes, there had been a mix-up.
“I was furious. Somewhere in between me handing in my two separate applications, photos and statements, somebody mixed them up.
“I asked if it would be rectified and they said it was too late and the million or so pamphlets had already been printed, but that they would change them straight away online.”
Burns says she asked the electoral team why candidates aren’t sent proofs of their statements to check.
The staff she spoke to replied they had a very stringent proofing process, she says.
“My reply was it is clearly not stringent enough and I had been in print media and advertising my whole life and this wasn’t good enough.
“It’s another bump in the road but I’m not letting it ruin the hugely successful campaign to date.”
Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske says when the error was brought to his attention the candidate profile booklets had already been printed, inserted into voting packs and embargoed waiting for delivery to voters.
“There was not much we could do about this other than have it corrected on the electronic copy on the counicl’s website, which was done almost immediately.
“Unfortunately, it seems the wrong statement was attached to the wrong nomination paper when lodged and [the error was] not picked up.
“This was only brought to our attention when contacted by the candidate.”
Burns says her forms were not incorrectly attached and she checked and re-checked them multiple times.
“When the library staff went to photocopy everything they must have mucked up the papers.”