Welcome to Auckland – A Newcomer’s Guide to Life in Auckland
Auckland Council has launched a fantastic new resource for anyone beginning their journey in our beautiful region — the Welcome to Auckland portal.
👉 Visit it here: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/welcome-to-auckland/
If you’ve recently moved to Auckland, or you know someone who has, this online hub is designed to make settling in easier, more connected, and a whole lot less overwhelming.
What Is the Welcome to Auckland Portal?
The portal brings together all the essential information a newcomer might need — from local services and community facilities to how to get involved in civic life. It’s a one-stop shop that helps you understand how Auckland works and where to access support.
This initiative is based on the Welcoming Communities framework (led nationally by MBIE) and aligns with Auckland Council’s commitment to creating thriving, inclusive communities.
Why This Matters for New Aucklanders
Auckland is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Every year, thousands of people choose our city as their new home, and the Council’s goal is to ensure everyone feels that sense of belonging right from the start.
Kenneth Aiolupotea, General Manager Community Wellbeing, says it beautifully:
“This portal is a powerful tool in improving social cohesion and ensuring that our newest residents can fully participate in the economic, civic, and cultural life of our city from the moment they arrive.”
The portal isn’t just about practical information — it includes insights shaped by the experiences of recent migrants, mana whenua perspectives, and introductions to the cultural identity of Auckland, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi, local iwi and hapū, and significant cultural events like Matariki.
Workshops and Real-World Support
To complement the portal, Auckland Council is rolling out practical newcomer workshops across nine local board areas. These sessions cover:
How to use public transport
Accessing local services
Connecting with community programmes
Understanding your local board and how to participate
These workshops are delivered with support from trusted local community organisations and give new residents a friendly, hands-on start.
Sunita Kashyap, Community Innovation Manager, explains:
“When we design for newcomers, we are designing for the entire community… we are setting a foundation for genuine understanding and lifelong belonging.”
A Warm Welcome to You
Whether you’ve arrived from overseas, another part of New Zealand, or you’re helping someone new settle in — Nau mai, haere mai ki Tāmaki Makaurau. Welcome to Auckland.
Your new community is ready to support you as you settle, connect, and make this place home.
If you need help navigating services or finding local groups in East Auckland, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.
Why You Should Make a Submission on PC120
Shaping the Future of Your Neighbourhood
If you live in Auckland (and especially in East Auckland ), the recently notified Plan Change 120 is a big deal — and here’s why it’s worth your time.
What is PC120?
Plan Change 120 is the update to the Auckland Unitary Plan that sets out how land can be used, where housing and commercial buildings can be built, how high they can go, and how we prepare for natural hazards like flooding, coastal erosion and landslides. https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2025/10/what-auckland-s-new-plan-means-for-your-neighbourhood/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Why It Matters to You
Housing & neighbourhood character – The rules for where new homes (townhouses, terraces, apartment-style) can go are changing. Some areas may see higher density, taller buildings, or new restrictions.
Risk and resilience – PC120 introduces tougher controls for areas prone to flooding, erosion or other natural hazards so our communities are safer long-term.
Transport & infrastructure – The plan aims to encourage new homes near rapid transit, busways, train stations and major town centres. That means your street could change, or the area around your local centre may be targeted for growth.
Your say matters – This is your opportunity to influence what happens in your area. Even if you’re comfortable with the change, your input can help ensure protections, clarify rules, and reflect local views.
Key Dates You Should Know
Submissions open: 3 November 2025
Submissions close: 5 pm Friday, 19 December 2025
Visit the official page for PC120 and associated maps:https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aucklands-future-housing-plan
How to Make a Submission
Go to the AK Have Your Say website: https://new.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/plans-policies-bylaws-reports-projects/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/auckland-unitary-plan-modifications/proposed-plan-changes/pc-120-housing-intensification-resilience.html
Download or complete the official submission form (Form 5) if you prefer to mail it. https://new.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/plans-policies-bylaws-reports-projects/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/auckland-unitary-plan-modifications/proposed-plan-changes/pc-120-housing-intensification-resilience/pc-120-submission-form.html
Determine which zone your property is in, what changes are proposed for your street or local area (look at the maps). https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/a69c494d01e341689b68a89a6eea2b86
Write your submission: detail whether you support, oppose or wish to amend the proposed changes, give reasons, include any evidence you have (local knowledge of flooding, traffic, infrastructure, community character).
Submit online or via post before the closing date (19 December 2025).
Consider whether you wish to attend a hearing (if you want to speak), or just make a written submission.
Tips for a Strong Submission
Keep it honest and personal, “I live on X Street, I see Y issue…” works better than general statements.
Tie your points to the actual rules or proposed changes (e.g., “In my area, the proposed height of 6 storeys is too much because…”).
Provide evidence or examples, if you know your street floods, mention that. If traffic is already heavy around the local centre, mention that.
Be clear on what you want, do you support with changes, oppose outright, or support certain parts only?
Mark any parts that affect your specific local area ( Howick, Cockle Bay etc).
Attend or listen to an online session if offered, hearing from council staff, seeing maps live helps you understand the proposals better and improves your submission.
Why Your Involvement Is Important
Without community submissions, decisions tend to favour broad policy rather than local nuance. By participating:
You help balance city-wide growth pressures with local infrastructure and character.
You give voice to how your suburb or street may realistically change.
You help ensure protections for things you care about, neighbourhood character, views, sunlight, parking, flood-risk, etc.
Bo Burns’ maiden speech as councillor
New councillor for the Howick ward, Bo Burns, centre, with her very proud family, from left, Lucy, Pip, Charlie and Brendon. Photo supplied
New Auckland councillor for the Howick ward, Bo Burns, made her maiden speech to the Auckland Council on Tuesday, November 11. Here it is:
Good afternoon, Mayor Brown, Deputy Mayor Simpson, fellow councillors, and supporting staff.
I am truly honoured to be here today. Apart from my husband Brendon, my daughters Lucy and Charlie, and my mother Pip, I have 12,038 residents of east Auckland to thank for this opportunity – for trusting and believing that I will make a difference and be the voice they deserve and need.
My community will always be my anchor point when thinking and deliberating on local and regional decisions.
It’s never been about what I think – it’s about what’s best for my community.
Although I’m not a career politician, I come from a family with a strong thread of public service and leadership – business owners, lawyers, and politicians.
My great-great-grandfather, James Macandrew, whose statue stands proudly outside the Dunedin Museum.
He was a very successful businessman and served as a Member of Parliament from 1853 to 1887 and as the last Superintendent of Otago Province.
One article described him as ‘a man whose energy, enthusiasm, and vision livened up the little village of Dunedin’.
That resonates deeply with me because that’s how I feel about my own village, Howick.
I’m a business owner, a wife, a mum, a sports coach, a business mentor, and a community connector.
I’ve spent my life giving back – volunteering, fundraising, sitting on PTAs, industry boards, supporting sports clubs, mentoring youth, and advocating for local business owners.
I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves, work hard and make things happen.
My journey started from the ground up – no university, no handouts.
I had to work hard, stay determined, and hold onto core values and beliefs: I care deeply about my community and its people.
Through that, I’ve built strong relationships and achieved real results along the way with the support of people such as my mentor and friend Adele White, who I was elected with for the first time on the Howick Local Board six years ago, where this journey began.
To me, leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about service. It’s about being accountable, visible, and someone the community knows will show up.
It’s about bringing commonsense to the table and making decisions our future generations will thank us for.
Shape – My Vision for Auckland
My vision is simple: A city people not only want to live in, but love and feel proud of.
Too often now I hear people say: “I don’t want to live here anymore.” That breaks my heart.
We need a city where local decisions are made locally. A city that values our environment, our waterways, beaches, reserves, safety, tourism and community connection.
A city that celebrates the unique character and diversity of every suburb – from Howick to Henderson, Franklin to the Shore.
We know blanket approaches and initiatives such as PC120 will never work for all of our incredibly different communities and beautiful suburbs.
For some it suits, and for some it will decimate not only places people long to live but put even more pressure on ageing infrastructure and our environment.
We must simplify how we communicate so Aucklanders feel heard, understood, and engaged – not frustrated or excluded.
We need to change the mantra of “there is no point, no one listens”.
This role carries a huge responsibility. It’s not just about managing budgets or debating policies and bylaws – it’s about rebuilding Aucklanders’ trust in their council.
Without genuine connection and transparency, we can’t truly serve our people.
We must stop, listen, and respond with care – not knee-jerk reactions or constant excuses about lack of funding.
I was raised to believe you have to spend money to make money.
If we want meaningful engagement and turnout for elections and “Have Your Say” events, we can’t keep investing 17 cents per person and expect real democracy.
When only 15 per cent to 28 per cent of people are engaging, democracy isn’t functioning as it should.
Shape – How I Work
I’m a results-driven person who believes in communication, collaboration, and execution.
I look forward to building strong and functional relationships with my and other local boards, and with our local MPs Simeon Brown, Christopher Luxon, Nancy Lu, and Parmjeet Parmar.
Strong communities build strong cities: “When a team is rowing in the same direction, we know we’ll reach the finish line stronger.”
Some decisions ahead will be difficult, but we must always think long-term – about what we’re leaving behind for future generations.
We cannot hand over a broken or dysfunctional city.
Shape – My Key Priorities
When asked to meet with [Auckland Council chief executive] Phil Wilson recently, I was told to take my top three priorities for this term.
My list quickly turned into 14. Some for my community and many for Auckland as a whole.
These are the key areas I’d like to focus on this term:
Rates
Reviewing the structure and framework of rates – specifically the UAGC (Uniform Annual General Charge).
It’s one of the biggest issues raised by Aucklanders to all of us over the recent election campaign, and there are levers available to us – so let’s use them, or at least bring it to the table to discuss.
Community Facilities for Flat Bush and Ormiston
East Auckland has 180,000 residents and growing. Flat Bush and Ormiston is the fastest-growing community and has waited more than 20 years for proper facilities.
It’s been so long that the long-term plans (LTPs) were actually long-term council community plans (LTCCPs).
It’s time to deliver for these 45,000 people a community facility to bring them together, and the bigger issue is the pressure the additional 45,000 people are putting on our other Howick ward facilities that are bursting at the seams.
Sports Clubs
Supporting our large sports clubs such as Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre, many of which run on the smell of an oily rag.
We need to strengthen partnerships, grants, and support to create safe, accessible, high-quality spaces – with proper lighting, parking, and facilities worthy of hosting national and international events.
An active and healthy community is a happy one.
Car Parks – Bucklands Beach Yacht Club and others
We need bold thinking and collaboration to create better parking solutions that can also generate passive income for council.
Smart infrastructure like this helps both local tourism and wider city flow with less cars on the road.
Right now, we have an amazing transport hub in Half Moon Bay that no one can park at or get to reliably.
Beaches, Streams, and Coastlines
Protecting and monitoring properly these natural assets to ensure we don’t lose them to poor infrastructure or intensification decisions.
Future generations should be able to safely swim in their local beaches – not worry about sewage overflow.
Corporate Lens on Council Assets
Applying commercial thinking to how we manage property, facilities, and procurement.
We should modernise our corporate sponsorship policy (last updated in 2014) and make it easier for local businesses to be part of local procurement.
Every park, bin, and playground has potential for innovative revenue streams if we think smartly.
Tourism
East Auckland deserves to be on the map. We have many beaches, golf courses, cycle trails, temples, playgrounds, malls, a beautiful historical village, and a rich cultural history just 35 minutes by ferry from the CBD and we are not seen as a destination.
All our wards’ tourism groups across Auckland should be directly funded and supported to deliver events and tourism initiatives that showcase their unique strengths and attract tourism out to the suburbs.
Core Services and Value for Money
Ensuring our core services are delivered regularly, on time, and within budget, so Aucklanders see results and value for their rates.
Shape
To everyone who believed in me, supported me, and challenged me – thank you.
I’m here to represent with integrity, passion, and determination. To bring fresh thinking, fast execution, and real results – cutting through the red tape and excuses.
Together, I want to make Auckland the most sensational, inspirational, and celebrated city in the world.
Disclaimer: Bo Burns is the owner of Times Media.
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.
Meet Auckland's newest councillors
Victoria Short is Albany's newest councillor, joining John Watson.
Five new people will join Auckland Council, with preliminary voting results showing they’ve stamped their place as the region’s newest councillors.
Victoria Short in Albany, Bo Burns in Howick, Matt Winiata in Manurewa-Papakura, Sarah Paterson-Hamlin for Whau and John Gillon for North Shore will join 15 incumbents as councillors for the next term.
In probably the biggest election shock in Auckland, Short displaced incumbent Wayne Walker to top the Albany poll with 16,188 votes in the preliminary results. That was 898 votes more than John Watson who makes a return to the council table.
The final declaration of results, including the validation of special votes, will confirm the official makeup of Auckland’s new council and 21 local boards.
On Saturday morning more than 68,500 votes were cast, bringing Auckland’s voter turnout to 28.8%.
Albany: Victoria Short
Mayor-elect Wayne Brown and Albany's Victoria Short.
Jonathan Killick / The Post
Short said the last 48 hours had been filled with tears, joy and outright shock.
“I am so deeply humbled by the results, and completely blown away by all the messages, emails and phone calls I have received,” she said.
Short has been a member of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board for the last two terms. Last election she ran for council but lost to Watson and Walker.
“This honour feels heavy and to be honest, a little scary. But I am so pumped for the next three years, and I will do my very best to make you all proud.
“There’s heaps that need to be done and obviously a lot that I still have to learn. The people in the Albany ward are going to have a councillor who is going be present, active, and definitely pushing for what they elected me to do.”
Howick: Bo Burns
New Howick ward councillor Bo Burns.
Former Howick Local Board member, Burns said she was blown away by the results which saw her gain 11,918 votes to be the front runner for the Howick ward.
In a social media post, Burns said she was humbled by the results.
“I can't say thank you enough,” she said.
“I think there are a few more to count, final numbers declared the 17th October, but I am super happy with this and very excited for induction next week and to get stuck in.”
Born and raised locally, Burns in her campaign profile said she knows what her community needs.
“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 and budget, protecting our beaches, parks and heritage and supporting business and tourism.”
Manurewa-Papakura: Matt Winiata
Former Manurewa Local Board chair Matt Winiata has been elected as Manurewa-Papakura's newest councillor.
Torika Tokalau/Stuff
Winiata polled 13,052 votes in the preliminary results, and will join Daniel Newman as Manurewa-Papakura councillor. The seat was left vacant by Angela Dalton who retired this year.
Winiata said he’s very excited to start his new role, after a term with Manurewa Local Board as chair.
Regulations on the sale of nitrous oxide canisters, animal management and illegal dumping will be his priorities.
“We’ve got some hefty issues to deal with, the local boards are going to be dealing with cost pressures. Papakura is going to be significantly affected by that. They are looking at opportunities in the regional level for facilities in Manurewa.
“But I’m going into it with an open mind, I do have some key things but there’s also having to let go of the local board direction to focus on everything from a regional level and how decisions affect the city.”
North Shore: John Gillon
John Gillon joins Richard Hills as North Shore councillor.
Gillon was ecstatic about the results, especially after almost a year of trying to raise his profile in the North Shore.
He’s been serving as the chair of the Kaipātiki Local Board for the last eight years, and had a background in technical writing for software user manuals.
“It’s been a really busy year,” Gillon said.
“I’m well known in the Kaipātiki side, but less well known in the Devonport-Takapuna side. I’ve been doing a lot of door knocking, had a newspaper that covered a number of topics that I delivered to every household.”
He was looking forward to having a break this week before getting inducted and starting his role as the new North Shore councillor, alongside Richard Hills.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how it all comes together. There’s definitely some key areas that I’m wanting to pursue and I’m hoping to get some support around the table for those.”
Whau: Sarah Paterson-Hamlin
Sarah Paterson-Hamlin is the new Whau councillor in Auckland.
She first dipped her toes into local politics in 2022 and was elected into the Whau Local Board. Three years later, she took a bigger step and ran for councillor, polling 5074 votes to win.
“There’s been a lot of emotions, maybe all of the emotions, probably the top one is relief,” Paterson-Hamlin said on Tuesday.
Paterson-Hamlin’s background was with charities and disabilities, and being autistic herself, she hoped to bring that experience to council.
She said her one term as a local board member was a huge learning curve for her.
“I’m so grateful that I come into this councillor role with those three years behind me, I’ve learnt so much about local government, working with people who agree and disagree with you, how council operates - it’s a big beast.
“I have been frustrated at some of the approaches or lack of approaches towards disability and accessibility concerns, that’s a big part of why I ran for council. I do feel that’s been quite lacking.”
To view the full list of preliminary results, visit Vote Auckland.
Burns and Williamson top Howick ward councillor vote
Happy, successful candidates on Auckland Council local Election Day, from left, Adele White (We Know Howick), who is returned to the Howick Local Board; and incoming Howick ward councillors, incumbent Maurice Williamson; and highest-polling candidate Bo Burns, who has also led the candidates’ race for the Howick Local Board in the Howick subdivision. Times photo
Bo Burns and Maurice Williamson will represent the Howick ward as councillors at the Auckland Council’s Governing Body table for this next three-year term.
They have finished first and second respectively in the local elections that concluded today.
Burns, the owner of Times Media publishers of the Eastern Times, has finished as the highest polling candidate with 10,222 votes.
She has also topped the vote tallies for the Howick subdivision in the Howick Local Board election, and is expected to take up the councillor role, making the position available on the Howick Local Board for the fourth-placed candidate, Luke Collings (C&R).
Burns’ We Know Howick ticket running mates, longstanding incumbents John Spiller and Adele White, were also successful in being returned to their Howick Local Board seats.
Former government minister and MP for Pakuranga for three decades Williamson came in second with 9801 ballots.
Eight candidates contested the Howick ward councillor election race that was for two seats at the council.
Preliminary results will be announced on Monday, October 13, which include ballots cast today Saturday.
Final Auckland Council election results are released by Friday, October 17.
Howick Ward councillor election day Progress Result, on Saturday, October 11:
1 – Bo Burns 10,222
2 – Maurice Williamson (Independent) 9801
3 – Paul Young (Independent) 7951
4 – Damian Light (Independent) 6382
5 – Barry Jensen 4247
6 – Stephen Hill 3951
7 – Ali Dahche (ACT Local) 3273
8 – Leanne Seniloli 2330
Informal votes 97
Blank ballots 513
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。