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.

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 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.

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.

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

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: “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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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

By Farida Master

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.”

• Bo Burns, Howick Local Board candidate, Howick subdivision

Bo Burns is a current member of the Howick Local Board and is campaigning for re-election to the board as well as for a seat on Auckland Council in the Howick ward.

She was born and raised in Howick and lives in this fantastic community with her husband and their two busy daughters.

Burns is seeking re-election to the board to continue to serve as your local voice and to push for much-need action and improvements in the community.

She’s been a business owner in this area for two decades and has got a proven track record of achievement on the local board, by serving as an APPA board member, and as the organiser of the annual Howick Santa Parade.

Over the past three years on the local board she’s proven she actively listens to people’s concerns and takes action to get results.

She’s known as ‘Bo on the Go’ because she gives 100 per cent to every activity she gets involved with.

Burns has got the energy, vision, and the strategic skills to action change.

She promises to continue to speak forcefully and confidently on your behalf around the local board table to ensure your concerns are heard and that important future investment in the Howick ward is delivered.

Her priorities as an elected representative are to enhance our public green spaces, ensure local funding is spent wisely, and improve the relationship between the board and council’s governing body.

Burns will fight to maintain Howick’s historic beauty and culture while advocating for fresh and innovative concepts for a growing community.

She won’t just listen, she will get results. It’s time for a fresh approach and new voices with energy and ideas.

The Howick ward has to go confidently into the future and tackle the big challenges we face.

We cannot go backward or stay focused on the past. That will never get the results we need and deserve.

By voting for Burns you’ll get someone you can trust and who has integrity, drive and passion. She has proven she can deliver.

#voteboburns

Several election candidates of Chinese descent in Auckland were shocked to see their faces erased with white paint or cut out of their election campaign boards, next to Pākehā candidates whose faces were spared.

Howick Ward councillor Paul Young, who is again running for the seat this year, said his face had been cut out or painted over on more than 20 billboards.

This was Young's eighth local body election, and it was not the first time his billboards had been defaced - but he said this year's damage had been the worst yet.

He was more concerned that the racist acts could discourage newer ethnic candidates, he said.

"It's very bad for young East Asian or ethnic candidates who want to stand up to make a contribution for our community and Tāmaki Makaurau ... Such racism, it's not acceptable."

Young told Morning Report education was the best way to combat the issue, but he also urged anyone who witnessed vandalism of campaign billboards to inform the police.

He said the vandalism could prevent new candidates from standing if they feared "those people or those groups can do whatever they want".

"This is not the first time and [it's] getting worse in this area."

Young said New Zealand was his home and the targeting of the billboards was unacceptable.

"I have been living here for the last 33 years ... Aotearoa New Zealand is our home - is my home - so it should not happen like this."

First-time election candidate, Vinson Yu, said he felt disheartened and angry after seeing his face cut out of his campaign boards in Bucklands Beach.

Yu is running for a seat in the Howick Local Board, which has an Asian population of 46 per cent.

"I wanted to run for the elections because I want to represent and better serve the Asian community; this deserves respect.

"We are fairly participating in the elections," said Yu, who is a Justice of the Peace and deputy chair of the Botany & Flat Bush Ethnic Association.

Auckland mayoral candidate and barrister Robert Hu was one among three East Asian candidates whose faces on campaign boards on Somerville Road had been erased with white paint.

"Are they saying our faces are not white enough? Are they saying that we must be white in order to qualify for the elections?"

Hu said he had reported it to the police and the Human Rights Commission.

He also intended to report the incident to international groups as racism targeted at Asians had been on the rise globally, he said.

Human Rights Commissioner Meng Foon said these were "despicable" acts of racism and that the commission was investigating.

Foon was concerned about the cases of racism and physical attacks on Asians recently, and wanted the Government to act faster on legislating against hate crimes in Aotearoa.

Hate crimes are not yet standalone offences in New Zealand, but police are flagging offences where prejudice forms part of the motivation in efforts to improve their response to hate crimes.

Official information from the police shows 8246 hate-motivated offences have been recorded over the past three years.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/racist-attacks-on-campaign-billboards-of-candidates-of-chinese-descent\/S7LKFA55WOK2KWUFY7S7V7Q734/

There’s a new local-body political ticket in east Auckland and it’s standing a swath of fresh faces at this year’s Auckland Council elections.

Howick Local Board member Bo Burns is campaigning for re-election to the board as well as for a seat on the council’s governing body at the elections to be held in October.

Burns is also the organiser of the popular annual Howick Santa Parade.

She’s standing on a ticket alongside current Howick ward councillor Paul Young with the slogan “Moving forwards, not backwards”.

Their platform includes improving community safety, keeping rates realistic, delivering reliable public transport, and supporting business recovery and tourism.

They also plan to challenge the effects of intensification, increase funding to address coastal erosion, reserves and community facilities; increase initiatives for climate change and sustainability; and urgent rectification of the city’s aging services and infrastructure.

“We won’t just listen, we’ll take action for the community,” Burns says.

“We’ll build strong relationships with other councillors, council organisations, stakeholders and the local board.

“Paul and I are community-driven people and we do a lot for our respective communities.

“We aren’t career politicians and we’re coming in with a fresh approach. We are the team people can trust.”

Burns says her and Young’s business experience give them strengths around planning, strategy, execution and accountability.

As well as serving as one of the Howick ward’s two councillors, Young was until recently a member of the Counties Manukau District Health Board.

He’s pushed for projects such as the Eastern Busway to be built on time and opposed the council’s proposed sale of local public reserves.

Young says it’s important the community moves forward in a positive way.

“The relationship between our local councillors and the board needs to improve.

“When we focus on our community we can make a difference.”

Young says major infrastructure projects in other parts of the city have been completed on time while in east Auckland “for the last 30 years nothing has really changed”.

“Bo and I as councillors will not oppose something without offering a solution.

“East Auckland needs changing and it needs new blood.”

Burns and Young are working with a group of candidates contesting seats on the board in the three subdivisions of Howick, Pakuranga and Botany and she says all of them are focused on properly representing east Auckland.

Standing alongside Burns for a board seat in the Howick subdivision are its current chairperson Adele White and deputy chair John Spiller.

Campaigning in the Botany subdivision are board member Peter Young and newcomers Judith Grant and Ajay Bal.

Grant is a long-time Botany local with 30 years’ experience in business, while Bal is a manufacturing and retail owner and a licensed immigration advisor.

Contesting board seats in the Pakuranga subdivision are new candidates Nichola Painter and Vinson Yu.

Painter is a former Howick Local Board advisor with 13 years of local government experience.

Yu is a Justice of the Peace, a community engagement and recreation co-ordinator, and a Howick and Districts Historical Society board member.

The council elections are being held on October 8.

For more information or to enrol to vote go online to www.voteauckland.co.nz.

https://www.times.co.nz/uncategorized/candidates-seeking-to-move-community-forward/

Two local Auckland Council candidates have created an action plan to tackle rising crime rates and improve community safety across the city.

Howick Local Board member Bo Burns and incumbent Howick ward councillor Paul Young are campaigning together for seats on the council’s governing body.

They’ve created a crime-reduction plan they’re revealing just a week after five adjacent businesses in Howick’s Moore Street were targeted by a group of offenders.

That incident is part of an ongoing crime wave across Auckland that’s included numerous ram-raid and smash-and-grab burglaries and robberies of businesses.

Burns and Young say they’ll push to implement their crime and safety plan should they be elected to the council at the local-body elections in October.

“We personally know businesspeople who have been impacted by recent ram-raids and burglaries.

“We’ll advocate for a safer community and city through a strategic and achievable five-point plan to reduce crime in our area and regionally.

“Our plan is robust, effective and it will make our community feel and be safer.

“This community and our local businesses need confidence back and to not be fearful any longer.

“Our plan will be a step forward in improving people’s quality of life.”

The duo say the first plank of their plan is to accurately recognise key issues around crime and safety in east Auckland.

“We’ll talk to police, the local board and local and regional community stakeholders to gather crime data to identify what’s driving the current spike in crime.

“Secondly, we’ll push council departments for emergency regional funding to be available to support practical crime and safety measures that businesses can access.

“We’ll pursue realistic ideas that support our police to connect with groups such as ratepayers and residents’ associations, Neighbourhood Watch, and others to share information quicker around the latest crime hotspots.

“We will also work with Auckland Transport to identify areas where security cameras are needed.”

Burns and Young say the third step in their plan involves seeking regular feedback on crime and safety issues from the community as they arise.

They’ll provide solutions in line with the local board’s plan so locals feel safe, engaged and connected.

“This plan will have timeframes and will be accountable to ensure steps are followed through in a timely manner,” they say.

“Fourthly, we’ll push for council funding and grant programmes to be developed and accessible to businesses and community groups to implement cameras, bollards and other effective safety measures.

“As well as having new security cameras installed in key areas, we must ensure all public spaces are sufficiently illuminated at night.”

Burns and Young say the final step in their plan involves a yearly review of how it’s working.

“It’s vital we as councillors hear what people are saying so we have all relevant information in this joint effort to tackle crime and make our community safer.

“Our local police do an outstanding job but they cannot be everywhere at all times.

“The Howick ward needs two councillors who will work every day to make our community safer. We will do that.”

https://www.times.co.nz/news/candidates-vow-to-tackle-crime/

East Auckland’s skateboarders and scooter riders have a new piece of equipment on which to practise their moves.

A long, curving “pump track” has been temporarily installed at Nixon Centennial Park in Howick to give youngsters, and the young at heart, the chance to have fun over the summer season.

It can be used by people riding skateboards, scooters, and bicycles and is funded by the Howick Local Board.

Board chairperson Adele White says the response to the pump track’s installation has been “amazing”.

“It’s pleasing for the board to have been able to provide something for the community to enjoy after the 2020 Covid lockdowns,” White told the Times.

“Our board members have been flooded with messages of thanks from local residents grateful for this activity.

“It’s good to see a large number of people of all ages having fun together and enjoying the outdoors.”

White jokes that she imagines any effort to move the track to another location may be met with protests, judging by how popular it’s been with locals.

The pump track is located in the rear car park on the lower end of Nixon Centennial Park in Sale Street, Howick. It’s free to use.

Among the people making the most of the “pump track” at Howick’s Nixon Centennial Park are, from left, Howick Local Board members Bruce Kendall and Bo Burns and board chair Adele White.

Thousands turned out to welcome Santa to town at the annual Howick Santa Parade. Times photos Wayne Martin

It was pretty windy but it was warm and fine – except for the tiniest of sprinkles late in the afternoon – which is all the Howick Santa Parade organiser Bo Burns and her helpers could have asked for.

Thousands of families turned out for the parade with many turning up early for the pre-parade entertainment on Picton Street.

The winning float was Howick Pakuranga & Bucklands Beach Playcentre’s wonderful underwater-themed entry.

Second was Cockle Bay Primary featuring a gorgeous Christmas tree and third was Dance First centred around a lotus flower.

The refurbished skate park at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga is being hailed a success.

A large crowd including Howick Local Board members, Howick ward councillor Paul Young and Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown turned out to celebrate the facility’s official reopening with a barbecue on April 30.

Work has been carried out in recent months to transform the skate park’s concrete surface into a more useable condition.

As part of these efforts “local skater dad” Aaron Martin lobbied the local board and Auckland Council to upgrade the facility and make it safer and more accessible for users.

He’s also formed the East Skate Club and encourages people of all ages to get along and have a go.

From left, Howick Local Board members Mike Turinsky, deputy chairman John Spiller, Bruce Kendall and Bo Burns with organiser Aaron Martin.

The inauguration of the recently elected Howick Local board was held on Tuesday 4 November at Uxbridge in Howick.

Incumbents, Katrina Bungard& David Collings, have been joined on the board by newcomer Bruce Kendall, a former Olympic gold medallist in boardsailing, and local business owner Bo Burns.

Returning members from Botany and Pakuranga subdivision’s included John Spiller, Mike Turinsky, Adele White, Bob Wichman and Peter Young.

Bungard was notable by her absence on the night, having chosen to spend her evening pressing her claims for selection for the vacant National party nomination for Botany. This proved to be in vain as ex-Air New Zealand CEO, Christopher Luxon was chosen to contest the seat, across the suburb at the National party’s new office in Chapel road.

After An introduction of Maori protocol by a local Kaumatua, the ceremony was officially opened and board members were called up one by one to be inaugurated.

Adele White was elected the chair of the Local Board. Photo Wayne Martin

None of the candidates, with the exception of Adele White, chose to start their acceptance of oath without attempting to speak a few words in Te Reo.

A crowd of around 70, mainly made up of family and supporters of the elected, shunned the evening sun and were given a surprise when David Collings was not retained in the chair role installing former Police officer Adele White into the position, after a unanimous vote.

The vote to delay the election of a vice-chair was raised, and ultimately upheld, and the matter was adjourned to the next meeting of the board.