Incumbent locally elected members, Maurice Williamson and Bo Burns, say they’re supporting each other’s individual campaigns in seeking the two Howick Ward councillor seats in the upcoming Auckland Council elections.
In a statement to the Times, incumbent Auckland councillor Williamson, and incumbent Howick Local Board deputy-chair Burns, say they’re “two independent candidates who share a mutual respect and a common commitment to the community”.
They say they’re “supporting each other as candidates to be elected together to make the impact east Auckland needs”.
Williamson says: “While we’re standing as individuals, we’re backing each other’s campaigns because we share aligned values and priorities for our community.
“As one of the incumbent councillors representing Howick, I strongly believe I’ve made a difference over my first three years, but I know the job isn’t finished.
“My primary goal when elected in 2022 was to rein in council spending and reset a culture that had, for years, fostered waste and inefficiency.
“As chair of the revenue, expenditure and value committee, I helped steer the council towards real savings, contributing to more than $337 million in reduced costs for ratepayers,” Williamson says.
“Through my role on the Auckland Transport board, we’ve also worked to ensure better value for money on major infrastructure projects, including here in Howick with the Eastern Busway and Reeves Road Flyover.
“I’m seeking the opportunity to finish what I’ve started. I’d be proud to serve alongside someone as community driven as Bo Burns.”
Burns, who has served on the Howick Local Board for the past two terms and is the deputy-chair, says she’s ready to bring her grass roots and business experience to the council table.
“It’s been a privilege to represent this community for six years on the local board.
“I was born and raised in Howick, educated here, and now run a local business and raise my family here.
“I know this community deeply, and I’m passionate about making sure it thrives,” Burns says.
“I’ve always given 100 per cent to everything I do. Representing our ward at the council level would be no exception.”
Burns recognises the long-standing service of outgoing councillor Sharon Stewart, who has chosen not to stand again for election.
“I want to acknowledge Sharon Stewart’s long commitment to the area over many years,” she says.
“With our combined knowledge and experience – Maurice at the council level and me from the grass roots up – we bring strong and complementary perspectives.
“While we’re running independently, we’re united in our desire to serve Howick with integrity, energy and accountability,” Burns says.
The 2025 local government elections are again by postal vote and take place in September and October.
Ballot papers will be sent out from September 9, with voting closing at midday on election day, Saturday, October 11.
“The Howick Ward, including Howick, Pakuranga, Botany, and Flat Bush, is facing rapid growth and serious infrastructure challenges,” Williamson and Burns say.
“Our shared priorities include ensuring ratepayers get value for money, protecting our environment and heritage, and advocating for smart investment to support our growing communities.”
- For more information about the 2025 Auckland Council elections or to check enrolments, go to www.voteauckland.co.nz.
- For other recent Times election stories about Bo Burns, Maurice Williamson and Sharon Stewart, read:
https://www.times.co.nz/news/bo-burns-running-for-council-to-get-things-moving/
https://www.times.co.nz/news/williamson-keen-for-another-stint-on-auckland-council/
https://www.times.co.nz/news/councillor-sharon-stewart-retiring-from-public-service-after-30-years/
- Disclosure: Bo Burns is the owner of Times Media, publishers of the Eastern Times.
