Nick Smith has been elected as Nelson's Mayor according to progress results on Saturday.
This result is based on the counting of approximately 90 per cent of the returned voting papers. The progress result does not include some special votes and voting papers returned Saturday that are still in transit to the processing centre. The outcome of these elections may change once all voting papers have been counted.
Nick says the result so far was very encouraging but warned that the challenge of the mayoralty had only just begun.
“The easy bit is winning the election. The hard part begins in working with the council on a large number of challenges they have.”
Nick’s win follows what he described as “a good campaign.”
“It’s been… wonderful to have the opportunity to connect with so many Nelsonians over the course of it,” he said.
He added that after he’s sorted out the family business, he’s ready to hit the ground running.
“We’ll be right into it on Monday.”
Rohan O'Neill-Stevens and Tim Skinner, who both missed out on the mayoralty have been elected to council 'at large' after reaching the quota on the first iteration. Rachel Sanson also returns to the 'at large' ward after meeting quota on the 13th iteration, filling the third vacancy from initial results.
"I'm incredibly proud of the campaign we ran," Rohan says.
"Going up against a near-half century of political experience, it was always going to be an uphill battle."
"I'm proud that I have been elected as the highest candidate at large. It's a clear vote of confidence in progressive ideas."
Rohan was preparing to head in and congratulate Nick personally, after already giving him a call.
Rohan added it is disappointing to see a reduction of women around the table.
The Central Ward, which has four vacancies, sees Pete Rainey, Aaron Stallard, Matty Anderson and James Hodgson elected.
Mel Courtney, Campbell Rollo, Trudie Brand and Ian Barker will sit on the Stoke-Tāhunanui Ward.
Kahu Paki Paki has been elected as the first Māori Ward member.
Voter return in Nelson was 45.16 per cent, being 17,737 voting papers, excluding voting papers in transit to the processing centre and special votes.
Preliminary results will be posted Sunday 9 October. Final results will be posted later next week.
The results see Matt Lawrey out of council after nine years, after he pinned his hopes on taking the mayoralty.
Nick Smith recieved 8477 number 1 votes and 8483 number 2 votes in the new STV voting system.
Matt received 4787 number 1 votes and 4798 number 2 votes, meaning he failed to meet the quota to become elected Mayor.
Rohan O'Neill-Stevens collected 2129 number 1 votes, 2134 number 2 votes, meaning he also failed to meet the quota. He was however the top polling candidate in the at large on 4665 votes.
Tim Skinner says he is still digesting the results as they come through.
"A big congratulations to Nick Smith, I think that's going to be good for Nelson."
Tim will be back as a councillor but says he is "a bit disappointed" with the other results.
"There were some good people standing for council who I endorsed and expected to cross the line. I don't think Nelson got the best ingredients around the table."
He says he is looking forward to another term.
"I have always worked hard for the community."
Kerry Neal, who so far sits on less than 1000 votes, says he had only just heard the progress results but stated that Nick's lead was "no real surprise".
"I'm not disappointed, I've conditioned myself ... if you put yourself out there and be honest with people you often don't get the support you deserve.
"My first priority was to get my message out there. Something has to be done otherwise the town will shrivel up to nothing."
But most of all, Kerry says he had "great fun" during his campaign.
