Incumbent Gore District Mayor Ben Bell has been returned for a second term by a resounding majority over his sole opponent, Gore businesswoman Nicky Davis.
Bell captured 2,917 of the votes cast, as of yesterday (Friday), compared to 1,270 for Davis.
Today’s progress results see three new faces joining the Council team for the next three years. Two of them – Torrone Smith and Mel Cupit – topped the polls in the at-large and Gore wards, respectively. The other new councillor is Donna Bruce (Gore ward).
There was a late flurry of voting this morning, with 439 votes coming in from voting bins in Gore and Mataura, and at the Council’s drive-thru. These votes are not included in the figures released today.
Chief Executive Debbie Lascelles said it was fantastic to see strong community engagement throughout the election period.
“Local elections are all about people – those who put their hands up to stand, and those who take the time to vote. We’re really grateful to everyone who got involved.”
She congratulated the successful candidates and thanked all nominees.
“Standing for Council takes commitment and courage, and we appreciate everyone who wanted to make a difference for the Gore District.”
Voter turnout for the Gore District was again strong, with 51.9% of the 9,049 enrolled voters having their say. This figure is expected to increase as special votes are counted. Voter turnout in 2022 was 52.66%.
The new Council will be officially sworn in at a ceremony on Tuesday 28 October.
Progress Results: Gore District Council
- Ben BELL – 2,917
- Nicky DAVIS – 1,270
- Informal – 1
- Blank Voting Papers – 72
At large (3 vacancies):
- Torrone SMITH – 2,577
- Neville PHILLIPS – 2,420
- Joe STRINGE – 2,260
- Steven (Boko) DIXON – 1,638
- Gary MCINTYRE – 1,492
- Informal – 11
- Blank Voting Papers – 118
Gore ward (5 vacancies):
- Mel CUPIT (Independent) – 1,894
- Paul MCPHAIL (Independent) – 1,839
- Andy FRASER (Independent) – 1,716
- Robert (Caveman) MCKENZIE – 1,532
- Donna BRUCE – 1,175
- Jess HUDSON – 899
- Informal – 1
- Blank Voting Papers – 41
Elected unopposed:
- John Gardyne and Stewart MacDonell (Rural ward)
- Nicky Coats (Mataura ward)
Mataura Licensing Trust
Ward 2 – Gore (3 vacancies):
- Jimmy ALLISON – 1,348
- Paul HENRY – 1,270
- Craig MARSHALL – 1,095
- Kylie AITKEN – 1,016
- Jim GEDDES – 939
- Casey EASON – 830
- Informal – 12
- Blank Voting Papers – 123
Elected unopposed:
- Horace McAuley (Ward 1 – Tapanui)
- Brendon (Moe) Murray (Ward 3 – Mataura)
- Vince Aynsley (Ward 4 – Rural)
- Jeannine Cunningham (Ward 5 – Edendale)
- Marc Robertson (Ward 6 – Wyndham)
- Todd Lyders (Ward 7 – Tokanui)