Preliminary results in the local government elections show that John Funnell has been elected as the new mayor of the Taupō District.

Mr Funnell is a long-time Taupō resident, a former rescue helicopter pilot and a businessman. He says he is honoured to have been chosen to serve as mayor.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the voters of this district who have chosen to put me in a position to bring about change.

“I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the incoming councillors in a constructive and cohesive way for the betterment of this district and all its people.”

Mr Funnell acknowledged the service of outgoing mayor David Trewavas, who has served four terms, and said all his fellow candidates had run strong and fair campaigns

Council chief executive Julie Gardyne said she looked forward to working with Mr Funnell and the newly-elected council for the benefit of the Taupō District over the next three years.

“I look forward to welcoming our new mayor and councillors, plus our returning councillors and I would like to publicly extend my thanks on behalf of Taupō District Council to outgoing Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas for his leadership and 12 years of service.”

Voter turnout in the Taupō District was 53.75 percent, up from 46.06 percent in 2022. Special votes are still to be counted and final election results will be available some time between 16 and 22 October. They will be published on the Taupō District Council website at www.taupo.govt.nz/vote25.

Mayor-elect Funnell will be officially sworn in on 30 October, alongside the newly-elected councillors.

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