All votes have now been counted, and the final election results for Horowhenua District Council were received on Thursday 16 October, giving assurance to the elected members.

Bernie Wanden has been re-elected as Mayor for the third term with 9,017 votes ahead of Justin Tamihana (2,889 votes).

“Although we’d hoped for a better voter turnout, I want to thank everyone who made an effort to get out and vote, 12,214 people voted, which is 47% of eligible voters, a 2% increase from the 2022 election,” says Monique Davidson, Council’s Chief Executive.

Horowhenua District Council will have the Mayor and 12 Councillors, including 5 newcomers and 7 returning Councillors.

A pōwhiri will be held on Friday 17 October to welcome the newly elected members to Council. “It is always a special and moving occasion and I’m looking forward to seeing the newly elected members and their whanāu enjoy the celebration,” Mrs Davidson adds.

“The Council team are looking forward to working with the elected members through what can only be described as a defining time in the history of Horowhenua with many challenges and opportunities, such as the government reforms, the Levin Town Centre transformation and the Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway.”

Elected members will take office on Friday 17 October; however, they cannot act until officially sworn in. The Inaugural Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 29 October at 6pm, in Council Chambers.

As part of this election, Horowhenua community have also had their say on Māori representation with the results of the Horowhenua Māori Ward referendum.

Voters have chosen to remove the Horowhenua Māori Ward, signalling a change in how the community wishes to be represented at the Council table.

“The result provides clear direction from the community. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and take part in this important conversation. The Horowhenua Māori Ward will remain in place for the 2025-2027 term, with the change taking effect from the 2028 Local Election.”

The Final Results for the Horowhenua District Council 2025 Triennial Elections, including Te Awahou Foxton Community Board, are as follows:

Mayoralty 

Bernie Wanden

Kere Kere General Ward

David Allan

Nola Fox

Miranui General Ward

Paul Olsen

Levin General Ward

Jo Mason  

Clint Grimstone 

Alan Young  

Mike Barker  

Katrina Mitchell-Kouttab

Waiopehu General Ward

Sam Jennings

Morgan Gray

Horowhenua (Māori) Ward

Nina Hori Te Pa

Lani Te Raukura Ketu

Te Awahou Foxton Community Board

Jason Davy

Judy Sanson

Ross Brannigan

David Roache

Irene Wakefield

Final results for Council wards and Te Awahou Foxton Community Board are  available at: horowhenua.govt.nz/Elections2025

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