The final vote counts are in which confirm there will be four new Waikato regional councillors at the 14-person decision-making table for the 2025-28 triennium.

In the close race for the second Waipā-King Country seat, newcomer Liz Stolwyk extended her lead over five-term incumbent Stu Kneebone, moving ahead by 93 votes compared with 62 on Monday.

Stolwyk becomes the fourth new regional councillor, joining the second elected member for the Waipā-King Country, Garry Reymer, as well as Gary McGuire (Waikato) and Keith Holmes (Waihou).

Waikato Regional Council Chief Executive Chris McLay acknowledged Kneebone’s commitment to his constituency and the wider region over his 15 years as councillor.

“Stu has been a dedicated advocate for our communities over five terms. His deep knowledge of rural issues, commitment to environmental stewardship, and quiet leadership have left a lasting legacy.

“On behalf of the organisation, I thank Stu for his outstanding service and wish him all the very best for the future," said Mr McLay.

There are no other changes in the results reported on Saturday, with Kataraina Hodge, Tipa Mahuta, Angela Strange, Chris Hughes, Ben Dunbar-Smith, Jennifer Nickel, Warren Maher, Robert Cookson, Noel Smith and Mich’eal Downard returning.

Chair for the 2022-25 triennium Pamela Storey (Waikato), Deputy Chair Bruce Clarkson (Hamilton) and councillor Clyde Graf (Waipā-King Country) were unsuccessful in their bids for re-election.

The chair and deputy chair for the new council will be selected at the inaugural meeting of the council, being held in Hamilton on Wednesday, 29 October at 2.30pm.

The final vote counts are below. More information is available at waikatoregion.govt.nz/election-results.

Waikato Regional Council councillors (final results)

Hamilton general constituency (4 vacancies)

Ngā Tai Ki Uta Māori constituency (1 vacancy)

Ngā Hau E Whā Māori constituency (1 vacancy)

Taupō-Rotorua general constituency (1 vacancy)

Thames-Coromandel general constituency (1 vacancy)

Waihou general constituency (2 vacancies)

Waikato general constituency (2 vacancies)

Waipā-King Country general constituency (2 vacancies)

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