Final election results for Stratford District Council (SDC) have been released today, following a closely contested race for the Mayoralty, Māori Ward, and some Urban Ward positions.

With all special votes now verified, Incumbent Mayor Neil Volzke has been elected with 1935 votes. Opponent Jono Erwood received 1707 votes in what proved to be a closely fought race.

In the Māori Ward, David Chadwick (new) has been elected to council. This will be the last term for the Māori Ward, which will be disestablished in 2028 after 2170 referendum votes were cast in favour of its removal, compared to 1320 votes to retain it.

In the Urban Ward, where some results were too close to call in the preliminary count, Jono Erwood (returning) secured the top-ranked position, followed by Annette Dudley (returning), Josh Best (new), Mat Watt (returning), Ellen Hall (returning), and Jamie Bertie (new).

Rural Ward candidates Steve Beck (returning), Grant Boyd (returning), Amanda Harris (returning), and Katherine Sextus (new) have been elected unopposed.

Elected Members will be sworn in and hold their first meeting of Council on Tuesday 28 October. SDC Chief Executive Sven Hanne has congratulated Mayor Neil Volzke and all successful candidates.

“On behalf of Council staff and our Senior Leadership Team, I’d like to thank everyone who stood for election, our community who voted, and congratulate all successful candidates - especially those new to local government. We look forward to welcoming you and working together over the next term to continue growing opportunities for our district. Haere mai!”

SDC’s Final Results are available in full at Stratford.govt.nz/ElectionResults

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