In what is probably the tightest election result in New Zealand, Queenstown Lakes District Council hopeful AJ Mason has edged out fellow candidate Glyn Lewers by one vote.
The count, confirmed with the release of final election results for the QLDC this afternoon, sees Mr Mason secure the final ward seat around the council table - unless the result is overturned.
After all votes were counted Mr Mason landed on 2184, while Mr Lewers had 2183.
Mr Lewers declined to comment this afternoon, while Mr Mason could not be reached for comment.
Mr Lewers has three days from when the result is officially declared to ask for a count back.
Provisional results from the weekend had Mr Lewers in front by five, on 2132, with 350 special votes to be counted.
The final result had Mayor Jim Boult with 6175 votes, ahead of Nik Kiddle (3999), a margin of 2176, and Al Angus (1344).
Wakatipu ward councillors were Craig Ferguson (3497), Val Miller (3116), Penny Clark (3005), Niki Gladding (2346) and Mr Mason.
Wanaka ward councillors were Quentin Smith (3373), Calum Macleod (2663) and Niamh Shaw (2522).
The voter turnout was 11,522 - 49.05%.
