New Clutha District Mayor Jock Martin, 60, enjoyed a definitive victory over outgoing deputy mayor Ken Payne on Saturday, 3206 votes to 1787.
However, the win was not the only celebration for the Martin household, as son Ben, 35, was elected to the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board.
Coincidentally, Mr Martin first entered local government as a 36-year-old in 2001 — also on the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board.
The pair were in good humour about the synchronicity of the results as they celebrated with family, friends and supporters at their Lawrence family home, following the result.
With tongue firmly in cheek, Ben Martin said he felt his moment in the sun had been "overshadowed" by his father.
"What can you do? To be fair [mayor] is the bigger deal, but we’ll be keeping a close eye on him to keep him honest."
Mr Martin said he was proud his son had stepped up to the plate.
"It’s all about growing people, and Ben’s done a lot of work for different groups locally, so this is a good step for him."
Asked whether he might aspire to the mayoral chains one day, Ben said it was not something he had thought about.
"I don’t suppose Dad ever thought he would be mayor though, so never say never."
“I’ve really enjoyed the campaign, and getting to meet so many beautiful people throughout the district.
"Talking to residents has kept me grounded, as you need to stop and do the listening, and understand what people want.
“This district has been kind to me down the years, giving me a lot with my family, work and grandchildren and I’ve got plenty of gas left in the tank to give a little back.
Mr Martin thanked supporters, and his wife Marie in particular.
“We’re just everyday, down to earth people.
"We were pretty relaxed, joking around with whānau ... then I gave Marie a big hug when we got the news after lunch."
He said his election had been a “vote for change”.
“All I spoke to wanted change. We need to engage with and mobilise the people to bring about that change, to challenge tradition where necessary and to weave communities and council back together.”
Three-term councillor Mr Payne said he had “enjoyed the battle” with Mr Martin.
“It’s been a thrashing [from Jock], but I congratulate him and will continue to contribute to the community where it’s needed.
"I put my best foot forward. People wanted change.”
Mr Payne said he would not stand for council again in future.
Among councillors, some seats came down to the wire.
Sunday’s preliminary results showed newcomers Brendon Smith (820 votes) and Rachel Harrison (600) taking the two Balclutha ward seats, just pipping Ruth Baldwin into third (589).
Similarly, in the reshaped Bruce-Waihola Ward, incumbent councillor Gaynor Finch led fellow incumbent Dean McCrostie in Saturday’s progress results, only to be beaten by 10 votes in Sunday’s preliminary results, 306 to 296.
Three wards were uncontested on the new look, 10-seat council, which will be comprised of Jock Martin, Brendon Smith, Rachel Harrison, Dean McCrostie, Simon McAtamney, Roger Cotton, Larry Frost, Bruce Graham, Dane Catherwood and Michele Kennedy.
Returns were down on last election at 52.8% (2022 at 53.4%, 2019 at 38.9%).
