Mr Bell had a resounding win over his challenger Nicky Davis, taking 2917 of the votes cast, compared with Mrs Davis’ 1270.
Mr Bell said he was "ecstatic" about the win and he felt like the community and the council were on the right track.
"Three years ago, people voted for change and now they’ve made a clear indication they are liking the momentum and heading in the same direction. I’m chuffed."
His first term was mired with controversy after the then youngest mayor in New Zealand ousted long-serving mayor Tracy Hicks by only eight votes. His public dispute with then chief executive Stephen Parry made national news.
Mr Bell said the controversy was mostly an internal conflict. He felt as though he had retained the community’s confidence and said he was going to lead the best he could in return.
Mr Bell’s campaign featured a drive for economic growth, something he would be pushing for and working to bring in.
"The key thing is, the council has to be really easy to work with and using the connections I’ve already built within government and industry, we just have to show them Gore is ripe for industry and growth,"
Mr Bell thanked his challenger Mrs Davis. He said she put a lot of time into her campaign which, despite not being successful, was still "what makes an active democracy".
The Gore District Council will also have a shakeup, with newcomers Torrone Smith and Mel Culpit leading the polls for their wards.
They will join new councillors Donna Bruce, who ran for the Gore ward, as well as former Mataura Community Board chairwoman Nicky Coats who ran unopposed for the Mataura ward.
Councillors running for re-election had a day to remember, with all who ran returning to the table. Cr Neville Phillips was voted into the "at large" seat.
