The Gore District election had a great voter turnout, resulting in some new faces joining the council, as well as all standing incumbents returning for another term.
The election, which was held over this past month and finished last Saturday, had 53.9% of the 9049 Gore District voters showing up to make their voices heard.
This was ahead of Southland (41.93%), Invercargill (44.77%), Dunedin (49.5%) and Queenstown Lakes (39.85%).
Gore District Council chief executive Debbie Lascelles said, in a statement, such a turnout and involvement in local democracy was a fantastic sight to see.
"Local elections are all about people — those who put their hands up to stand, and those who take the time to vote.
‘‘We’re really grateful to everyone who got involved."
Ms Lascelles congratulated elected members and candidates, stating they were a vital aspect of the democratic process.
"Standing for council takes commitment and courage and we appreciate everyone who wanted to make a difference for the Gore District."
Gore District Mayor Ben Bell will be returning for a second term, but he will not be heading back to the table alone.
All of the current councillors who ran for re-election will be returning, with Paul McPhail, Andy Fraser and Robert ‘‘Caveman’’ McKenzie elected for the Gore Ward, and Joe Stringer and Neville Phillips (who shifted from the Mataura Ward) elected ‘‘at large’’.
The Gore Rural Ward had Stewart MacDonell and John Gardyne running unopposed heading into this upcoming term.
The Mataura Community Board will have Tanya Rowling, Laurel Turnbull, Michelle Hamilton and Steven ‘Boko’ Dixon around the table, with a by-election in the future to fill a remaining vacancy.
The Mataura Licensing Trust will have a new face around the board table with Paul Henry voted in for the Ward 2 Gore spot, alongside Jimmy Allison and Craig Marshall.
All other spots were filled by returning board members who ran unopposed.
