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Craig Mackle has scored a decisive win in the Kaikōura district.
Based on progress results, Mackle has won a second term as Kaikōura mayor with more than two-thirds of the vote.
He defeated former mayor Kevin Heays and a third candidate, Ted Howard.
"It’s a good result. The majority of the community is obviously happy with the path we are taking and anyone who has spoken to me seems to be really happy with the way things are going," Mackle said.
He said lowering the council’s debt and keeping rates down were success stories from the last three years.
"We’ve managed to keep our rates rise down while continuing to deliver what we promised, which is pretty good given the environment we are in."
Mackle said he had a long list of goals for the next council term.
Top of the list will be starting work on the new Vicarige Views sub-division in partnership with developer Garry Robertson.
Other targets will be completing the Link Pathway, implementing the new destination management plan and continuing to work with young people.
The Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs was an initiative he was particularly proud of.
"I just like going to see them a few weeks after we’ve got them into an apprenticeship and seeing their faces and how different they are.
"I like seeing young people succeed."
Mackle will be joined around the council table by an experienced team, with Mr Heays and former deputy mayor John Diver returning as councillors.
Sitting councillors Julie Howden, Vicki Gulleford, Tony Blunt, Robby Roche and Lisa Bond have also been returned based on progress results
- Kaikōura District Council results:
Mayor:
Craig Mackle 1153.
Kevin Heays 438.
Ted Howard 68.
Council (7 vacancies):
Julie Howden 1027.
Vicki Gulleford 1013.
Tony Blunt 997.
Kevin Heays 959.
John Diver 875.
Robby Roche 801.
Lisa Bond 789.
John Booker 626.
Neil Pablecheque 545.
Ted Howard 522.
Amelia Hollman 429.
Marion McChesney 425.
Donna Goodman 242.
Dave Anderson 233.
The voter return was 56.52 per cent (1686 votes), excluding votes in transit to the processing centre and special votes.
-By David Hill
Local Democracy Reporter
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.