Sophie Barker has been elected Dunedin mayor.
Barker, an incumbent councillor, had been clinging to a slim lead of just over 100 votes with the release of early results, but preliminary results released this morning showed this had widened to 726 votes.
Barker received 16,001 votes, with runner-up Andrew Simms receiving 15,275 votes.
In a post to Facebook, she thanked everyone who turned out and voted.
“I’m so humbled and honoured to be elected Mayor of Dunedin, for the faith people have shown in me and my vision.
“It’s a wonderful milestone for Dunedin to elect its second woman Mayor so I pay tribute to all the women, and men, who paved the way and who supported me during the election campaign.”
Dunedin’s first female mayor was Sukhi Turner who was in office between 1995 to 2004.
She also signalled some of her priorities for her mayoral term, including “fighting hard” for Dunedin Hospital, value for rates, improving council culture, promoting the city, and growing the economy.
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Simms, who was elected as a city councillor, told the Otago Daily Times he “fully congratulated” Barker on her win.
“I’m obviously disappointed in that respect, but all power to Sophie in doing what she’s done, that’s great,” he said.
Outgoing mayor Jules Radich came in fourth place and has publicly acknowledged his defeat.
“It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve you as Mayor and I wish the next Mayor all the best in the job.”
Radich would return to Dunedin City Council as a councillor.
Dunedin City Council deputy electoral officer Robyn Dillon said she was “incredibly pleased” with the voter turnout, which was sitting at 44.49%.
“I would like to thank everyone who exercised their right to vote.”
