Four new faces will join Waikato Regional Council for the 2025-28 triennium following the final counting of votes.
In a close race for the second Waipā-King Country seat, Waipā Deputy Mayor, Liz Stolwyk, extended her lead over five-term incumbent, Stu Kneebone, moving ahead by 93 votes – compared with 62 on Monday.
Ms Stolwyk has held the role of Waipā District Council Deputy Mayor for the past six years.
“If elected, I have several key priorities – addressing the overlap between district and regional councils, improving public transport in our towns, advocating strongly for farmers regarding PC1 and keeping rate increases under control,” she said in a candidate statement ahead of the election.
Ms Stolwyk becomes the fourth new regional councillor, joining the second elected member for the Waipā-King Country, Garry Reymer, as well as Gary McGuire (Waikato) and Keith Holmes (Waihou).
Council Chief Executive, Chris McLay, acknowledged Mr Kneebone’s commitment to his constituency and the wider region over his 15 years as councillor.
“Stu has been a dedicated advocate for our communities over five terms. His deep knowledge of rural issues, commitment to environmental stewardship, and quiet leadership have left a lasting legacy,” said Mr McLay.
“On behalf of the organisation, I thank Stu for his outstanding service and wish him all the very best for the future.”
The four new faces will join returning councillors, Kataraina Hodge, Tipa Mahuta, Angela Strange, Chris Hughes, Ben Dunbar-Smith, Jennifer Nickel, Warren Maher, Robert Cookson, Noel Smith and Mich’eal Downard at the decision-making table.
Chair for the 2022-25 triennium Pamela Storey (Waikato), Deputy Chair Bruce Clarkson (Hamilton) and councillor Clyde Graf (Waipā-King Country) were unsuccessful in their bids for re-election.
The chair and deputy chair for the new council will be selected at the inaugural meeting of the council, being held in Hamilton on Wednesday, 29 October at 2.30pm.
More results information is available at waikatoregion.govt.nz/election-results.
