The final vote count has confirmed the makeup of the next Central Otago District Council, with no changes from the weekend’s preliminary results.

The new council will be led by mayor Tamah Alley.

In the Vincent ward, incumbents Tracy Paterson and Martin McPherson retained their seats, joined by newcomer Nathan McLean. 

The fourth confirmed councillor, Dave McKenzie, announced his withdrawal from the process on Thursday (October 15), which means an expensive by-election looms for the ward.

Former council senior staffer Louise van der Voort was just 33 votes behind.

Dave withdrew after only five days as a councillor-elect, following online allegations of financial misconduct, some of which were backed up by a previous Central Otago District Council report released on Thursday morning.

Read more: Councillor withdraws, citing ‘online hatred’

The Local Electoral Act 2001 says a candidate can only withdraw after the close of nominations through medical incapacitation.

A council spokesperson told The Central App the last by-election it held (the Cromwell Community Board by-election in 2023) cost $42,000. The Vincent by-election is likely to be even pricier, as costs - especially postage - have risen significantly since then, and Vincent is the largest ward.

In the Cromwell ward incumbent councillors Sarah Browne and Cheryl Laws have retained their spots, alongside two first-term councillors - unsuccessful mayoral contender Charlie Sanders and one-term Cromwell Community Board member Bob Scott.

In the Maniototo ward, where only one council seat was up for grabs, incumbent Stu Duncan retained his seat ahead of challenger Michelle Bisset. 

In the Teviot Valley ward, where there were no incumbents standing, community board member Curtis Pannett secured the seat.

The four Central Otago community boards also feature some new faces.

Cromwell Community Board will be represented by Anna Harrison, Rebecca Anderson, Wally Sanford, and Mike Casey.

For the Vincent Community Board, the successful candidates are Karla Sanders, Jim Moffitt, Jayden Cromb, and Tony Hammington.

The Teviot Valley Community Board will be made up of Hayden Smith, Becky Slade, Gill Booth, and Mark Jessop.

Finally, around the Maniototo Community Board table will be Logan Dowling, Duncan Helm, Becky McAuley, and Mark Harris.

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